Tina Edwards is probably the proudest mom in the world, and it has nothing to do with the upcoming NBA Draft.
When her oldest son, Bobby Portis, announced he was leaving the University of Arkansas after his sophomore year to enter the June 25 NBA Draft, the comments most made about him were about what a good person he has been since he stepped foot on campus.
Not just as the player who helped the Razorbacks get back to the NCAA Tournament, but as an outstanding citizen.
Edwards, who delivers bread from 2 a.m. until 1 p.m., Corliss Williamson and Arkansas Coach Mike Anderson and his staff were the people Portis turned to for advice, and while his mom told him not to make the decision based on her or his siblings, he ultimately made the right decision for the right reasons and with the right attitude.
He knows the road is going to get more difficult as he fights for a role against the best basketball players in the world, and he's ready for the challenge.
Portis also said: "I think it will be nice to help my family out, but I still have to work as hard as I can every day, just try to be the same person I've been and stay humble and hungry."
Razorbacks fans can be disappointed. Not only did Arkansas lose Portis, it also lost Michael Qualls when he announced Wednesday that he also was declaring for the NBA draft.
Many seemed to think with Portis and Michael Qualls back next season, a trip to the Final Four was almost assured. Those were high expectations that may have been a little unrealistic.
Yet, Anderson, who is looking at replacing four starters, has been nothing but positive regarding the decisions made by Portis and Qualls.
It will be a recruiting tool now because Portis wasn't ready for the NBA after his freshman year, but after his sophomore year he is predicted to be a first-round pick.
While Qualls will get a shot at the NBA, he may be looking at spending two or three seasons in Europe, making six figures and honing the skills he developed at Arkansas. When he came to the UA his three best shots were all dunks. Now, Qualls, who is leaving after his junior season, can shoot it and play great defense.
As for Portis, he has tremendous upside. He's athletic, hardworking and every day when he wakes up he is 6-11. His shot selection and passing skills have developed, too.
He was definitely more aggressive in his second season with the Hogs, demanding the ball on the block at times, and he's a good midrange shooter. He isn't a center, although with some more weight he might be able to help there with the right team and the right system.
In mock drafts Portis is listed anywhere from an 11th pick to a No. 20 selection.
Money for a 11th pick is close to $6 million for the first three years, and the No. 20 is about $3.8 million for three years.
How many people wouldn't sign up to make that kind of money playing basketball?
With the right work ethic and attitude that will lead to improvement, it moves up Portis' timetable for getting a bigger contract.
He didn't hesitate to promise Anderson that he would finish this semester in good standing, and by going pro neither will count against Arkansas' Academic Performance Rate if they make a professional team's roster.
Portis admitted he went back and forth while making his decision. His love and respect for the Razorbacks were obvious, as was his desire to help his family.
Remember that Portis committed to Anderson and the Razorbacks as a sophomore in high school and never wavered.
The SEC Player of the Year, who joined Williamson as the only Razorback to receive that award, was ready for the next phase of his basketball career.
The Associated Press second-team All American and the vastly improved Qualls leave the program in better shape than they found it.
Sports on 04/16/2015