Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

BJ Young’s NBA tutorial didn’t just include a visit to prospect camps hosted by LeBron James and Deron Williams.

New York Knicks guard Ronnie Brewer, a former Razorback and Fayetteville native, spent time with the sophomore guard this summer. Brewer trained at Bud Walton Arena and worked out and played pickup games with current players, including Young.

Brewer likes what he saw from Young, who averaged 15.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game as a freshman. Young considered entering the NBA Draft, but decided to return for at least one more season. Some project him as a lottery pick in 2013.

“He’s a phenomenal player,” Brewer said. “ ... I think from year one to year two he’ll make a big jump. He’s learning the true meaning of work, work ethic and being more of a team player. He’s learning Coach [Mike Anderson’s] system and I think he’s got the opportunity to be really special.”

Young has tried to improve his skills, plus he added weight in an effort to be stronger and more durable. He’s gained about eight pounds and the extra bulk should help his game.

While the camps, weight room work and time on the floor with Brewer will help Young develop as a prospect, he’s more concerned with what he can do for the Razorbacks. Young said he’s working to make Arkansas (18-14, 6-10 SEC) a better team than the one that failed to reach the postseason.

“I’m just trying to do whatever I can to get better and get bigger and make the team a lot better,” Young said. “I’m just trying to do anything I can to help the team. This year I want to be more of a leader on the court and just try to help all the players on every aspect of the court and do whatever I can to get more wins.”

Anderson, like Brewer, likes what he has seen from Young so far. There were times Young played like a pro in 2011-12 and other times he looked very much like a first-year college player.

Young has matured. He’s also developing skills beyond being a scorer.

“Now I see him a little more vocal and trying to be a guy that can distribute as well as score,” Anderson said. “And [Young is] trying to be a better defensive ballplayer. Things are kind of slowing down for him and that's what takes place with good ballplayers. … He had an opportunity  to participate in camps with some of the best players in the country. So with  that competition and that environment he saw some things that hopefully he can bring to our basketball team.”