WEDNESDAY, JULY3, 2002
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN -5
GOODEN
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taken Drew."
Even though the Grizzlies had two outstanding players who were rookies in 2002 and played positions similar to Gooden, they couldn't pass up the All-American.
Pau Gasol, a 7-foot power forward, was the 2002 NBA Rookie of the Year, and 6-8 forward Shane Battier, a rookie from Duke, averaged more than 14 points a game.
Gooden said he looked forward to playing with the two young stars.
"I think they can show me the ropes on how to get me through some stuff and help me out." Gooden said.
Grizzlies' coach Sidney Lowe said Gooden's pedigree at Kansas was
Gooden
what separated him from other potential picks.
"He understands the importance of dedication, work ethic and teamwork and doing what it takes to win," Lowe said of Gooden at the news conference.
Lowe said that talking to Williams convinced him that Gooden had everything it took to be successful in the NBA.
"I think I saw my life
almost change in a matter of hours," Gooden said. "I am still shook up. I am usually a little more humorous on the mike, but I am nervous.I am in a new city now and have to start from scratch."
Drew Gooden former Kansas Jayhawk
"No question I feel, we know we have a class kid, a guy who has been in a great program." Lowe said.
Gooden, who for more than the past year has answered questions about his future in the NBA, is starting to understand the finality of the draft and what it means for him and his family.
"I think I saw my life almost change in a matter of hours," Gooden said. "I am still shook up. I am usually a little more humorous on the Mike, but I am nervous. I am in a new city now and have to start from scratch."
Contact Norton at mnorton@kansan.com. This story was edited by Matt Stumpff.
Students react to Drew
By Jay Pilgreen Kansan staff writer
Students at Louise's West on Sunday night agreed on only two things after Drew Gooden's success in the 2002 NBA draft: They wished he would have stayed and his debut in the EA Sports commercial was unsavory.
The majority of people at the bar,1307 W. 7th St., confessed that the $7 million Gooden was going to make was enticing but said they thought he would have benefited by staying another year.
"In the short term it'll be good for him, and he can make money for his family, but when he has kids he might regret it," Russell Peloquin, Chicago recent graduate, said.
"Good for Gooden, but at the same time he should have stayed and finished out," Jake Thomas, Tulsa, Okla., recent graduate, said. "You'll learn more and you'll grow up."
Others also agreed that it was in Gooden's best interest to get a degree from the University of Kansas.
"There's a lot to be said for staying in school," Meredith Duke, Overland Park senior, said. "I don't believe he's going back to school, but good for him."
"Good for Gooden,but at the same time he should have stayed and finished out. You'll learn more and you'll grow up."
Jake Thomas Tulsa, Okla., recent graduate,
There were a few believers in Gooden who thought he made the right decision, despite their longing for him to stay.
"He could have walked away with a college degree, but it's hard to turn down $7 million," Zac Spear, Wichita senior, said. "That was his dream."
Spear went on to say that he thought it would be difficult for Gooden to be part of a losing team and that it would be a reality check for him when he goes up against some of the players.
"Put it this way, he's not going to be playing K-State anymore," he said.
Contact Pilgreen at jpilgreen@kansan.com.
This story was edited by Kristin Keeney.
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