http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050824/SPORTS/508240370/1002/SPORTS


August 24, 2005

Lee hopes ex-teammates land spots on NBA rosters

BY DAVID JONES
FLORIDA TODAY

GAINESVILLE - David Lee talked Tuesday about flying over New York, the enormity of it and the reality that the former Florida all-conference forward is about to become an NBA player there with the Knicks.

But former teammates Matt Walsh and Anthony Roberson, both of whom Lee has kept in contact with, might face an even more enormous task. They're trying to make pro rosters after leaving the Gators following their junior year.

Walsh and Roberson, Lee said, remain upbeat despite the tough roads ahead. They have signed free-agent deals -- Walsh with Miami, Roberson with Memphis.

"I definitely do (feel for them)," Lee said. "I think those guys are both going to land on a team, it looks like, and that's good for them. It was a tough road and I think they got a little bit harsh press, especially the draft day with Jay Bilas (of ESPN) and those guys kind of making comments. . .

"The biggest thing is those guys are hard-working guys and they are going to make it in the league. Whether it's now or in a little while, they'll figure out a way to get in there. I think they'll be fine."

Lee was a first-round pick of the Knicks, so he has guaranteed money and was a UF senior last season, anyway. He has spent his time hunting for a home and buying his mother diamond earrings, as he had promised. Earning a roster spot will be easier for him than for Roberson and Walsh.

"I actually was with Matt last night," Lee said. "I talked to Anthony two or three days ago. I'm not sure they'd say (they made a mistake by turning pro early) to me, if that was their feeling.

"I think the biggest thing with them is, they made the decision that they did and if they get on a team, I think it's all worth it. We'll see what happens."

Lee was among those who sat and watched the draft in stunned amazement as several Southeastern Conference stars went undrafted.

"Man, I'll tell you what, a guy like a Kennedy Winston (of Alabama) or a Randolph Morris (of Kentucky) or one of those guys, I couldn't believe that," Lee said.

"The first thing I realized after watching the draft is those Internet sites and stuff that said they had everything figured out had about as little an idea as I did about it. It was just disappointing for a lot of guys. It makes you think."

Lee isn't sure if it will make more players hesitant to leave early, after the experiences of Walsh, Roberson and others. Lee turned down the chance to leave early and played all four years.

"I think you really have to evaluate and see how things are going and be honest," Lee said. "That goes back to having people around you that are not going to tell you what you want to hear. Instead they give you true advice."

Lee has already met new Knicks coach Larry Brown and is excited to play for him once camp opens in October.

"He really understands the game," Lee said. "And I just really think it's a big blessing that I can have my first coach in the NBA be a guy I can learn so much from."

they should be allowed to finish their scholarship

but ncaa rules suck so well there ya go...

you can't go wrong with 4 year players, they always find a way to help the team.

or a starting PF for the knicks.