because I think Dex is on a different developmental curve than most suppose, one different than most of his teammates, and I feel that between now and next season that curve is going to go exponential.

Dex completed the mission against Stanford, which is what I thought he could do and so posted in your earlier diary.

He has more ground to cover than most recruits, both the physical in reformation of his body, and his post skills, which were certainly minimal on both offense and defense when he arrived. I think this season opened his eyes to what his future can be and perhaps made him realize that despite all the work he has done to date, that and much more remains for him to accomplish serious goals on the basketball court.

The course in the basics is over. That has taken two long years. He still needs to get down to the 265-270 range as far as his body goes so that he can run and acquire real stamina. Now his attention and that of the coaching staff can turn to polishing. He can become a dominating player; the real key is his discipline, which, despite the outward amiable, boyish demeanor, he seems to have a great depth.

Consider your own first two years in school at UT and now add in what Dex has to undergo in addition to those challenges. That's a lot for a teenager.

I don't know if he can show results in a year or if it will take two, but his upside is amazing if he keeps progressing at the same rate. To me, the rest of the team has different trajectories, some which will only be completed in the NBA. Dex is talented, more so than many realize. I just can't lump him in with everyone else because I find it so obvious that one day he will make a quantum leap and realize some great part of his potential.

I say these words to encourage him in this solitary task. He's been hungry for two years and I think at some point his hunger will be directed at the world of basketball and we'll all benefit. I support the celebration of maturity and not a requiem for what might have been.