Despite failing to be selected during the NBA Draft, Patric Young still managed to make his dream of playing in the NBA come true.
After a five-game stint with the New Orleans Pelicans summer-league team in Las Vegas, Young signed a two-year offer from the team on Saturday.
“It’s a blessing to announce that I signed a contract with the New Orleans Pelicans,” Young said via his Twitter account (BigPatYoung4). “Thank you to everyone that supported me.”
Throughout summer league play, the Jacksonville native averaged 7.4 points and eight rebounds while starting four of five contests and playing 25.2 minutes per game.
Young averaged more rebounds in the summer league than he did last season with Florida (6.2).
The Pelicans took notice of his improving play and development and rewarded the 6-foot-9 big man with a NBA roster spot.
“I thought he was great. He was one of more consistent guys,” Pelicans summer head coach Bryan Gates said according to NBA.com “He really held the defensive boards down for us.”
Having the chance to play at the professional level motivated Young to perform at an exceptional level during summer-league play in order to prove his draft-night doubters wrong.
Young instantly put his imprint in his first two games with the Pelicans, recording back-to-back games of 10-plus points. He would also tag on two games of 10 or more rebounds.
The frequent comparisons to former NBA big man Ben Wallace has prompted Young to credit those who have boosted him to national stage.
“Coach (Billy) Donovan did a good job of preparing me for what I’m going to be good at on this level,” Young said on the Pelicans’ site.
“The (New Orleans) coaches have reaffirmed that. Go out there, be a good teammate, rebound, be a vocal leader, play good defense, have a good work ethic every day, and come in with a smile on your face.”
The rookie is the first of the three Florida players to be signed by a team (Scottie Wilbekin, Casey Prather), and will now join a frontcourt heavy roster.
The 6-foot-9, 240-pound former Gator will join Anthony Davis, Omer Asik, Jeff Withey, Alexis Ajinca and Ryan Anderson down low on the Pelicans roster.
Because he will be forced to compete for playing time with 6-foot-10 to 7-foot centers, Young will have to maintain the grind he displayed in Las Vegas.
But until then, he’s just happy he’ll be on an NBA roster.
“You don’t get this opportunity every day to play basketball for a living. So enjoy it.”
“It’s just all about effort and your mindset. I just had the will that no one’s going to stop me from going after these loose balls.”
Follow Lawrence Laguna on Twitter @LagunaLawrence
Patric Young drives in the paint during Florida’s 56-49 win against Tennessee on March 15 in the Georgia Dome.
