Vince Carter, right, catches up with ex-UNC teammate Brendan Haywood, who figures to follow Carter into NBA employment soon.

To me, it was a no-brainer for Toronto Raptors superstar Vince Carter to walk down the aisle to receive his diploma Sunday at Chapel Hill.

It sent a phenomenal message to the youth of America that you can succeed in athletics and still get an education. Carter left North Carolina early for the NBA, but the importance of graduating can't be overlooked. This was a special moment in Carter's life, fulfilling a promise he made to his family to complete his education.

In my opinion, Carter's decision to attend graduation had no bearing on the deciding game of the 76ers-Raptors series. I know there are some out there questioning him and mentioning the missed shot at the end of the game.

What would he have done had he stayed in Philadelphia? Spent hours at the hotel just hanging out? Come on, give me a break! He arrived in time to be at a team meeting and was back on the ground in Philadelphia after graduation – about five hours before game time.

I think the image of Carter in cap and gown, smiling and holding a diploma, is special. The hard work off the court paid off.