To the editor:

I have to admit I am a great fan of Julian Wright. And while everyone is sad he is leaving, no one can blame him on making his decision to jump to the NBA. It is a lifelong dream of most every basketball player with or without talent to make it to the pro level, and Julian Wright certainly has the talent. (Ironically, the NBA is not even a close second to college basketball in terms of entertainment value.)

What Wright’s decision should do is cause everyone to reflect on and respect the decision of the 2006 Florida Gator team to return this past year when several also had opportunities to make millions in the NBA. For them, their return was about accomplishments for the team. The team included many players who will never have the opportunity to play at the next level but helped the future lottery picks with their dedication and busting their rear ends day in and day out in practice. Perhaps the Florida top-level players were thinking of those teammates who were not in the limelight when they decided to stay. As a team, they accomplished something special, two back-to-back championships.

While those role players may never be able to afford a “blinged-out” Land Rover like Michael Jordan, they do have the satisfaction of attaining something great that will be remembered for generations.

Don Bretthauer, Lawrence