DeVon Hardin had a pretty good Sunday.
Hardin, the former California center, worked out for the Boston Celtics in the morning, then attended Game 2 of the NBA Finals in the evening courtesy of former teammate Leon Powe.
Powe, a second-year forward for Boston, left a ticket for his former roommate, then proceeded to have the game of his life. Powe scored 21 points in just 15 minutes as the Celtics beat the Lakers 108-102 to take a 2-0 series lead.
In the sixth installment of his draft diary for Rivals.com, Hardin – a potential first-round pick – talks about his Sunday, his former teammate's heroic performance and his expectations for draft day.
His next scheduled workout is for the Golden State Warriors today.
So tell us about Sunday.
"Man, I'm telling you it was a magical night for everybody. For me, being a former teammate and close friend, it was amazing to hear all of those fans chanting Leon Powe's name at an NBA Finals game."
"Once you get going, you know, sometimes guys can get in a zone. He was definitely in the zone."
"I had a pretty good seat. He sat us in the family section, kind of off in the corner. But I was just happy to be in the building."
Did you get to hang out after the game?
"We did. Leon has always been kind of a low-key guy. So what we did was go back to his house, and it was just family there. We watched highlights of the game and just chilled. You know it was TiVo'd."
Nice house?
"It's a pretty nice crib. … Leon and I used to live in a three-bedroom apartment with one bathroom. The bathroom was connected between his room and my room. Anything is a step up from where we used to be."
What are you trying to show teams in your workouts?
"I'm going to bring defense, that's first and foremost. That's my forte, my focus. I'm in the Utah Jazz practice facility right now (Hardin worked out for the Jazz on Wednesday), getting up some shots, working on post moves. I'm very energetic, block shots, jump off the floor. I think I can bring a lot to the table."
Nearly every mock draft has continued to slot you as the last pick of the first round to, lo and behold, the Celtics. What do you think?
"You know, I can't call it. I don't read the mock drafts. I wait for you to tell me what they say. That would be absolutely mind-blowing to be playing with Leon again, not to mention Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen. Wow."
Have you figured out your plan for draft day yet?
"It's funny you ask. I've been thinking about that for four years. I've had a bunch of ideas. Lock myself in a hotel room (laughs). But then I see June 26 … my friends say, 'Aren't you going to be nervous, the outcome, waiting for them to call your name?' It's going to be a celebration for me, so I plan to spend it with family and friends. It's been such a long road, so much hard work and dedication put into this game I love. I want to have one opportunity just to celebrate it. No matter what the outcome – I don't care if I'm the last pick of the draft or undrafted – I still want the opportunity to celebrate and remember these good times with close family and friends."
"I'm just hoping for the best. I'm going into it very optimistically, praying that, God willing, I make it into the first round and get an opportunity to show I'm a good player and dedicated to this game."
