Official College Basketball Offseason Thread

wheels · Post by **wheels** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 2:49 pm

Today's news is Harrison Barnes will return for a Sophomore season. UNC is looking like the preseason #1, no problem.

In other news, congratulations to Kemba Walker for reading his first book:

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketba ... first-book

Kid That's Lifeless · Post by **Kid That's Lifeless** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 3:07 pm

Good call on the thread, considered making one the other day. Don't see how the Heels aren't going to be preseason number 1 with Kentucky, Ohio St., and Texas (I haven't read anything about what Tristan Thompson and Jordan Hamilton are doing) right behind them.

wheels · Post by **wheels** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 5:40 pm

I think UNC is the #1 even if Knight and Jones stay. Liggins too.

Preseason rankings are kind of meaningless though, in my opinion. Whichever team develops their freshmen better will probably be the favorite next Spring.

It's shaping up to be a monster year with all the recruits and the guys sticking around to play. Pretty excited.

uh zip zoom · Post by **uh zip zoom** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 6:25 pm

the NBA draft is going to be the WORST. would have been an incredibly weak draft pool even if barnes, sullinger etc. all declared.

VideoKilledThe · Post by **VideoKilledThe** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 6:53 pm

blame it on the uncertainty around the cba

capable_keL · Post by **capable_keL** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:24 pm

wheels · Post by **wheels** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 1:15 pm

Make up your mind already, Trevor Lacey.

In Kansas today. Glad we don't have any Jayhawk fans here. I have a feeling that guy is going to be a pain in the ass for a couple years

Big Breeze · Post by **Big Breeze** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 1:28 pm

Lacey is trying to wait on Brandon Knight's decision to turn pro. I've read that Kentucky and Alabama are the leaders for his services.

wheels · Post by **wheels** » Wed Apr 20, 2011 11:35 am

Knight, Jones, Liggins all declared but didn't hire agents. My facebook news feed is full of criers.

wheels · Post by **wheels** » Thu Apr 21, 2011 11:14 am

Junior center Festus Ezeli, sophomore guard John Jenkins and junior forward Jeffery Taylor will each return to Vanderbilt for the 2011-12 season.

With the trio's decision to remain at Vanderbilt, the Commodores will return all five starters and 10 letterwinners from the 2010-11 team that finished 23-11.

Not surprising, but annoying. Vandy is hard to beat at home and these guys are a large reason why. Thorn in my side type shit.

Kid That's Lifeless · Post by **Kid That's Lifeless** » Thu Apr 21, 2011 1:25 pm

Vandy will look like a top 5 team some games, look like the bottom feeder in the SEC in others, win a couple games that will convince you are for real, and then lose in the first round of the NCAA tourney.

Never change, Vandy.

Big Breeze · Post by **Big Breeze** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 2:29 pm

Texas is not going to be that good next year. I knew Jordan Hamilton would bolt and the rumors were saying Tristan Thompson would do the same. Corey Joseph should return to school though because he will not get drafted if he keeps his name in the draft.

It never fails with the amount of names that enter the draft every year without a legit shot at getting drafted. The advice some of these kids get that blow their heads up is horrendous.

Kid That's Lifeless · Post by **Kid That's Lifeless** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 2:44 pm

Big Breeze wrote:It never fails with the amount of names that enter the draft every year without a legit shot at getting drafted.

See: Gibbs, Ashton

Big Breeze · Post by **Big Breeze** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:42 pm

Another thing I'd like to say about Thompson is that he's awkward offensively. Free throw shooting is a trainwreck for him. I can't see him being a great offensive player in the league. On the bright side he has long ass arms to disrupt on defense and pound the glass. He's about 6'8'', maybe 6'9''. That is slightly undersized for a PF, but he can make it work.

I think that Hamilton is ranked too low in a lot of the prospect lists. I believe he will be a steal if he's drafted in the middle of the 1st round. He has his flaws with shot selection at times, but it did improve a lot compared to last year.

Nl5H · Post by **Nl5H** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 5:05 am

too bad kyrie is leaving, but no one should be surprised. kid is going to shine in the nba.

Big Breeze · Post by **Big Breeze** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 2:56 pm

The NBA has released the official list of underclassmen and international players under 22 years old who have declared for the 2011 NBA draft. Sixty-nine college underclassmen and 20 international players have declared.

Under the NCAA's new rules, underclassmen who want to retain their college eligibility have until May 8 to withdraw from the draft. In previous years, the NCAA followed the NBA's guidelines that gave underclassmen until mid-June to decide. The NBA will retain its June 13 withdrawal deadline, but for any college players who want to keep their eligibility May 8 is the new date.

The new rule dramatically reduces the time college underclassmen have to determine their draft stock. The deadline takes place before the NBA's draft combine. But a number of teams have gotten together and scheduled a huge workout on May 7 and 8 in New Jersey to give players some feedback.

Last year, 80 college players and 23 international players declared as early-entry candidates. Of those, 48 withdrew from the draft. That left 50 college players and five international players as the early-entry candidates.

Who's in and who's out this year? Here's the official list:

In the draft

*To preserve eligibility, player has not hired an agent.

Olu Ashaolu, F, Jr., Louisiana Tech*
Ashaolu has an NBA body and he was terrific on the boards this year. But until he develops a consistent perimeter game, he's unlikely to crack the first round. He could go in the second round or undrafted.

Laurence Bowers, F, Missouri*
Bowers has the combination of length and athleticism that NBA scouts look for in a forward. He has a terrific motor as well. But until he adds either a 3-point shot or more strength, scouts consider him a tweener and a second-round prospect at best.

Alec Burks, G/F, So, Colorado
Burks is one of the best athletes in the draft and the top-rated shooting guard in our Top 100. His ability to get to the rim and finish is the big draw for NBA execs. If he was a better shooter, he'd be a top-five pick. As it stands right now, he's a likely lottery pick.

DeAngelo Casto, PF, Jr. Washington State
Casto has an NBA body and explosiveness. He can be a beast in the paint. But his lack of size and offensive game have held him back. He's a possible second-round pick, but more likely he goes undrafted.

Mamadou Diarra, C, Chaminade
Diarra, a former USC center, had a terrific year at Chaminade and made some waves with strong play against Michigan State and Oklahoma at the Maui Invitational. His size, length, rebounding and shot-blocking ability could make him a sleeper late-second-round pick.

Michael Dunigan, F/C, Oregon
Dunigan left Oregon last summer to play pro ball in Israel, where he played one game before moving on to Estonia -- yes, Estonia -- to play. As a prospect who has played professionally and is 19 or older (Dunigan is 21), he is automatically entered into this year's draft, according to NBA rules.

He has played well and was already considered a legit prospect before he left college thanks to his size and athleticism. But he's got a lot to work on to convince scouts that he's ready for the NBA.

Kim English, G, Missouri*
English averaged 10 ppg this season and shot just 36 percent from the field -- considering that shooting is the one thing that he typically does well, that's not a good sign. He'll likely go undrafted if he stays in the draft.

Ashton Gibbs, G, Pittsburgh*
Gibbs is one of the best shooters in college basketball, but most NBA scouts say he isn't a first-round pick. He lacks size, explosive athleticism and the ballhandling skills to make it as a full-time point guard in the NBA.

I'd expect him to return to school, where a season running the point in Brad Wanamaker's absence could improve his stock. Right now he'd go in the second round or undrafted.

Troy Gillenwater, F, Jr., New Mexico State*
Gillenwater may be testing the waters, but I don't think he'll like what he's going to find. He's a good low-post scorer and can face up to the basket. But his lack of elite athleticism and size make him a classic tweener. He'll likely go undrafted if he stays in the draft.

