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Former College Star Has No Regrets After Bucking NBA for Spanish League
Paul Logothetis | January 29, 2012

Former Duke University standout and Detroit Pistons draft pick Kyle Singler says he’s in no hurry to return to the NBA. (AP Photo/Paul White) Former Duke University standout and Detroit Pistons draft pick Kyle Singler says he’s in no hurry to return to the NBA. (AP Photo/Paul White)
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Madrid. NBA prospect Kyle Singler has no regrets over his decision to spurn the Detroit Pistons to play basketball in Europe.

The Real Madrid forward, who was selected by Detroit in the second round of the draft, is one of the few players not to return to the NBA after the lockout.

The former Duke University forward said he felt pressured by the Pistons to come back.

“I knew they were upset. The bottom line was that I was a little selfish. I wanted the best for myself, I wanted to be happy,” Singler said at Madrid’s training facilities on the outskirts of the Spanish capital. “It was difficult but, at the end of the day, if I never play in the NBA, would I be disappointed? Sure, but I’m happy I made the decision I made.”

The 23-year-old said the chance to experience a foreign culture was too good to pass up.

“The opportunity to play a lot more was here, but the bottom line was I was happy and felt no pressure to leave and go back to the NBA,” said the 2.03-meter Singler, who led Duke to the 2010 NCAA championship. “Deep down I knew it was the best decision for me to stay. I’ll have another chance to play in the NBA.”

Singler first joined Spanish club Lucentum Alicante, then moved to Madrid on a one-year deal rather than go to Detroit once the NBA and players reached an agreement. Singler has settled in to average 14.4 points per game for the Spanish league leaders.

“This whole experience opens your eyes a little bit, especially being out of the States and over here, it’s a breath of fresh air,” he said.

Singler is enjoying Spanish culture, including Madrid’s sights and his favorite dish of chicken paella. While his Spanish is still not where it needs to be, that hasn’t been an issue on the court.

With Detroit struggling mightily this season, Singler is happy to wait until the offseason to decide on returning if the Pistons offer him a deal.

“If I do go back, I’m sure it will be Detroit because they are very interested in me,” he said.

Associated Press