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 Financial reasons Duke's Avery says reason for leaving was practical
Posted: Tuesday April 20, 1999 03:40 PM
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) -- Duke guard Will Avery says he decided to leave college and enter the NBA draft to help his family financially. Avery told Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski of his decision last week but had not spoke publicly about it until a news conference Monday in his hometown of Augusta. "In a perfect world, I would have stayed in Durham for the next two years and try to win a national championship, as well as get a degree," Avery said. "The reality of it is, I have a chance to help my family financially. To give my mother, my grandmother and my sister the type of life I think they deserve." Avery spoke to reporters at the May Park Community Center, where he played in his first organized game at age 6 and where he signed his letter of intent to play for Duke. The 6-foot-2 sophomore point guard said the decision was based mostly on financial security. His mother, Terri Simonton, has been unable to work for three years after injuring her back while working at the Savannah River Site in nearby Aiken, S.C. "It's always been a dream to play with and against the greatest players in the world," Avery said. "In my mind, the time is now. ... You never know. Tomorrow is not promised to you." Avery averaged 8.5 points and 2.5 assists as a freshman backup. He improved to 14.9 points and 5 assists a game this past season as a sophomore starter. He was a second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference choice and an honorable mention Associated Press All-American.
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