Jeremy Green, G, Jr., Stanford*
Green surprised with his decision to declare for the draft. His shooting ability may spark some interest during the second round, but his lack of size and explosiveness limit his upside considerably. He's probably better off returning to school.

Jordan Hamilton, F, So, Texas
Hamilton is one of the most lethal scorers in college basketball. He's constantly in attack mode and has deep range on his jumper. His shot selection can be very questionable at times as is his concept of team basketball. But there's no question he has the tools to be a big time scorer in the NBA. A likely lottery pick.

Tobias Harris, F, Fr, Tennessee*
Harris' father told the Tennessean that Harris will test the waters this year. Harris won't hire an agent to preserve his college eligibility and is looking to see if he's a lottery pick.

He could be. While Harris isn't an elite athlete and is a bit of a tweener, he has a high basketball IQ, can play multiple positions and is unselfish. He could be the next Shane Battier. If he stays in the draft he should go somewhere in the mid-to-late first round.

Tu Holloway, PG, Jr, Xavier*
Holloway is an explosive combo guard somewhat in the mold of Jordan Crawford, a first-round pick out of Xavier in last year's draft. He's not the shooter that Crawford was, but he's a better ball handler and sees the floor pretty well. Holloway's stock took a bit of a hit with a poor performance in the first round of the NCAA ournament, but he's got potential. He'll likely be a second-round pick.

Tyler Honeycutt, F, So, UCLA
Honeycutt announced on March 28 that he would enter the draft and hire an agent, ending his college eligibility. It's an interesting move. Honeycutt was ranked in the high 20s at the start of the season, but sank on our big board after he struggled to really break out. He had a few big games for UCLA, but a lot of underwhelming ones as well. But NBA GMs and scouts have had a hard time scouting players in Ben Howland's system. Considering that virtually every prospect he's produced has gone on to have success in the NBA and when you factor in Honeycutt's significant skills, there's a very good chance Honeycutt ends up going somewhere in the first round.

Scotty Hopson, SG, Jr, Tennessee*
Hopson is one of the most athletic players in the draft and has intrigued scouts for years. But his tendency to disappear for long stretches bothers scouts. A number of GMs see the second coming of the mercurial Brandon Rush. A likely second-round pick if he stays in the draft.

Kyrie Irving, PG, Fr, Duke
Irving may have played only 11 games this season, but he enters the draft as the odds-on favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the draft. Irving is one of the most complete prospects in the draft. He has speed, quickness and range on his jumper. He's excellent penetrating to the basket, sees the floor well and is a leader on the court. He's not particularly elite in any one category, but the overall package is pretty impressive.

Reggie Jackson, PG, Jr, Boston College*
Jackson is one of the true sleepers in this year's draft. He's coming off a terrific season at Boston College where he averaged 18 ppg, 4.5 apg, 4.3 rpg and shot an impressive 42 percent from 3. He's long, athletic, has great quickness, can run a team and can shoot the basketball. Those types of players are typically lottery picks at the end of the day. Scouts have been a little bit slower on the uptake with Jackson, but every NBA team I spoke with has him as a solid first-round pick. A few have him in the lottery. He's also the type that could really rise with terrific workouts. I expect he'll stay in the draft.

Terrence Jennings, PF, Jr., Louisville*
He looks like Amare Stoudemire and on a few rare occasions he plays like him too. If Jennings could ever get consistent and aggressive, he has the body and athleticism of a lottery pick power forward. But after three years of very inconsistent results, he's scared away just about everyone. He's a possible second-round pick.

Orlando Johnson, G/F, UC Santa Barbara*
Johnson is a do-it-all wing who can shoot and get to the basket. He has an NBA body and motor, but doesn't necessarily do any one thing at an elite level. Against Florida in the opening round of the tournament, he showed he can hang with better competition. As it stands now, he's a potential second-round pick.

Reggie Johnson, C, So, Miami*
Johnson is huge, efficent and he's one of the best rebounders in college basketball. But his conditioning issues and overall lack of polish hurt his stock a bit. A possible second round pick if he stays in the draft.

Kevin Jones, F, Jr. West Virginia*
Jones is a long forward who plays hard and can shoot with range. He's coming off a rocky junior season that saw his shooting percentages plummet, but the league is always interested in bigs that can shoot it. He's a potential second-round pick.

Terrence Jones, F, Fr, Kentucky*
Jones is one of the most versatile forwards in the country, a true inside-outside threat. But is he ready for the NBA? After getting off to a red-hot start, he cooled off considerably as the season wore on. In November, some scouts were talking about him as a potential No. 1 pick. Now it's more likely he's a late lottery pick. But with all of the talent coming to Lexington this fall combined with a pretty weak draft, he may be better off getting out now.

Cory Joseph, PG, Fr, Texas*
Joseph is a bit of a surprise entry. He had a solid freshman season, but it wasn't anything that screamed NBA right now. He's got quickness going for him, but he's still learning how to balance being a scorer and a point guard. Most likely, the arrival of Myck Kabongo in Texas has something to do with it. Kabongo is a better point guard and a better NBA prospect who could push Joseph off the ball next year. Joseph might get a look in the first round, but he'll most likely go in the second round or undrafted. He probably needs to go back to school.

Brandon Knight, G, Fr, Kentucky*
Knight got off to a shaky start at Kentucky, but by January he looked like the best NBA prospect on the team. He's a bit hard to project because it's a little unclear just what he is. If he's a point guard, he has good size, quickness and a jump shot but doesn't see the floor particularly well. If he's a 2-guard, he's a bit undersized for his position. Still with the dearth of guards in this year's draft, he looks like a lock for the top 10 if he stays in the draft.

Malcolm Lee, G, Jr, UCLA
Lee is an interesting prospect. During the past two preseasons, scouts had him as mid-first-rounder, but his play during the season has disappointed. Lee is quick, has great size for his position, and has become a lockdown defender. But his lack of a jump shot, poor game management and overall lack of success the past two seasons have puzzled scouts. Right now, he's a likely second-round pick, but he has a chance of rising into the first round with great workouts.

Kawhi Leonard, F, So, San Diego State
Leonard is one of the most unique players in the country. He can play both the three and the four thanks to long arms, excellent athleticism and a great motor. He's a terrific rebounder as well. He doesn't have a polished offensive game yet, but there's a lot of potential there. He could be a Shawn Marion-type player. A likely lottery pick.

Travis Leslie, SG, Jr, Georgia
An amazing athlete and perhaps the best leaper in college basketball, Leslie could compete in an NBA dunk contest. But is he an NBA player? His lack of a jump shot and lack of size for his position have scouts worried. If he were 2 inches taller and could stroke the ball, he'd be a lottery pick. As it stands now, he's on the first-round bubble.

DeAndre Liggins, G, Jr., Kentucky*
Liggins may not look like much on the offensive end. As a junior he averaged just 8.6 ppg. But he's an exceptional defender who can guard multiple positions, so some team might want him in the second round. Most likely he goes undrafted if he stays in the draft.

Shelvin Mack, G, Jr, Butler*
Mack is coming off two straight NCAA Championship appearances. He's a tough, physical guard who can shoot the ball with range, but his lack of size, a true position and some shooting woes this year have some scouts questioning how he fits in at the next level. A likely second-round pick if he stays in the draft.

