If you’re like me, you used to like the NBA, but now you don’t. That was back in the days when teams tried to build success around drafted players instead of relying solely upon free agency. Well, now that the Celtics have become world champions thanks to free agency, it’s another tough blow for old-time NBA fans. So, if you’re like me it’s time to move into what ever century this is, and accept the fact that it’s a new day.

This is especially true for Hoya NBA fans. I’m pretty sure I come across a little older than I actually am. The more I read my own articles about the days gone by of Hoyas in the NBA, the more I find that I sound like I grew up watching John Thompson play for the Celtics instead of cheering for Patrick and the Knicks. At any rate, I’ve mentioned before my thoughts about Jeff Green being the first step in a long line of future Hoyas in the league, and now on to step two - number 55.

Looks like Roy Hibbert is not going to be a lottery pick. At least that’s the impression you get from looking at many if not all of the mock NBA Drafts that are out there. But don’t expect Hibbert to be a non-factor in the league; expect him to be a force - in a little while. Basically, he’ll probably be a little bit out of his element at the start and gradually develop into a player who commands respect and authority. Sounds a little like his time at Georgetown.

Whoever signs Roy will have a player totally dedicated to hard work and self-improvement. In the NBA now there are fewer post players making an impact. Tim Duncan and Shaquille O’Neal are waning, and athleticism and explosiveness are taking their place. Hibbert has already been classified as a sort of throwback player, and it will be interesting to see what happens in a couple of seasons when Roy has truly found his feet in the league.

I don’t think Roy Hibbert will ever be a superstar in the league. But he doesn’t have to be. During the Reign of Glory of Hoyas in the NBA, there was one player who was not a superstar, not even an all-star, but he made his mark as a consummate professional - Don Reid. Don Reid played in the league for almost 10 years, and during his time he earned the respect of players, coaches, and general managers around the league. He made a lot of money during his career, and everybody will remember him as a very solid player and an excellent professional.

Patrick Ewing is Patrick Ewing: NBA’s 50 Greatest, first-ballot Hall of Fame, best New York Knick ever, etc. Behind Patrick, there are NBA Champions like Alonzo Mourning and Jaren Jackson, an MVP in Allen Iverson, a playoff record holder (probably forever) in Sleepy Floyd, and an NBA All-star and potential record breaker for oldest human to block a shot in Dikembe Mutombo. But, it’s important to note that like Don Reid and potentially Roy Hibbert, you don’t have to be a superstar to make a real impact in the league, or to be a source of pride for Georgetown fans.