June 18, 2007
ATLANTA – Georgia Tech basketball player Thaddeus Young has decided to keep his name in the upcoming National Basketball Association draft, the freshman forward announced Monday.
“I would like to thank everyone in the Georgia Tech family. They have been very supportive of my basketball career at Tech,” said Young. “This year was one of the most memorable times of my life. Most of all, I’d like to thank my teammates and my coaching staff for being my fathers and my brothers away from home, and thanks for a great year.
“After considering all the information available and discussing everything with my family, I believe this is the best time to start my professional career.”
The 6-8 native of Memphis, Tenn., ends his Yellow Jacket career following a freshman year in which he tied for the team scoring lead at 14.4 points a game, 16th in the ACC and tied for third among the league’s freshmen. In helping Tech to a 20-12 overall record and a berth in the NCAA Tournament last year, Young also averaged 4.9 rebounds, was second on the team in assists, shot 47.8 percent from the floor and 41.9 percent from three-point range.
“We wish Thaddeus luck,” said Tech head coach Paul Hewitt. “He’s a terrific young man who will do very well in the NBA.”
Young becomes the second Tech underclassman this year and the eighth all-time to formally enter the NBA draft, joining Dennis Scott (1990), Kenny Anderson (1991), Stephon Marbury (1996), Dion Glover (1999), Chris Bosh (2003) and Jarrett Jack (2005). Freshman guard Javaris Crittenton announced his intention to remain in the draft in May.
