Many college basketball fans might recognize the names of two big men who've transcended to the next level of their careers as professional athletes. Paul Davis and Chris Kaman both experienced success at the collegiate level, enough to find themselves in an NBA jersey, in fact, the same NBA jersey as Kaman was drafted by the LA Clippers in 2003 and Davis in 2006 by the same organization.
Though both players originated from the state of Michigan it might appear one was set up for more success than the other. The 7'0" Chris Kaman competed in high school at Tri-Unity Christian, a Class D level school (the smallest in the state of Michigan). Kaman went on to play three years at Mid-American Conference school, Central Michigan University. The 6'11" Paul Davis competed in high school at Rochester, a Class A level school (the largest in the state) where he received the top honor of all prep players in the state by being named, "Mr. Basketball" his senior year. Davis went on to play at Big Ten Conference basketball powerhouse, Michigan State University and at one point lead the nation in rebounding.
With the top prep honor, solid collegiate career at a high profile basketball school you would think Davis was destined for more success at the NBA level than Kaman. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out that way.
Kaman has just completed his sixth NBA season with the Clippers, averaging double digits in scoring. After a less than stellar two seasons, Davis was released by the Clippers January 2009, only to be seen again a few months later during a less than stellar appearance on Bravo's "Millionaire Matchmaker" during which matchmaker host, Patti Stanger, all but ripped him a new one for his lack of personality and "typical NBA mentality."
I've been around enough to discover, no matter the appearance of who may be set up to have the better professional sports career, you never know for sure.
In professional sports there is only one thing that is for sure...."100% of Professional Athletes Ultimately Experience Job Termination."
Find out more at: www.fromglorydays.com
