Former Archbishop Mitty star basketball player Aaron Gordon announced at a University of Arizona press conference Tuesday he will declare for the 2014 NBA draft.
"At the end of the day I need to make the decision that's right for Aaron Gordon," Gordon said at the press conference which was livestreamed. "I have a great foundation ... my mom and my dad and my brother and sister - I've talked to them a lot. I've talked to the coaching staff and I've talked to the players. From about the first grade I've wanted to compete at the highest level, so that's what I intend to do next year and I'm going to go to the NBA."
The development is not a surprise, as there have been hints of Gordon's desire to go pro for months.
Gordon, a 6-foot-9, 220-pound forward, was named Pacific-12 Freshman of the Year this season at Arizona, averaging 12.4 points and eight rebounds per game.
Arizona coach Sean Miller described Gordon leaving as "Bittersweet."
Said Miller: "In Aaron's case, it's far too short. You feel like you're just getting started and then you wave good-bye. But, like I said, it's the right decision for him."
As a prep, Gordon was a two-time Mr. Basketball California Prep player of the year. He finished his prep career with 2,386 points and 1,666 rebounds, establishing school, league and Central Coast Section records.
He was MVP of the McDonald's All-American Game, 24 points, eight rebounds and two assists in 24 minutes
Gordon also earned MVP honors while leading the U.S. to a gold medal at the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship in Prague, averaging 16.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.
Though Gordon is great around the rim, shooting is a concern for some NBA watchers. Gordon shot just 42.1 percent from the free throw line at Arizona.
But NBA talent evaluators still love the explosive 18-year-old. He is rated a No. 8 prospect by Draft Express and No. 6 according to Chad Ford's Top 100.
Regarding the probability of ending up on a less than stellar team, Gordon said: "I don't care. I've been on losing teams before where we've turned it around and we've won. I love winning and I think I know how to win. I know what it takes to win and regardless of what team I'm on or what record (we have), I do believe that we can win."
Mitty won two state titles with Gordon as the center piece, the first two such titles in program history.
Mitty folks are delighted about Gordon's news. Tweeted girls soccer coach J.T. Hanley: "Congrats, AG! Everyone here is proud and excited about your next step. Good luck in the draft!!!"
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In other Mitty-related news on Monday it was announced Monarch girls basketball coach Sue Phillips will coach the USA U17 girls basketball team. She led the U16 team to a world title last season as it went 5-0 at the FIBA U16 championship in Cancun, Mexico. The team's first-place finish also qualified the U.S. for this year's FIBA U17 World Championship.
Said Phillips via text: "(I'm) excited and honored. Go USA!"
