DAILY REPORT : Iverson Avoids NBA Questions

Allen Iverson and his Georgetown teammates returned to campus early Sunday morning. The question now is, will Iverson be with the Hoyas much longer?

Reporters waited to ask the All-American sophomore point guard about his plans after Massachusetts defeated Georgetown, 86-62, in the East Regional final Saturday at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. But Georgetown Coach John Thompson, figuring his super-swift pupil would face questions about the NBA, kept Iverson away from a group interview session and hurried the Hoyas aboard the team bus afterward.

Thompson, though, did talk.

“The thing Allen has on his side is youth,” Thompson said. “Allen will be ready for the NBA when I tell him he’s ready.”

On Friday, Iverson declined to discuss his future. Many college coaches and longtime NBA observers say the diminutive Iverson, listed at 6 feet, is the best “little man” since Isiah Thomas, the former Indiana All-American and Detroit Pistons All-Star.

Iverson has been selected the Big East Conference defensive player of the year the last two seasons. He averaged 25 points this season and was selected to the all-regional team.

Thompson managed to keep his other stars, such as New York Knick center Patrick Ewing, in school for four years. Iverson said he and Thompson have a strong bond. Thompson’s record might stay perfect.

“Coach Thompson has been a great inspiration in my life,” he said. “He’s a great role model, and he’s helped me with more than you can imagine.”