CBB insider says work ethic, character set Aaron Gordon apart

Aaron Gordon’s life, like his game, has always been on the fast-track to success.

So few were surprised when he announced he’d be leaving the University of Arizona after just one season to enter the NBA draft.

The 6’9 Pac-12 freshman of the year has the versatility pro teams covet and a high-ceiling to improve offensively. He averaged 12.4 points and eight rebounds a game last season for the Wildcats.

“Phenomenal athlete,” Sporting News college basketball insider Mike DeCourcy told Sports360AZ.com’s Brad Cesmat in a recent phone interview. “Has great hunger to improve. He’ll be a very functional player. A useful player in the NBA. He’s worked as hard at his game as any player I’ve come across in my 25-plus years of covering college basketball.”

DeCourcy warned Gordon is far from a finished product. His offensive game is still somewhat raw and he shot just 42% from the free-throw line in 2013-14.

Grounded and humble Gordon said the decision to turn pro was a difficult one.”

“I love the University of Arizona,” he explained. “Everything about it top to bottom. From the moment I stepped foot on campus everybody took care of me.”

DeCourcy said whoever selects Gordon in June’s draft will be getting the total package.

“I would take Aaron Gordon on my team any chance I had,” he told Cesmat. “He’s a phenomenal kid, a great athlete and a phenomenal basketball player.”