Darius Morris, G, So, Michigan*
Morris' brother told the Detroit Free Press that Darius Morris was going to test the draft waters, but not hire an agent to preserve his college eligibility. Morris may be the most improved college player in the country. He led the Big Ten in assists this season and has the size, floor vision and inside-outside game that NBA scouts covet in a guard. Morris isn't an elite athlete and still needs to improve his 3-point stroke, but if he stays in the draft, he's got a shot at the first round. The question for Morris is -- just how much higher could he climb with another season at Michigan? A number of NBA scouts told ESPN.com that he needs to return to school to be a lock for the first round -- perhaps even the lottery. Morris has until May 8 to decide whether he'll stay in the draft.

Markieff Morris, PF, Jr., Kansas
Markieff lived in the shadow of his twin brother, Marcus, for the first two years at KU. No more. Markieff was always known as the better defender -- a taller, slightly more explosive version of his brother. But this season he found his offensive rhythm as well. He posted a higher player efficiency rating than Marcus, shot a pretty incredible 42 percent from 3 and, at times, looked like the more surefire NBA prospect thanks to his size advantage. Markieff is a likely mid first-round pick this year.

Marcus Morris, F, Jr., Kansas
Marcus is coming off another terrific season. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 17.2 points per game and had one of the highest efficiency ratings in college basketball. He's one of the most polished offensive big men in college basketball. His offensive versatility, motor and high basketball IQ are appealing to scouts. But teams worry that he's a bit of a tweener at the next level. He's likely a mid first-round pick.

Jamine Peterson, F, New Mexico Thunderbirds
Peterson was dismissed from Providence last spring, went to play pro ball in Greece and eventually landed in the D-League playing for the New Mexico Thunderbirds. He actually has played pretty well, averaging 12.8 ppg and 5.7 rpg in 22 mpg. Lately he's been on fire. On March 26 he scored 40 points and grabbed 13 boards against Springfield. He averaged 16 ppg and shot 45 percent from 3 in March. Peterson has an NBA body, is a great athlete and is a legitimate inside/outside threat. He's got a shot at landing in the late first round, but most likely he's a second-round pick.

Willie Reed, F, Jr., St. Louis
Reed is a super-athletic forward who was suspended for violating the university's honor code. He's got the sort of length and athleticism that scouts look for; he's just not particularly polished. He's a potential second-round pick.

Jereme Richmond, F, Fr., Illinois
Richmond is one of the most athletic wings in the country. He flies up and down the floor, is a good rebounder and willing defender. NBA scouts preferred that he stay in school another year. He's still working on that jump shot and needs to add strength. However, now that he's in, there's a good chance you'll hear his name somewhere in the first round. He's got tremendous upside.

Carleton Scott, F, Notre Dame*
Scott isn't really on the NBA radar screen right now. He's long, athletic and a terrific, versatile defender. But his offensive game is pretty raw and he's a bit of a tweener. If he stays in the draft, he will likely go undrafted.

Josh Selby, G, Fr, Kansas
Selby came into the season ranked in the Top 10 on our Big Board. But for the most part, his season was a major disappointment. Between a suspension, injury and generally poor play, there wasn't much to love. Selby has talent as a combo guard, but questions about his maturity and work ethic have been exacerbated by his game. Selby may still be a late-first-round pick if someone gambles on his talent -- but had he stayed in school another year and got his game turned around, he could've gone much, much higher.

Iman Shumpert, G, Jr, Georgia Tech*
Shumpert announced via Twitter on March 28 that he was testing the draft waters. Shumpert has caught the eye of NBA scouts for years, but he's never quite lived up to the potential -- at least on the offensive end of the ball. Defensively he's one of the best guards in the country. If he could ever get a consistent jump shot he'd be a lock for the first round. As it stands now, he's a likely second-round pick.

John Shurna, F, Jr, Northwestern*
Shurna is one of the best long-range shooters in college basketball and also a proven scorer from mid-range. The challenge for Shurna is that he's not a great athlete, lacks great lateral quickness and needs to add a lot of strength. He's a possible second-round pick if he stays in the draft.

Chris Singleton, F, Jr, Florida State
Singleton has been a hot prospect from the moment he stepped foot on Florida State's campus. But for the most part, he's failed to live up to lofty expectations. On the plus side, Singleton is an elite athlete and a terrific on the ball defender who can guard three positions on the floor. He's also continued to improve his jump shot to the point that it's passable. But until he shows more consistency on the offensive end of the ball, his ceiling is really that of a terrific defensive stopper. He's a likely mid first round pick.

Greg Smith, C, So, Fresno State
NBA scouts have been intrigued by his size and ability in the post. But mostly they've been perplexed by his lack of development, effort and focus. If a team drafts him (a fairly big if at this point), he'll be a project. At best, he's a second-round pick.

Isaiah Thomas, PG, Washington*
Two weeks ago, Thomas announced via Twitter that he was returning to Washington for his senior year. But on March 31, Thomas reversed course and announced that he was declaring for the draft.

Thomas is coming off a terrific junior season that saw him rise dramatically on draft boards. The key for Thomas was moving to the point guard position following an injury to Abdul Gaddy. Once he was running the team, Thomas began putting up great assist numbers and showed scouts he has the ability to play some point in the NBA -- a critical issue because of his lack of size. If he stays in the draft, he'll likely be a second-round pick.

Trey Thompkins, PF, Jr, Georgia
A smooth, versatile forward who can play both inside and out, Thompkins never quite bounced back from an offseason injury -- his numbers were down across the board. If he did one thing at an elite level, he'd be a lottery pick. More likely, he goes late in the first round.

Hollis Thompson, F, So., Georgetown*
Thompson is coming off a great last game -- a 26-point outing against Virginia Tech in the NCAA tournament. But his decision to declare for the draft is pretty surprising. Although Thompson is a solid wing prospect with good athleticism and good scoring instincts, he's very inconsistent and needs more time in school. There's a chance a team grabs him in the second round; most likely, though, he goes undrafted if he stays in.

Klay Thompson, G, Jr, Washington State*
Thompson is currently ranked as the No. 2 shooting guard prospect on our board. He's a sick shooter with deep range on his jumper. He's got a very high basketball IQ and is an excellent passer. The only real question about Thompson is his lateral quickness. He's a good athlete, but not an elite one. He should be a mid-to-late first-round pick.

Tristan Thompson, PF, Fr, Texas*
Thompson was adamant in March that he was returning to Texas for his sophomore season. But as he got more and more information about his draft status, he started to look seriously at declaring. Scouts and NBA execs are very high on Thompson and project him as a potential lottery pick. He's still a bit raw, but his length, motor and toughness on the boards make him a popular choice in an otherwise depleted draft.

Jeremy Tyler, F/C, Japan
As a prospect who has played professionally and is age 19 or older (he is 19, and will turn 20 on June 1), Tyler is automatically entered into this year's draft, according to NBA rules.

He was once one of the top high school basketball players in the country, but he skipped his senior year of high school to play pro ball in Israel, and that was an unmitigated disaster. This year he's been playing in Japan with former NBA coach Bob Hill. He's made progress, but he is likely a second-round pick at this point.

Nikola Vucevic, F, Jr, USC
Vucevic announced that he will declare for the NBA draft and hire an agent, ending his college eligibility. Vucevic has been steadily climbing our draft boards all season and currently projects as a second-round pick. But he does have the ability to be a late first-round pick. His size and skill set are intriguing to scouts. If he were a better shooter, he'd be a first-round lock.

Kemba Walker, PG, Jr, UConn
Walker had a magical run this season and it ended with an NCAA title. He lacks great size for his position and is more of a scoring guard than a true point guard, but Walker has NBA speed and quickness, is tough as nails, is a natural leader and has improved his jump shot. He should be a Top 10 pick.

