NBA Hopeful Turns Disappointment Into Lesson Plans for Young Athletes

“It was a boneheaded move,” he said. “I look back at what happened, and it was just a kid being stupid, trying to cut corners.”

Price couldn’t go to class or work out with the team, so he worked out at the YMCA and spent some time at Durham’s Hillside High School and Lakewood Elementary, tutoring and advising kids on the importance of academics.

He rejoined the team Dec. 21, 1997, in a 126-64 win over Mercer. He made 4 of 7 shots and punctuated a 10-point night with a 360-degree dunk. That was the high point of his senior year.

Before his academic troubles, Price started 54 games and averaged 10.4 points. He averaged 2.7 points in his final season as a Blue Devil. His relationship with Krzyzewski frayed.

“I was upset I got myself in the situation,” Price said. “I could’ve transferred or redshirted. I wanted to redshirt. I felt like (Krzyzewski ) had destroyed my career. For the first five years (after I left), we didn’t speak. I was reluctant to come to Cameron (Indoor Stadium).”

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