Now after three high schools, two colleges, multiple suspensions, wild weight fluctuations and questionable behavior and maturity, Caracter thinks he can still accomplish what once seemed inevitable: Play in the NBA.
"I was just fortunate enough to get all my problems out of the way," Caracter said Monday after working out for the Charlotte Bobcats. "I feel like I've grown from that, definitely. There are less problems that will occur on this stage, on this level."
NBA teams aren't so sure. After deciding to leave UTEP after his junior season, the 6-foot-9 power forward is widely projected to fall into the second round of the June 24 draft, meaning he'd have no guaranteed contract or roster spot.
It's a position few would have expected after Caracter graced a magazine cover while growing up in New Jersey, was declared the best high school prospect in the country by several recruiting services entering his senior year and was the MVP of a prep all-star game.
Things changed when Caracter arrived at Louisville carrying too many pounds and an even heavier ego.
Pitino wouldn't even let him step on the court until he went from 319 pounds to 275. At the same time, Caracter was suspended for three games for taking a loan from a family friend.
Caracter got his weight down, but was suspended for breaking numerous team rules. Pitino called him "lethargic" and "immature" and even sent him home during one of his suspensions as a freshman.