Derrick Williams, F, So, Arizona
Williams was one of the four or five best players in the country this year. He's become a true inside/outside threat as a scorer. He's aggressive, makes smart decisions and will really attack the rim. Some scouts are worried he's a tweener, but other teams have him No. 1 overall on their Big Board. He's a very likely Top 3 pick.

Jordan Williams*, F/C, So, Maryland
The Maryland big man, coming off a very good sophomore season, will test the draft waters but won't hire an agent. An excellent offensive rebounder and a proven low-post scoring option, Williams has become a force in the paint. However, a lack of explosive athletic ability and perimeter game, along with questions about his conditioning, will likely land him in the second round, should he stay in the draft.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Others who have declared but will likely go undrafted

Keion Bell, G, Jr., Pepperdine*
Jacob Blankenship, F, Jr., Southeastern (FL)*
Roscoe Davis, F, Fr., Midland JC (TX)*
TyShwan Edmondson, G, Jr., Austin Peay*
Desmond Holloway, G, Jr., Coastal Carolina*
Tiondre Johnson, F, So., Coastal Bend JC (TX)*
Ryan Kelley, G, So., Colorado*
Dan Kelm, G, So., Viterbo (WI)*
David Loubeau, F, Jr., Texas A&M*
Greg Mangano, C, Jr., Yale*
Keishawn Mayes, F, Jr., Campbell*
Cameron Moore, F, Jr., Alabama-Birmingham*
Darrion Pellum, G/F, Jr., Hampton*
J.P. Primm, G, Jr., North Carolina-Asheville*
Ralph Sampson III, C, Jr., Minnesota*
Tony Taylor, G, Jr., George Washington*
Thomas Tibbs Jr., G, Jr., Staten Island*
Antoine Watson, G, Jr., Florida International*
Charlie Westbrook, G, Jr., South Dakota*
Brandon Wood, G, Jr., Valparaiso*

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

International

Andrew Albicy, G, France
The diminutive point guard from France is averaging 11 ppg this season and shooting the ball very well. But he's likely a second-round pick.

Furkan Aldemir, PF, Turkey
Aldemir has drawn some interest from NBA scouts thanks to his production on the boards in the Turkish league. A potential second round pick if he stays in the draft.

Davis Bertans, F, Latvia
Bertans burst onto the scene at the Nike Hoop Summit in April. He's a lights-out shooter with a super quick release. He's still too thin and a bit of a project, but he's a potential first-round pick if he stays in the draft.

Bismack Biyombo, PF, Congo
Biyombo is the hot international player thinking about the draft. Scouts compare him to a young Serge Ibaka. He has an NBA body, a massive 7-foot-7 wingspan and he jumps out of the gym. He's still raw, but in a draft without a lot of upside, this kid has it.

Nihad Djedovic, G/F, Lottomatica Roma (Italy)
Djedovic thrives at getting to the basket and got significant minutes for Lottomatica this year. He's a potential second-round pick.

Enes Kanter, C, Turkey
The NCAA denied Kanter's bid to play for Kentucky this season, placing him in limbo all season. He's been hanging around Kentucky, working as a student-assistant coach, but the loss of playing time hurts. He'll spend the spring working with Michael Jordan's former trainer, Tim Grover, in Chicago in preparation for the draft.

Most GMs still have him as a top-five or top-six pick. Great workouts could lift him even higher.

Emmanouil Koukoulas, F/C, Ilysiakos (Greece)
Likely goes undrafted.

Joffrey Lauvergne, F, Chalon (France)
He's young and inexperienced, but scouts are very high on Lauvergne's future. His ability to run the floor and face the basket impresses scouts. He's a potential late first-round pick, but more likely a second-rounder.

Abdoulaye Loum, C, France
Loum has declared for the draft, but it's very doubtful he's drafted. He's big and this is a ploy by his agent to get scouts to take a closer look. Given the very limited playing time he receives, I doubt any of them bite. However, it may put him on the radar for future drafts.

Nikola Mirotic, F/C, Lithuania
International scouts have been high on Mirotic ever since he played well in the Nike Hoop Summit in April. But since Mirotic wasn't getting much run, they thought his chances of coming to the NBA anytime soon were slim. However, he's getting meaningful minutes on one of the top teams in Europe this season and has been very productive. On talent, he's a likely late lottery to mid-first round pick. But concerns about his contract abound. NBA scouts I spoke with believe it may be years before he can come to the NBA. That's going to lower his stock if he declares for the draft.

Donatas Motiejunas, F, Serbia
Motiejunas is having another solid season in Italy and may be the most well-scouted international player on the list. Teams see him as a terrific scorer but think he needs to add strength and improve his defensive game. He's a potential lottery pick.

Lucas Nogueira, C, Brazil
Nogueira was a dominant rebounder and shot-blocker versus Team USA in the under-18 tournament this past summer. The scouts who have watched him play in the Spanish League say he is still raw and needs to add strength, but his motor and shot-blocking ability make him a very intriguing prospect. A likely first-round pick.

Femi Oladipo, F, Crailsheim (Germany)
Likely goes undrafted.

Leon Radosevic, F, Cibona (Croatia)
Radosevic is a classic Euro forward who thrives on the perimeter and has a high basketball IQ. A potential second-round pick, he's coming off a very good season for Cibona.

Negueba Samake, C, France
Samake is another "throw against the wall, see if it sticks" entry. He's big and athletic and his agent is trying to get scouts to pay closer attention. It's very likely he'll withdraw with a hope that he'll get more visits from scouts next year.

Tornike Shengelia, F, Verviers-Pepinster (Belgium)
Likely goes undrafted.

Abdel Kader Sylla, F, Nancy (France)
Likely goes undrafted.

Jonas Valanciunas, F/C, Lithuania
Valanciunas is the most highly rated international player on our board. But will he come to the NBA this season? Concerns about a massive buyout could keep him in Europe for a couple more years. Is any team willing to take the risk high in the lottery?

Jan Vesely, PF, Czech Republic
Vesely is a terrific athlete who has played major minutes on a Euroleague team the past two seasons. He has already announced he'll be in the draft. Many scouts think he's the most NBA-ready European player out there and a likely top-10 pick.

Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann, F, Telekom (Germany)
Likely goes undrafted.

Tomislav Zubcic, F, Cibona (Croatia)
Zubcic is a long athletic point forward who can handle the ball and shoot the basketball. He wowed scouts a few years ago at the Nike Hoop Summit. He's a potential late first-round pick, but more likely a second-rounder.

Big Breeze · Post by **Big Breeze** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 3:02 pm

By Doug Gottlieb

Every year players put their names in the NBA draft with the hope of becoming one of 60 NBA draftees. Only 30 of them receive guaranteed contracts, however, and that's a distinction worth making.

Just 15 of the 30 second-round picks from the 2010 draft played in the NBA last year, with only Landry Fields averaging over 15 minutes per game. In fact, only 43 of the 90 second-round picks over the last three years are still in the league right now. So even if you are picked, it does not mean you will stay in the NBA. On the other hand, this is a wide-open draft and the remaining fence sitters have some thinking to do.

May 8, the deadline for college players who have not hired an agent to withdraw from the draft without harming their eligibility, will be a very interesting day. Obviously the pending lockout and expiring CBA are playing a role in what players on the fence will do, but there is so much more to consider.

For example, there are some pretty good reasons for players to stay in the draft:

1. Big-name pro prospects like Harrison Barnes, Jared Sullinger, John Henson and Perry Jones have decided to stay in school, which means there are more first-round spots open than would normally be available.

