CSNbbs

This is the guy that Memphis signed early, then learned that he had not attended high school classes all year. He ended up in a prep school with three other Memphis recruits.
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From the Commercial Appeal:

Shawne Williams to try NBA draft

By Gary Parrish
Contact
April 14, 2005

University of Memphis signee Shawne Williams told The Commercial Appeal today he plans to forgo college and enter the NBA Draft.

"I'm going to declare," Williams said in a telephone interview from New York, where he is preparing for Saturday's Jordan Classic All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden. "It's about taking care of my family."

Williams said he doesn't plan to sign with an agent, and that he will maintain his amateur status in case he decides to withdraw from the draft by the appropriate deadline. Still, the 6-9 forward from Laurinburg (N.C.) Prep via Hamilton High made it clear his intention is to be a professional, and never play for the Tigers.

"It's not like I'm a lock (for the first round), so it's not guaranteed that I'm going to go for sure," Williams said. "But I know I am going to declare."

Williams was considered the prize of John Calipari's incoming recruiting class that ranked among the Top 5 nationally. He is considered by most to be a borderline first round pick, and is listed as the 40th selection overall in the latest mock draft at http://www.NBADraft.net.

"This is the guy that Memphis signed early, then learned that he had not attended high school classes all year."


Hey, don't forget the Calipari Theory - These are young kids, they're going to make bad decisions and make mistakes, and we just have to be patient with them.



What's the latest on the player who beat up his girlfriend and still played most of the season?

Court date was originally scheduled for early April, but continued to May. Apparently checks have to clear before charges are dropped.