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DePaul's McPherson enters draft
Posted: Thursday March 30, 2000 05:58 PM
CHICAGO (AP) -- Playing in the NBA has been Paul McPherson's dream since he saw his first game on television. He even has the league's logo tattooed on his left bicep. So after just one year at DePaul, he feels it's time to chase his dream. "Right now, I think it's one of the best opportunities I have to reach my dream and my goals. It's the best time for me to make my move," he said Thursday, announcing he's giving up his senior year to enter the NBA draft. "It's strictly about chasing my dream. ... It's not because of classes or anything like that," said McPherson, suspended for one game last month for violating the team's academic policy. "I'm definitely going to come back and get my degree." McPherson has the support of coach Pat Kennedy, but said he didn't talk to anyone in the NBA before he made his decision. He's heard some guesses on where he might go if he's chosen in the June 28 draft, but said he isn't worried about that. The 6-foot-4 guard is likely to be a late-round pick if he's drafted. "I think I can base my decision on the things I know I can do and accomplish on the court," he said. "I realize the things I have to get accomplished for me to make this dream possible. ... It's just a matter of me doing what I know I need to do to get there, and hopefully everything will take care of itself." McPherson isn't nearly as well known as teammate Quentin Richardson, the 1998-99 freshman of the year and an All America honorable mention this season. Richardson has yet to announce whether he's turning pro or coming back for his junior year. After graduating from Chicago's South Shore High School, McPherson played at Tallahassee (Fla.) Community College and Chicago's Kennedy-King Junior College before transferring to DePaul. He helped Tallahassee to a 33-2 finish and third place in the NJCAA tournament. Kennedy-King finished fourth in the NJCAAs with McPherson, and he was the tournament's leading scorer. He averaged 11.2 points and 4.7 points for the Blue Demons, who made their first NCAA appearance since 1992. He also was a tenacious defender, Kennedy said. Kennedy was in Indianapolis for the Final Four and not available for comment. After DePaul lost to Kansas in the first round of the NCAA tournament, McPherson talked about how good the Blue Demons would be next year with the addition of Andre Brown and Imari Sawyer, two more Chicago Public League products. He still feels that way, McPherson said. "We're going to have a Top 10 team next year," he said. "I really don't think by my leaving it's going to affect the team that much. I definitely think they're going to be one of the top teams in college basketball, and I'm going to come back and watch them and support them just the way they've supported me." McPherson knows his road to the NBA won't be easy, but said he's willing to do whatever it takes to get there. He's already working daily with strength and conditioning coaches. "My main goal and my main priority is the NBA," he said. "If it comes about where that chance isn't possible for me, I'll definitely consider Europe and the CBA. Right now, I'm strictly thinking the NBA."
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