Author Topic: Is USC's DeMar DeRozan The NBA's Future Lebron James? (Read 248 times)

Elano · « **on:** March 23, 2009, 06:47:08 PM »

video: http://blip.tv/file/1901305/

If you're not already familiar with USC Trojans' forward DeMar DeRozan, it's really only a matter of time before you are. He's a 19-year-old basketball phenom, hailing from Compton, Calif. with the skills to pay the bills.

But, in addition standout basketball skills, he's got a good head on his shoulders as well. The kid opted to head over to USC from Compton High School, instead of going directly into the NBA Draft, proving an education is just as important to DeMar as is an NBA career. It's a big decision for a young kid with mounds of potential and a big paycheck just within his reach.

While most kids from Compton -- and even other inner-cities around the nation -- dream of the prospect of an NBA career, DeMar isn't rushing into anything. He's taking the necessary steps (with a college education) to become not only a great NBA player, but a smart man in a suit as well.

Most young, African American athletes are thrust right into the real world, with corporate sponsors waving multi-million dollar shoe contracts and endorsement deals in front of their face, only to have their agents and managers benefit the most from something they've worked the hardest for. DeMar, though, is taking his time, and his time as USC should make sure he isn't duped by fast-talking vultures looking to take advantage of an inexperienced kid.

His decision to head to USC has already paid off for him. This year, the young Trojans freshman led his team to their first PAC-10 Championship in the school's history, scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds to help close out Arizona State University (ASU). His outstanding play has earned him the nickname "D'Chosen One," and has helped garner comparisons to NBA greats like Lebron James and even Kobe Bryant.

"Everybody knows DeMar DeRozan was a tremendous talent coming in [to college]," ASU coach Herb Sendek told local media, following the game. "Once he got a feel for things, he escalated his game. He's playing phenomenally right now."

"DeMar told me before the first practice that he didn't want to talk about the NBA," Trojans coach Tim Floyd added, when asked about the possibility of DeMar leaving the team to enter the NBA. "He said, 'Make me the best player I can be for this team. Push me.' I thought, 'This kid gets it.' "

Even though he's already receiving the superstar treatment and praise from basketball critics -- when he walks into the Trojans building fans and classmates hold up signs that read "One More Year!", "D'Chosen One", "Come back!" "We Love You!!!" -- DeRozan remains level-headed. He grew up in a rough neighborhood, but he's never been in trouble. His determination to succeed has helped him choose the right path. DeMar's focus and smart choices in themselves are positive influences on kids just like him. However, he also also strives to help others caught up in the inner-city pressures of drugs and gangs.

So, like his coach said "This kid gets it."

DeRozan was named a 2007-08 McDonald's All-American, 2007-08 Best in the West first team selection and second-leading vote getter, 2008 Parade All-American first team selection and an L.A. Times All-Star. These are just a few of the accolades he's received, despite being just a college freshman.

There are plenty of great NBA players who skipped college to dive head first into the NBA. Lebron is one example of a player that made an immediate impact, but on the flipside, there was Kobe Bryant who took a few seasons to really settle in and learn the game.

With that said, there's something about a player's time in college that really prepares them for elite play as a pro. Not only basketball, but life experience and a college education helps a young player mature and prepare for real world challenges and hopefully, financial literacy, so they know how to manage those big checks that come from being an NBA superstar.

We here at BallerStatus.com really feel DeMar DeRozan is a jewel ready to shine. But, his choice to move along slowly and gain valuable knowledge at the college level really says something about his character. Right now, DeMar is as close to the total package as you're gonna get, and when he does decide to enter the NBA, every team will have their eyes on him.

According to Coach Floyd, the young kid is aware of how extra time in school worked for players like ASU's James Harden and former Washington star Brandon Roy, but right now, he's taking things as they come, not paying attention to the media, and soaking in all his can to prepare himself for the next level.

At press time, it is unknown whether or not DeRozan is contemplating entering the draft. Stay tuned for details.

What are your thoughts? Is DeMar the next Lebron or Kobe? Will he be an instant threat when he is drafted? Sound off in the comments section below.

thisoneguy360 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 23, 2009, 07:41:09 PM »

How did he opt to go to USC instead of the draft when you can't even go straight to the NBA anyore? As for his game, I haven't seen him much but heard great things, only time will tell I guess.

Tay · « **Reply #2 on:** March 27, 2009, 03:10:57 PM »

^^Haha, that journalist needs to get his facts straight. Coming out, he's been more compared to Kobe because his skill set is more similar to his than LeBron's. He's got the shooting touch and ability to create his own shot. Most of the season was a little disappointing for him and USC, but he turned it up late so that looks really promising. I assume he enters the draft this year, will be interesting to see where he goes.