Nick Young to declare for NBA Draft

What was once considered inevitable became reality Friday, as Matthew Kredell reported that "Noodles" Nick Young will announce his decision to go pro on campus early next week. The junior swing man has not yet hired an agent, but will reportedly sign with one soon, terminating his collegiate eligibility. Young, arguably the team's best and most consistent player, carried the team on his back this year after a tumultuous off-season, which saw the team lose its starting backcourt to death (Ryan Francis) and academics (Gabe Pruitt). Young was a steady force in their absence, while freshmen Taj Gibson, Daniel Hackett, and Dwight Lewis became acclimated with Division I hoops and Pruitt sat out the fall semester. Young averaged a team high 17.5 points per game in helping them reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002. Though it hurts to see him go, he has undoubtedly set a strong foundation for the future of this program. All of us here at USC Sports Talk wish Nick nothing but the best and now await word on Gabe Pruitt. Fight On!