Bob Behler-Host of the Bob and Chris show from 1-3pm

James Webb III signed a partially guaranteed two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76’ers following last Thursday’s NBA Draft.  He will be playing for the Sixers summer league team in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas in July.  If Webb plays well, he can earn on spot on the big club or if they think he needs more seasoning, he can play for their D-League team in Delaware.

Last year, UNLV’s Christian Wood was in the same spot.  He came out early, didn’t get drafted, and earned a spot on team after signing as a non-drafted free agent.

Webb has his chance and that is really all he could ask for.  When Webb declared, I can’t believe any one expected Webb to be chosen in the first round.  Second Round was more likely.  Where he sits today is very similar to the plight of someone taken in round two.

Selfishly as the “voice of the Broncos,” I would have loved it if Webb stayed.  He is an exciting player, who certainly would make the team better and more exciting, but Webb needed to go “all in” and sign with an agent to get this opportunity.  If he hadn’t, he would have been responsible for lining up his own workouts and paying his own way there.  He worked out for 20 of the 30 including Philadelphia, whom his agent, Charles Briscoe, claims he had his best one with.

In the draft, only four players older than 22 were taken and only 15 players who had played four years of college went in the 60 selections.  Webb will turn 23 in August, so his age would probably work against him next season.  He needs to improve his ball handling, three point shooting, and bulk up.  Another year at Boise State would have allowed him to do all of that, but the improvements probably wouldn’t be enough to get him in to the first round.  He will still need to be more proficient in all of those categories to stick in the league.

I’ve never discussed this with Webb, but some players are just ready to be done with school and get on with their lives.  He certainly will be paid to play at the worst overseas.

I have always believed when you make a life decision, embrace it and don’t look back.  Make the best of it.  James Webb III has an opportunity most college players can only dream of.  If he plays well, he’ll earn a spot.  If he doesn’t, he’ll take his talents overseas.  James Webb III is a special player, one whom I will remember for a long time.  He helped make Boise State basketball what it has become.  I wish him nothing but the best with the Sixers.