The guy had just turned 20 years old. Some have tried to use that episode as evidence that Webber just isn't very bright, and he fed that fire with some things he did in his first few years as a pro. But Chris Webber is no dummy. In fact, he's very bright. All the timeout episode really speaks to is what NCAA pressure can do to an otherwise poised player.
Truth is, the pressure can lock up an entire team of youngsters.
They led Duke by one at the half and lost by 20. Senior Christian Laettner and junior Bobby Hurley. Think of the championship teams of the recent past. Michigan State was led by seniors Morris Peterson and Mateen Cleaves last spring. UConn had junior Richard Hamilton the year before.