2. The NBA Players' Association says it wants to eliminate the "one-and-done" rule which could mean players hoping to wait until next year would have to "compete" against prospects from a very deep and talented 2012 high school class when it comes to the draft.

3. While second-round picks are generally not fully guaranteed contracts, more and more of them are close to being guaranteed. Teams like keeping costs low with inexpensive young players making south of seven figures on their bench. That increases the likelihood for players selected in the second round to stick around in the league.

4. Finally, there is a perception that the longer a player stays in college, the more his stock drops.

Then there's the other side of the coin. Here are a handful of reasons to pull out of the draft:

1. A lockout seems likely, and while the idea of playing for pay sounds great, four NBA owners are NHL owners, and they believe that their season-long CBA fight saved their sport and can "save" the NBA.

2. If you don't get picked, or get cut before the season, it could be tough to find work elsewhere. If there's a lockout, some veteran NBA players will bolt overseas, which will decrease the value of American-born players, especially rookies, and cut into the number of available roster spots.

3. The NBA believes that keeping college players in school for two or three years before turning pro is a better fit for the NBA draft, and if that ruling goes through, returning players would still just be competing against players currently in college for their future draft spots.

4. More NBA draft picks have gone to the D-League the past two years than ever before, and while there may be a paycheck twice a month, playing in empty arenas and fighting for minutes is not what NBA dreams are made of.

5. Fringe prospects get a boost from the performance of their college team. The better your team finishes, the higher you will be drafted. That is a fact. So if your team had a bad year, take them deep into the Big Dance next season and improve your stock.

6. It is your last time to be a kid and just play. Take a look at what a high percentage of young NBA players do during their only break in the season, All-Star weekend. They don't go home; most go back to their college campus because the truth is they miss their friends, the atmosphere and college in general.

7. With the lockout looming and a down draft, many NBA teams will opt to spend their picks on young foreign players and keep them overseas, which is a developmental process like the D-League, but costs them little or nothing. Therefore there may not be as many available first-round spots, with guaranteed contracts, as there appear to be.

With all those factors in mind, here is how I think the players with one foot in the draft but without an agent should proceed.

Stay in the draft

Tristan Thompson, Texas Longhorns -- He's a great kid, has a terrific body and a strong defensive mindset and is just scratching the surface of his offensive game. Thompson is someone NBA scouts will be willing to take a chance on. He needs time to develop, and he probably wants to play with Myck Kabongo and Cory Joseph next year, but the lack of depth in the draft will keep him in as a possible top-10 pick.

Brandon Knight, Kentucky Wildcats -- The second-best point guard on the board, Knight has the pedigree as a "Cal" point guard to go early in the draft. A sophomore academically due to his work ethic and intelligence, Knight lacks a solid left hand and true point guard's feel to be a top-five pick. On the other hand, with this draft and the emergence of former Calipari guards in the NBA (thank you very much, Derrick Rose) the time is now for him to leave.

Klay Thompson, Washington State Cougars -- He is a prolific shooter in a draft devoid of legit shooting guards. Thompson has really impressed people with his newfound grit in trying to shed his image of being soft. The NBA also loves strong bloodlines and his dad was a No. 1 overall pick. Additionally, Klay was a late bloomer in high school, which has kept him under the radar until the last two seasons. With all three of Wazzu's top players serving a suspension (Thompson included) for various marijuana charges, the Cougs were a near-miss for the NCAA tournament and with DeAngelo Casto leaving for the NBA, it would probably be a good time to pull the rip cord.

Tobias Harris, Tennessee Volunteers -- The team and program are in shambles, so there's not much to return to. Harris is probably a better pro than college player. His frame and ballhandling skills are not as highly regarded as Jones', but PJ3 isn't in the draft. Harris is a face-up 4 who is a little soft, but very skilled.

Terrence Jones, Kentucky -- Not close to a finished product and he will have to be a small forward instead of a college 4, but Jones came to Kentucky essentially for just this scenario. He is very strong and athletic, goes left exceptionally well (he's left-handed) and he can shoot the college 3. There are some concerns about his attitude, a position change and how he will handle not playing early in his career.

Jordan Williams, Maryland Terrapins -- A very big low-post threat who improved greatly in his second year under coach Gary Williams, Jordan Williams appears as good as gone. He has very soft hands, good instincts in the post and on the glass and unlike so many "bigs," he actually likes to play down low. Right now, his footwork is awful guarding ball screens (which is big in the NBA), he carries too much weight and he could come back and truly dominate college basketball. All that said, there might not be another year in which he has this type of opportunity to be a legit top-25 pick.

Iman Shumpert, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets -- Shumpert is an immensely talented scoring guard who has no position, but can definitely play. He is too small to be a legit wing, does not shoot it well enough to be a straight 2 guard and is simply not a point guard. On the other hand, he can shoot, score and create off the dribble and is a big 6-foot-2 athlete. With Anthony Morrow, Jarrett Jack and several other good talents from Georgia Tech who became solid pros, his stock should rise based on some other factors.

Go back while you still can

Hollis Thompson, Georgetown Hoyas -- Georgetown had three very good players last season. Thompson was not one of them. He could be "The Man" if he goes back and there is little buzz about his first-round credentials.

John Shurna, Northwestern Wildcats -- He has a funky release on his shot and his game can be a little awkward, but Shurna can really play. Additionally he was terrific for the U.S. Select Team last year. As a junior he can test the waters and he may actually make the league, but I doubt he stays in the draft as his game seems more like an acquired taste rather than a natural one.

Reggie Johnson, Miami Hurricanes -- A big man with a weight problem should not be sitting around waiting for a league to end a lockout. Go back to Jim Larranaga -- his big men get the ball. Get into shape and next year you can be a first-rounder.

Terrence Jennings, Louisville Cardinals -- He looks the part as a long, athletic, shot-blocking backup big man, but he is not a good enough rebounder and has been a nonfactor offensively to date. Next year he should get more opportunities to score and Pitino will develop him more than the D-League.

Carleton Scott, Notre Dame Fighting Irish -- Pick-and-pop big man who can become a Matt Bonner-type. He can shoot on offense and is tough and rugged on defense. His surrounding cast in South Bend will be solid up front with Scott Martin and Jack Cooley, but his guards must improve with the loss of Ben Hansbrough.

Laurence Bowers, Missouri Tigers -- Obviously he was hurt by the departure of Mike Anderson -- they are very close -- but he is not an NBA player, though he will make a living playing overseas. He should just go back and get major minutes with Frank Haith.

Cory Joseph, Texas -- He has a great attitude and had an excellent freshman season, but he probably will not ever be an NBA point guard. Joseph is not a good enough athlete, shooter or passer for the next level. Get back to Sixth Street and have a blast with fellow Canadian Myck Kabongo.

Tu Holloway, Xavier Musketeers -- He had a great second half to his season, but struggled against Marquette in the dance. He and Mark Lyons were terrific last year and should be again this year. A deep tourney run might really help his stock.

Get inside their minds

The following players face some very tough decisions, and frankly, I'm not sure which path they should follow. So, I tried to put myself in their shoes. Here's what some of the remaining undecideds are probably thinking right now.

Isaiah Thomas, Washington Huskies -- I know I made this big thing that I wanted to come out and all, but I am still the man in Seattle and B-Roy came back and look what happened to him. I can get into the lane on anyone, but I have to get more consistent with my jumper if I want to make it. The only problem is that I have been killing it for three years and if I stay, it might look like there is something wrong with me.

