What do Derrick Caracter and the Village People have in common?

Derrick Caracter hasn't taken the easiest path when it comes to his basketball career.

Once the No. 1 recruit in the country, a combination of weight gain, attitude, and a lack of a work ethic cost Caracter a lot more than just a chance to play at Louisville for Rick Pitino.

Many thought it could have cost him a shot at an NBA career.

Derrick Caracter averaged 14 and 8 for UTEP this year.
(photo credit: NJ.com)

And while the 22 year old had a good year at UTEP this season, he still looks like a long shot to be taken before the late second round.

The good news for Caracter is that he finally seems to "get it". Take a look at this profile from HoopsHype. He seems to finally be realizing that surviving on talent alone will get him no where, that the way to resurrect his basketball career is by proving that he is willing to work hard; that he is willing to get into shape; that he is willing to learn how to be a professional.

That still may not be enough to allow him to cash NBA paychecks, but if he can keep his weight down, he should be able to make a living off of his basketball ability.

Its nice to see that kind of attitude from Caracter, and if his work ethic really has improved and his personality really has changed, it would be tough not to root for the kid.

The best part about that interview? Caracter's plan B:

If Plan A doesn't work out, Plan B would be joining the Navy. I would do something like that. Seriously. I think it would be a great experience. You travel, you train, you can be chillin' in Japan. You get to see different things and differents parts of the world. That's something I always wanted to do: travel around the world. See different things, new people, cultures and lifestyles.

Really?

If he can't work his way onto an NBA roster, he is going to join the Navy?

I don't know too much about the Navy, but I'm fairly certain their training is more difficult than basketball training. I'm also fairly certain that at no point would he be just "chillin' in Japan".

But, hey, who am I to kill a kid's dream?