Who's In, Who's Out?

I hope thats a good thing

Last year, I never really thought there was much chance of KD staying. Sure, maybe I tricked myself into hoping. But let's face it - he was too hot of an NBA commodity to stay.

In years past, there have been a couple of Rick's kids who left early and surprised me: Gibson and P.J. Tucker. In both cases, I thought they would benefit from more time at Texas. In one case, I was definitely right (Tucker).

In this case, I'm really, really, really hoping that D.J. stays - despite what he's already told KD. (Interview in December, Durant said DJ already made the decision to leave.) Couple of reasons:

1. DJ would improve. He got a little exposed against Memphis. Yes, he's already amazing. But he needs some more work to handle the bigger guards. He's got to make up for his smaller size with incredible skill.

2. If DJ stays, James will stay.

3. With KD, yes, the team would have been great. But last year, I really couldn't "see" how great. WOW, imagine returning this year's starting five. We KNOW what they can do ... and with a stronger bench. Just WOW.

Here's hoping ...

Including this assessment from Jay Bilas, fwiw:

ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas said Augustin should return to Texas.

"I think D.J. needs to work on his defense," Bilas said Monday. "I think he could really benefit from another year in college because he'll improve his own game and probably improve his draft stock."

Here's the full article.

I'm very interested in seeing what the Jayhawks on that list do.  I think that if 2 of the "50-50" guys go, the other will, too.  But if all go, it really opens things up in the Big 12 for next season.  We might need to root for KU to win it all so they don't come back next season with the idea of "unfinished business".

And I really hope Griffin goes.  He reminds me of Bookout, only he's good.  I don't know where he stands now, but I think one more year in school assures him of a top 10 spot next year.