Darius Morris, Michigan Wolverines -- So last year everyone thought that Manny Harris should go back to school and he had a pretty good first year for the Cleveland Cavaliers. On the other hand we can have a great year at Michigan and battle Ohio State for the title if I go back, and I really do not have an NBA position. If someone tells me I will be taken in the top-20, I am going to stay in the draft, but summer school in Ann Arbor seems like a good bet. That and a whole lot of jump shots to increase my consistency.

Shelvin Mack, Butler Bulldogs -- The more I think about it I may need to go to the league. Next year there is no Matt Howard, no Shawn Vanzant and not a strong likelihood that we can make another deep run. I know it would be honorable to stay, but it might forever hurt my draft stock. And can anyone blame me for leaving after two Final Fours? Either way NBA guys respect me because of what we have done as a team and my play for Team USA. But a new assistant, several new starters and a weak draft? Check please.

DeAndre Liggins, Kentucky -- Everyone says I can be a Bruce Bowen type, but Chris Singleton seems to be the top guy with that rep. The guys I have checked the past two years in practice alone should have prepared me for the league, but UK has Marquis Teague, who is a better passer than Brandon Knight, coming in. There are even more young bucks to go along with me and Doron Lamb, and I know Cal is going to let me lead if I come back. Man, I am really torn.

Kevin Jones, West Virginia Mountaineers -- If only I could have declared in the preseason when I was a first-team all-Big East pick. I did start to ball late in the year and I am probably a better NBA player than college player. We have this freshman, Jabarie Hinds, coming in who is supposed to be a scoring point guard and Gary Browne, who is supposed to be decent as well. The Big East should be down next year and I could put up huge numbers, plus Huggins' guys have done well when they come back for another year, right?

Orlando Johnson, UC Santa Barbara Gauchos -- I had a very good year despite the fact that my team did not win our regular-season title. We did win our tourney and I had 21 points against Florida, but I think I will go back to Isla Vista, have a Freebirds Burrito, and top the 2,000-point barrier for the Gauchos in my career. All these other guys wish they got to live at the beach. I already do.

Reggie Jackson, Boston College Eagles -- What more could they possibly want to see from me? Everyone knows I can score and this year I got to run a team. Look at my stats versus Kemba Walker and imagine if we played faster at BC. I think I might stay in this thing after all.

Scotty Hopson, Tennessee -- This is crazy, I was a McDonalds All-American, went to the Elite Eight in 2010 and had some big games in the SEC this year, yet I am getting no love in the draft. Cuonzo Martin seems cool, but with T-Harris about to go pro and potential probation from the NCAA, I think I may need to take my high-top fade to the next level. Let me go take some jumpers so that I can prove I really can shoot.

Gus Gilchrest, South Florida Bulls -- Maybe if I don't play but just walk around the gym, shoot some jumpers and run in layup lines I will get taken. I definitely look the part of an NBA player. I mean, the guy at the airport asked me what NBA team I play for, then I told him USF and he asked me what conference we were in. I told him and he doesn't believe me. Anyway, I think I should stay in the draft though, right? I am long, athletic and have upside.

Ashton Gibbs, Pittsburgh Panthers -- This is a tough call, because I can go back to Pitt, put up numbers, win the Big East and then lose in the Sweet 16. That everyone knows. Or I can take a shot at the draft in a down year. I mean, I am guaranteed to win 30 games if I go back, but you know, the more you go back, the more they question you. Maybe I could shoot more and have a Jimmer-like year and then they would take me higher.

Kim English, Missouri -- If I can just get into some workouts I know I can kill, because everyone thinks I have the skill to play in the league. But I have to make sure they do not get any of our game film from this year. I just did not have a great year or even really a good year, but I have no idea what playing for Frank Haith may entail. Heck, he might actually make us play defense and take good shots. I think I will go back with Bowers since the Big 12 should be way down and very young and we have essentially everyone back.

Troy Gillenwater, New Mexico State Aggies -- I know I am not an NBA player per se, but even still, I can get paid overseas as an undersized scoring machine down low. Buh-bye.

Kid That's Lifeless · Post by **Kid That's Lifeless** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 3:03 pm

This year's draft is fucking awful. Half of those players are going to be playing somewhere that borders the Baltic Sea within 3 years.

Reason · Post by **Reason** » Fri Apr 29, 2011 2:21 am

God's Gift Achiuwa chooses St. John's
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By Kieran Darcy
ESPNNewYork.com
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God's Gift Achiuwa, the latest St. John's hoops player.
St. John's coach Steve Lavin has to hope his newest recruit is as impressive on the basketball court as his name.
God's Gift Achiuwa -- a 6-foot-9 power forward and first-team juco All-American from Erie (N.Y.) Community College -- is the ninth player to commit to the Red Storm for next season. St. John's has the No. 3-ranked recruiting class, according to ESPN Insider's top 25.

The Nigerian native, whose father is a minister, chose St. John's over Washington and Cincinnati.

"I am excited to come to St. John's and New York City. I really like the coaching staff and the way St. John's plays. They are a running team and that's what I like, fast paced basketball," Achiuwa said. "I also like the winning tradition of the new coaching staff. They came into the St. John's program and turned things around in less than a year. I think that's a good indication that the program is on its way back."

Achiuwa averaged 22.3 points, 13.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks for Erie last season and adds some much-needed size to the wing-heavy recruiting class. He will have two years of eligibility with the Red Storm.

Red Storm Central
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St. John's home

"Gift is a talented frontline player who possesses tremendous size, strength, speed and skill," Lavin said. "He is an ideal fit for our baseline-to-baseline attacking style of play."

God's Gift (20) is the third of six children born to Eunice and Donatus Achiuwa of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He has one older brother, Promise, and two younger brothers, God's Will and Precious. He also has one older sister, Grace, and one younger sister, Peace.

you know how i love names

wheels · Post by **wheels** » Sun May 01, 2011 12:44 pm

A name like that sets the bar impossibly high. What if you're a mediocre ball player? The implication would then be that god gave you a shitty present.

Big Breeze · Post by **Big Breeze** » Tue May 03, 2011 2:18 pm

INDIANAPOLIS -- College basketball players will have less time to decide whether to stay in the NBA draft and college football players will be spending more time in the classroom.

The NCAA's Board of Directors adopted changes Thursday that will take effect next season and could have a significant impact on those in the two highest-profile college sports.

Football players could be suspended for up to four games, starting in 2012, if they fail to earn at least nine credit hours in the fall semester -- or eight on a quarterly system.

Basketball players must decide before the first day of the spring signing period, typically mid-April, to pull out of the draft and retain their college eligibility. This year, players have until May 8 to withdraw from the draft.

"For players, I just don't see how that helps them a whole lot," Butler forward Matt Howard said Thursday during a shootaround at Hinkle Fieldhouse. "It almost makes it pointless to put your name out and not sign with an agent."

The legislation wasn't intended to help players.

Coaches wanted the earlier date so they could find replacements for those making an early jump to the NBA.

Yet it's the players who could pay the steepest price.

By mid-April, NBA camps have barely begun and teams haven't started holding individual workouts. That gives players like Howard's teammate, Shelvin Mack, little chance of gathering up-to-date information before making a decision. Mack decided to forgo his final college season April 12 but did not hire an agent, making him eligible to return for his senior year.

Mack is in a tricky predicament. Some believe he's a borderline first-round pick, so he's continued to work out with his college teammates while he pursues a pro career.

The missed workouts could make things even tougher for NBA teams, too.

"It always affects it," said Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird. "There's some young men I thought were definitely going to be in the draft and they didn't even apply for it. There's one of them that pulled out that I was going to take. So it affects everything we do."

Some NBA players do not believe an earlier date will change anybody's mind.

