Following the series of incidents Philadelphia 76ers rookie center Jahlil Okafor got involved in and the multiple bad publicities the media have given to him, it's time for his college head coach, Mike Kryzewski to step in.
After punching a heckler in Boston, reportedly driving more than 108 kph, and using a fake ID to get into a club, his image is now surrounded by negativity and fans might have been a bit misled about his personality.
Right now, the promising rookie has been suspended for two games to give him time to reflect on his actions. Nevertheless, his former head coach at Duke stepped up and defended Okafor. Here's what he have to say courtesy of Raleigh News & Observer's Laura Keeley via Bleacher Report.
"Look, Jah is one of the greatest kids ever. Ever, ever, ever. And, you know, get into some situations - he needs to move on. They also need to have security. Like, when we're with the U.S. team, we have security for everybody because all of those guys are targets. You've just got to be smart about that. He was not. He apologized. He is being punished," Kryzewski said.
"Look, anybody who pictures that kid as some bad kid, you've got to be kidding me. He is one of the most loving, good kids who has ever happened on this Earth. But he did a couple stupid things. Okay, knock him, suspend him, let's move on. But let's not characterize him as that. He is not that. That kid is a special human being. And he is a pretty darn good basketball player in addition too."
Will the Philadelphia 76ers finally realize the flaw in their system and finally get a much needed help from veteran players in the league? Stay tuned.
