In this exclusive Q&A, Pack Pride catches up with NC State guard Trevor Lacey about his decision to enter the NBA Draft.



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Trevor, the obvious first question is why did you decide to enter the NBA Draft?



I'm ready to start my life, my career. Being a college athlete is... it's fun, it's a great thing to be a part of, but five years of it... I'm just ready to start.



I'll be 24. I'm growing up. I'm trying to be more mature about things, and I'm just ready to take that next step in life.



Look, I know people question my decision to turn pro and enter, but that's not like I'm saying that I know I'll be a NBA player this year or next year. It's starting the journey, whether it's in the NBA or overseas. I'm ready to start my life and make some money... do things for my family. Whether it's just to give my mom 10 dollars, something I couldn't do in college.



Also, playing pro was always a goal. You never know how long you're going to be able to play the game. I'm healthy right now and have a decent chance at making some good money.



It sounds like if college athletes were financially compensated then that could have impacted your decision. Is that a factor for players in your situation?



I believe it is, especially for a lot of guys that come from low-income homes. I came from a single-parent home, and my mom has two kids. We didn't have a lot... she doesn't have a lot. She probably made two or three of my games this year because of transportation, not being able to make it to my games.



I can see where education is a trade-off for a college athlete, but if you earn a degree that doesn't guarantee you a job either with the way the economy is right now. I can get a degree and still not be able to get high-paying job after four years with my degree. It's not a guarantee.



It's tough on some people. Some can manage it that come from decent income families or don't have any siblings. I'm not fortunate enough to be one of those guys. It's time for me to start to take pressure off my mom.



What feedback did you receive from the NBA on your draft situation?



When I received my undergrad evaluation it said that I was a mid-second round pick to maybe undrafted.



A lot of times with those late second round picks they are used on foreign players who aren't ready to come over because it benefits both, the team that may not have a roster spot and the player who wants to stay overseas. So, I can be a second-rounder or not drafted at all, and sometimes being undrafted is a better situation than being a late second-rounder.



When you're undrafted you can work out of teams that fit your needs and fit your game... may be looking for a player to make the roster.



When did you finalize your decision that you would submit your name into the draft?



I'd say Sunday about a couple of hours before the deadline.



I wanted to come back and be a part of something special. This was the one time my mom stayed out of my decision... she said to think about myself and I just felt like it was the best decision for me.



My time is running out. I'm about to be 24, and if I'm lucky I'll work my way down the road to getting one of those big contracts. If I'm 26 or 27 I won't get a crazy contract if it's my first major deal. If I don't have a number of years under my belt, a resume, I may not get that nice contract... you're not getting that at 30.



It was a tough decision. I know I was older and during the season I wasn't really thinking about it, but now I believe it was the time for me to make that move.



It sounds like if you were 20 or 21 instead of 23 turning 24 your decision may have been different. Is that true?



Most definitely.



Look at Cat Barber. If Cat was my age he probably would have considered leaving, but he's 20 and turns 21... he probably doesn't feel like his time is running out. I could be wrong on that though.



I'm also not too young to where I can come back and mature. I'm at the point where my growing, development in college... it's where it's at. I don't see how it would help me.



What would have helped me is making a crazy run with my team, and I have great faith in our guys, the coaches, but that's not a guarantee. Upsets can happen. I didn't want to bank on that, and there were some other concerns like a potential injury.



Have you signed with an agent?



Not yet. I'm finalizing that as we speak... I was actually on with an agency when you called. I'm looking forward to making something happen with that tonight or tomorrow.



Who are you training with right now?



I'm doing individual stuff. I'm sure once I sign with an agency they'll send me off, but right now I'm in Atlanta working with my cousin Mario West. He played at Georgia Tech and in the NBA, and he's been working me out, helping me improve.



Are you approaching this with the mindset of providing financial support for your family while trying to earn your way into the NBA?



That's exactly right.



I'm confident in my skillset and my ability, but I know I have things to work on.



I'm not big on wanting to be a NBA superstar. I'm humble enough to know I'll never be LeBron James or KD. I know that if I make it to the NBA it will likely be as a back-up point guard, rotation player. I know that.



I know I might end up overseas and/or undrafted, so nothing is going to surprise me. I'll be ready for it.



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In tomorrow's article with Lacey we'll talk about his discussions with the NC State coaches and get his thoughts on next year's team, so stay tuned!