"Once I realized my opportunity and where I could possibly be drafted, I pretty much had made up my mind," Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley said Thursday. "I had an opportunity to go, and I was going to take it."

Conley left Ohio State after his freshman season.

Howard, a senior and a two-time NCAA Elite 88 Award winner, doesn't buy it. Howard won the award for having the highest GPA of any player at each of the past two Final Fours.

"There's a lot of guys who would not entertain it [leaving early] and a lot that would, if they do entertain it, are going to sign with an agent immediately," he said.

Committee members did not take questions about the new rule, which was announced in the final line of a news release.

That's not the only change coming to college sports.

The NCAA will force football players to take more classes in the fall session. It wants to limit the practice of football players taking fewer hours during the season and then loading up on extra classes in the spring and summer to retain their eligibility.

Players who fail to meet the minimum requirements can reduce the suspension to two games if they earn 27 hours in a school year on a semester system or 40 on a quarterly system. But players will only be able to get the reduction once during their college career.

The board also approved a temporary moratorium on the Division I certification process.

In January, NCAA president Mark Emmert asked his staff to review the certification process, which costs nearly $300,000 per school and requires approximately 400 hours of on-campus work. Schools currently going through the process will not be affected by the moratorium.

The board decided to add one new position to the infractions committee staff. The person would assist those who coordinate appeals, and the board has asked the enforcement staff to produce a document that gives schools guidance on cooperating with NCAA investigations.

But it's the new NBA draft rule that will create the most buzz among college athletes.

"I don't know how it can necessarily help a player. It definitely helps the coaches," Howard said. "It's hard for somebody like Coach [Brad] Stevens to have to go out now and recruit a combo guard like Shelvin. But for players, I just don't see how this helps them."

This rule is going to ruin the lives of players who are borderline candidates to enter the NBA. Some will enter and might not get drafted and then they are playing in Estonia instead of flying on chartered flights to the likes of Salt Lake City or Oklahoma City.

From Jay Bilas's Blog:

The NCAA set a new deadline for a college player to withdraw from the NBA draft, declare his loyalty to college basketball and preserve his college eligibility. The new withdrawal deadline is mid-April, just a week or so after the Final Four and two weeks ahead of the NBA requirement for a prospect to declare for the NBA draft. It is also two months prior to the NBA's withdrawal deadline.

For comparison purposes, the "old deadline" (which is barely a year old) is currently May 8, which is still more than a month before the NBA's withdrawal deadline.

Many believe that this new rule (as well as the old rule) is flawed, and they are absolutely correct. The new deadline is clearly not in the best interest of the players and doesn't allow the players sufficient time to gather information in the draft process. Unintended consequences to the rule are sure to follow, and most will hurt the players. Draft decisions and the distractions that accompany them will creep into the college season, agents and runners will take a more active in-season role and mistakes by players are certain to be made -- the same kind of mistakes that prompted the "test the waters" rule in the first place.

Despite the rule's problems and justified criticisms, I have no issue with the NCAA setting a deadline for a player to make a binding decision regarding his professional future. It is entirely reasonable for the NCAA to have a standard for participation, and it is not wrong for the NCAA to expect its players to meet that standard and the consequential deadlines.

What is regrettable, however, is the lack of fundamental principle behind the NCAA's rule. The NCAA's "test the waters" rule is not based upon any foundational belief. It is simply another wild stab at a moving target. And that is the wrong way for the NCAA to approach any issue, let alone a complex one like a kid's decision to declare for the NBA draft. There has to be a better way. And I believe there is one.

The history of the "test the waters" rule demonstrates the NCAA's lack of a fundamental principle or doctrine as a foundation for the rule. For the past 20 years, the NCAA has too often changed and tweaked its rule regarding whether, and how much, college players can "test the waters" of the NBA draft process. Some would argue that the constant and almost arbitrary rule changes demonstrate a lack of caring for the best interests of the college player and that the NCAA is being hypocritical when it claims to put the interests of the student-athlete first, yet limits that student-athlete's ability to make an informed decision. I disagree with that stance.

Mine is a simple question for the NCAA: What is the basic principle upon which your eligibility rules are based concerning the NBA draft? The answer, or lack thereof, is revealing: The NCAA doesn't have one. There is no principle guiding the NCAA on this matter. The NCAA changes its rules regarding the draft almost annually and that clearly reveals that the NCAA doesn't have any foundational standard. Promulgating rules without standards is inappropriate.

The NCAA holds the principle of amateurism as one of its bedrock principles. While I don't agree with the organization's stance on that principle, I respect it. But it is difficult to respect the NCAA's constant shifting and changing of this rule when viewed through the prism of its stance on amateurism.

I have advocated for years a very simple rule for eligibility and the NBA draft, and I believe it to be one of clarity and certainty. And it is based upon principle, not a reactionary rule based upon a shifting landscape. It is also compatible with the NCAA's stance on amateurism: If a college player declares for the NBA draft, he is committing himself to being a professional and thereby renouncing his college eligibility. The decision to enter the NBA draft is a clear and unmistakable declaration of intent to be a professional and eligibility in the amateur endeavor of college basketball should be forfeited. Period.

The rule is clear and so is the principle it's based upon. A player who declares for the NBA draft is fully committing himself mentally, physically and emotionally to becoming a professional. It is the same rule as a college player signing with an agent.

Reasonable minds can differ, but an organization that holds strict amateurism as one of its bedrock principles should not be going back and forth on the professional flirtations of its players. Doing so is simply inconsistent with the NCAA's own policies. Furthermore, the decision to professionalize and the NBA draft is not a matter for the NCAA to micromanage and regulate.

If the NCAA plans to adhere to its antiquated notion of amateurism (a notion with which I disagree entirely), then the declaration for the NBA draft should be an all-or-nothing decision. If a player declares for the draft, he cannot return to college basketball.

Smart people may reasonably differ on the right rule and deadline to "test the waters" regarding draft status and position. But if the rule is based upon the NCAA's guiding principle of amateurism, there should be no debate. It should be easy. The problem isn't the NCAA's deadline -- it is the lack of principle as a basis for the deadline.

Personally, I think there should be a rule that won't let college players declare for the NBA until after their sophmore year or two years out of high school. The skill development in the NBA and college is down because too many players leave to become a professional before they are ready. Some are ready, but most are not. Everybody wins if the college game is more well played and if the NBA game is too. Maturity issues come into play as well because if you fuck up in college, you get a slap on the wrists in most cases. In the NBA, they won't tolerate muthafuckas acting up for too long unless your talent trumps the charges.

wheels · Post by **wheels** » Wed May 04, 2011 12:46 pm

You could make the point that requiring two years out of basketball players would just drive them to leagues overseas. There's got to be a solution that would make playing two years of college ball the best option hands down.

Pay the players. Allow the schools to insure them against career-ending injuries. Something needs to happen and I don't give a shit about the concept of student athletes. It's a farce.

Big Breeze · Post by **Big Breeze** » Thu May 05, 2011 6:42 pm

With Gary Williams retiring from Maryland, that has the potential to be a great job for the person who lands it. The DMV area is a great region to nab recruits. Shaka Smart perhaps? We shall see...

Kid That's Lifeless · Post by **Kid That's Lifeless** » Thu May 05, 2011 8:49 pm

Big Breeze wrote:With Gary Williams retiring from Maryland, that has the potential to be a great job for the person who lands it. The DMV area is a great region to nab recruits. Shaka Smart perhaps? We shall see...

Would make sense. They'd have to throw a ton of money at him because Smart reupped with VCU for the next 8 years and got a big raise if IIRC.

