Preview: Varina needs a return to form
by Jamaar Hawkins, recruit757
After an ACC MVP-caliber season that saw him Anthony “Cat” Barber lead the NC State Mens Basketball Team and conference in scoring at 23.5 ppg, the Hampton native probably expected to hear his name called at some point during last night’s NBA Draft. But unfortunately for Barber, and the rest of the group of Hampton Roads hopefuls, a twenty-year drought with a Hampton Roads athlete selected in the first round of the NBA Draft continues.
Barber, Indiana junior Troy Williams and Florida senior Dorian Finney-Smith figured to hold reasonable chances at hearing their name announced last night. Each had starred on the collegiate stage at different points in their careers. Prior to Thursday’s draft, Barber was mentioned as a possible mid-to-late second round draft pick, while Finney-Smith and Williams were also ranked among the top 60 available draft prospects, according most draft pundits. All we begin on similar NBA paths, as free agents.
We were scheduled to speak to Williams following his draft party on the peninsula last night, but he ultimately declined. At that time of this article, the Phoebus graduate had not yet signed with an NBA team. Also, no official word on the future plans of Finney-Smith. although teams like the Toronto Raptors were interested in the Norcom grad before the draft. There is likely a market for a versatile forward of Finney Smith’s pedigree in the space-oriented modern NBA game.
Fortunately for Barber last night didn’t end on a sour note as he was picked up by the New Orleans summer league team. The Hampton High grad has a good shot of latching on with a Pelicans roster if he can demonstrate the open court ability that made a nuisance to opposing coaches during his time as a Wolfpack. The Brow and the Barber? That does have a certain ring…
-Jamaar Hawkins
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