Former St. Joe's star looks new, improved in Warriors camp

For those of you who rememeber, Ray Young of St. Joe's in Alameda was supposed to be the next big thing in basketball. He led St Joe's to back to back high school championships and arrived at UCLA with high expectations. Unfortunately he never lived up to those lofty predictions. Marcus Thompson covers his journey and his strong play in Warriors camp.

This new, improved Young has raised some eyebrows with the Warriors. He earned a training camp invitation with his impressive play in the Warriors' summer league and has taken it to another level in training camp and preseason.

Warriors coach Mike Montgomery said Young has been better than expected. He likes how well Young executes -- and without Montgomery having to repeat the instructions.

"He's got a great attitude," Montgomery said. "He comes to work every day. He's a smart player from the standpoint of knowing the offense, knowing where he's supposed to be. He's vocal. ... He's been a good asset."

"Defense and his ability to knock down open shots, as well as be the guy that he's been in practice," said point guard Baron Davis, Young's good friend. "He's been tremendous, man. ... He's a great defender. That's one of the things we're going to need in somebody coming off the bench -- say somebody gets hurt -- to come in and make stops."