Just read that Gus Johnson left CBS. He's fucking horrible when he does MMA, but I love the dude (nh) when he does college basketball.

wheels · Post by **wheels** » Fri May 06, 2011 1:00 am

He will be missed for sure

uh zip zoom · Post by **uh zip zoom** » Fri May 06, 2011 11:21 am

darius morris officially staying in the draft. so much for contending for the big ten title next season.

looking forward to the two freshmen, burke and brundidge, getting big minutes though.

Big Breeze · Post by **Big Breeze** » Sat May 07, 2011 5:44 pm

Arizona Wildcats coach Sean Miller was scheduled to meet with Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson in Las Vegas on Saturday with Miller's decision expected sometime in the next 24 hours, a source with direct knowledge of the situation told ESPN.com.

The source said Anderson had not formally asked Arizona athletic director Greg Byrne to speak with Miller, but that is more of a formality in today's coaching carousel climate.

Multiple sources said Miller had become the primary target of Anderson after the sudden retirement of 66-year old Gary Williams Thursday.

Multiple sources close to Miller told ESPN.com that Miller has remarked that he has spent all but two years of his life -- the last two as head coach at Arizona -- in the East, making this decision a tough one for him and his family.

The source said that Miller has said in the past that Maryland was one of his dream jobs. Miller and Byrne have spoken a number of times over the past 24 hours as Miller wrestles with the possibility of leaving Arizona. Current UNLV athletic director Jim Livengood hired Miller and signed him to a five-year contract when he was the athletic director at Arizona.

Byrne tweeted on his page Saturday: "Wildcat faithful, please know that we have been and continue to work to keep Sean Miller as our coach. During our conversations Sean is very aware and has been very aware that we want him to be our coach. We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that happens. I hope you have seen our department make a real effort to be transparent and honest. As we are able , we will continue to communicate.''

The source said Miller told Byrne that a decision is not about money since he is already one of the top 10 paid coaches in the country. The decision will be about what his family wants to do in moving East.

"He's looking at Maryland from a recruiting standpoint of how you can get the flood gates to open up there if you did it the right way and then compete for Final Fours yearly,'' said the source with direct knowledge. "But he also has Arizona at a level now where there isn't as much competition for players [out West], where the Pac-12 now has a major television commitment, where he could stay there for 20 years. So it comes down to what his family wants to do. That's why he could talk to Maryland and not go.''

But a number of sources close to Miller won't be surprised if he leaves Arizona after just two seasons. He is not invested as much in Tucson since he recently arrived. Miller turned down an overture from N.C. State last month but Maryland is considered a much better job, a position that could be argued that is in the top 10-15 in the country.

Miller was in Las Vegas on Saturday afternoon for a Nike basketball clinic after hosting top five 2013 player Chris Thomas in Tucson on Friday. He was due to return to Tucson Saturday night.

The source said that Miller, who is from Western Pennsylvania, played at Pitt and had a successful run at Xavier, owed it to himself to listen to Maryland's pitch.

This season, Miller led the Wildcats to the Elite Eight and a last possession loss to Connecticut in Anaheim after the Wildcats upset Texas and Duke. Arizona won the Pac-10 regular-season title. He was named the Pac-10 coach of the year.

Miller was head coach at Xavier from 2004-09 and led the Musketeers to the Sweet 16 in 2009 and the Elite Eight in 2008. Miller is a combined 166-70 in five seasons at Xavier and two at Arizona.

AZCentral.com reported that Miller earned $1.6 million last year from Arizona, $400,000 from Nike and IMG and another $235,000 in performance bonuses. The site reported that Miller's buyout is only $500,000 if he leaves before his fifth season in Arizona. That figure is more than manageable for a school to help offset, rather than in the millions.

Arizona is losing its top player off the Elite Eight team in sophomore Derrick Williams. Williams is expected to be a top three pick in this year's NBA draft. But the Wildcats return the core of their team and have the No. 7 recruiting class in the country, according to ESPNU's top 100 rankings. Two of the key members of the recruiting class are the No. 3-rated point guard in Josiah Turner, from Quality Education Academy (N.C.) and the No. 5 shooting guard Nick Johnson out of Findlay College Prep (Nev.).

If Miller were to bite at a possible Maryland offer then Arizona would be looking at its fourth coach in five seasons after Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson's last full season as coach. Olson was followed by two interim coaches in Kevin O'Neill and Russ Pennell before Miller arrived.

Memphis coach Josh Pastner, an Arizona alumnus and one-time assistant coach, would become one of the major candidates to replace Miller if this were to occur. But a source said Byrne would look at a national search for such a high-profile position.

I don't have any inside information, but my hunch says that he takes the job with the Terps. This would be a major blow for Zona. Coaching dominoes could be falling left and right if Miller takes this job. Zona is a great job in its own right and is probably the best job in the west, even ahead of UCLA.

Shabazz Muhammad is in Tucson this weekend on an unofficial visit to find out if he wants to play there in 2012-2013. Grant Jerrett who is a 6'9'' stretch 4 from the LA area and is a top 10 prospect has verbaled to U of A a while back. If Miller goes, all the hard work he's put into the program goes out the window and may cause players to get out of their LOI or decommit from their verbals.

Big Breeze · Post by **Big Breeze** » Sun May 08, 2011 3:15 am

Just read that Miller is about to ink an extension to stay at U of A. Good for him and good for the Pac-12. The Wildcats are on the rise, and it looks like Miller wants to to bask in the desert some more before he bails back to the east coast.

In other news:

Reggie Jackson from BC will stay in the draft.

Terrence Jones is going to stay at UK

Ashton Gibbs will do the same at Pitt.

Tu Holloway will remain at Xavier.

Big Reggie Johnson will play for the U next year instead of playing in Russia.

Only surprise on the list above is TJ. Thought he would have took his game to the next level. He has been projected as a lottery pick or mid-1st round at the worst. I believe his stock could plummet next year and I'm not sure what his role will be on the team with the new freshmen coming in. Maybe he's concerned about the lockout situation or he's not confident in his game yet to play at the next level. He started out well but kind of got exposed as being slightly overrated by the time the season ended. Hopefully he'll end up okay though.

UNC vs UK at Rupp is going to be a sick game in the fall. I think KTL said that you have to be a MDAA to get on the court. That might hold true.

There are going to be a gang of fools who will be making the, ":naswtf: did he do that decision for?" by remaining in the draft. Players have to withdraw by midnight Sunday EST if they want to maintain their college eligiblity. If some of them don't come to their senses, they will regret their choice for the rest of their lives. Should be entertaining nonetheless. Out.

Kid That's Lifeless · Post by **Kid That's Lifeless** » Sun May 08, 2011 3:25 pm

I think all five of those players are making the right decision, even though I'm not that high on Jackson but he's probably in the late first right now. I like Terrence Jones, but I don't think his stock is going to go down unless he has a horrible year (he was probably in the 9-14 range this year, don't see that changing) and he has areas of his game that can be worked out in college (better shooting and learning how to drive both ways, off the top of my head).

I've liked Sean Miller since he was at Xavier and I'm glad he's staying at Arizona. He keeps recruiting like he has been and the other Pac-12 schools step their games up too, the Pac-12 could get back in the argument of second best conference in college.

Most of the Big East guys, besides Kemba, on that early entrant list Breeze posted are making a big mistake if they stay in the draft (Kevin Jones should've declared last year as his stock took a huge hit after this year, imo).

And yeah, I was the one who said that about next years Cats/Heels game. Game is going to be retardedly awesome.

wheels · Post by **wheels** » Sun May 08, 2011 4:01 pm

Let's go^

Shouldn't be too difficult to get tickets