At age 17, Tyshawn Taylor won the state championship --and the mythical national high school title-- playing for St. Anthony's of Jersey City. At 19, he won a gold medal at the FIBA U19 Championship in New Zealand, the first for Team USA in 18 years. At Kansas, he came close, getting to the National Championship Game after a 127-21 record as a Jayhawk.

He had what he describes as "minor hiccups" at Kansas, but his coach, Bill Self, admits he was the most "controversial" player he's ever had. Still on June 17, he received a degree in communications from Kansas and 11 days later was drafted by the Nets.

Not bad for a kid who at age 8 was living in a battered womens' shelter.

"He’s not going to beat Deron out," said Self who coached both Taylor and Williams in college. "Maybe he can be a backup guard that’s big enough to defend the two and I think he’s so athletic, I think he’ll be a nice addition. I know he’s excited, and I’m really excited for him. They’re going to be good."

• Former Kansas Guard Taylor Anxious to Help Nets - Josh Newman - Zag's Blog
• Taylor taken by Brooklyn Nets - Hudson Reporter
• Tyshawn Taylor can make it in today’s NBA - C.J. Moore - Need I Say Moore