SoCalHoops High School News

Tyson Chandler Announces: 
"I'm Going Pro"--(Mar. 19, 2001)

Compton Dominguez's prize player, Tyson Chandler (7'-1" Sr. C) was going to hold a press conference to make an "announcement".   Of course, he held off until after the State Finals, a game that he didn't play in as Dominguez won an unprecedented third straight title, this time without Chandler who was injured in a state semifinal playoff game.   The "announcement" was whether Tyson would go to college, or as everyone expected, would announce for the NBA.

Well, there was no press conference, but a news release was issued through the school, and guess what?  Tyson will, as expected, head for the NBA and bypass college, at least as far as a playing career is concerned.  Tyson is considered by many to be a lottery pick in the draft. 

Tyson was interviewed following the State Championship game, and was asked about his decision.  According to Ted Kian, writing for the Daily News and the Long Beach Press Telegram, Chandler said "I've known what I was going to do for a while, but if I had announced this decision a long time ago it would have made it harder on my teammates, because of the extra media attention." According to Kian's story, "Chandler said his decision is firm and that his family already has secured the services of a "well-known" Los Angeles-based sports agent to represent him. Chandler averaged 26 points, 13 rebounds and seven blocks for Dominguez this season en route to being named a McDonald's All-American."

Kian also wrote that "John D. Thompson of NBADraftReport.com released his updated player rankings Wednesday, tabbing Chandler as the top pick overall in the draft. If that were to happen, it would mark the first time a high school player was chosen first. The NBA draft is June 27 at New York's Madison Square Garden."

We are, like everyone else, not surprised at the decision.   We're just glad to say we've been there watching, and got the chance to see a great player develop. Good luck Tyson.

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