Sources: Tristan Thompson To the NBA
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Apr 21, 2011 12:18 PM CDT
in Texas Longhorns Basketball
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Thursday afternoon, Statesmen hoops writer Mark Rosner tweeted that a source close to Texas forward Tristan Thompson's family and an NBA scout told him that Thompson will enter the NBA draft.
A tweet from Thompson several days ago talked about finishing a paper, so he's still involved in passing his classes at Texas, which is a good sign for the Longhorns, but it sounds like Thompson may not return for his sophomore season to play with long-time friend Myck Kabongo.
Obviously, if Thompson does leave it would be a major hit to the Texas frontcourt, which would consist of Alexis Wangmene, Clint Chapman and freshmen Jonathan Holmes and Kevin Thomas.
For all the criticism of Rick Barnes over the years, players leaving early for the NBA has played as large a role in the lack of Final Four appearances as anything else. And it looks increasingly like 2011-12 won't be the season that the Longhorns finally catch a break.
With Thompson, Texas is a contender. Without him, not so much.
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I repeat:
http://www.nooooooooooooooo.com/
Twitter: @KellynWieland
by Kellyn W on Apr 21, 2011 12:20 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Sucks doesn't it?
Every spectacular play TT made last season hurt as much as it made me happy.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
www.burntorangenation.com
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Apr 21, 2011 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Its hard not to blame the man
With all the big time prospects coming back he is basically assured of a top 10 pick. I don’t think he is guaranteed that next year .
C'mon
Deep down each and every one of us knew this was coming. Let’s not lie to ourselves.
- follow me @ http:/twitter.com/TXStampede
Actually, no.
Many of us saw it as common sense that he’d want to play one year with Myck Kabongo. They’ve been talking about how they’re all going to play together for the longest time.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
helloooooo small ball, Mr. Rick Barnes
Guess we gotta go with the 3 guard starting rotation (brown, kabongo, joseph)?
Probably so.
No guarantee that Joseph will be back either, though.
Texas answered questions about being able to rebound effectively after losing Damion James and Dexter Pittman, but this is going to be a serious problem. Chapman hasn’t been good so far in his career, so Holmes and Thomas better come in ready to hit the glass. Don’t forget that Jordan Hamilton stepped up in a major way last season to help alleviate those rebounding concerns, too.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
www.burntorangenation.com
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Apr 21, 2011 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
With a 3 guard offense
and I think that’s a given now, the guards will have to hit the glass, too. I think we’ll be okay rebounding, points in the paint is where we’ll get killed next year, even if both frosh come through. Picture Perry Jones versus Clint Chapman or Lexi.
We have a 12th man and he's Bryan Harsin
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Apr 21, 2011 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Can someone who follows BB recruiting fill me in on the average college tenure of Findlay prep grads?
I would guess most go pro early, at least of those who have the option.
proud to swim home
Off the top of my head.
Class of 2009:
Avery Bradley, one year
DJ Richardson, two years and counting
Carlos Lopez, two years and counting
Class of 2010
Tristan Thompson, probably one year
Godwin Okonji, probably four years
Cory Joseph, unknown
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Apr 21, 2011 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks.
Don’t know anything about Findlay before Bradley, really.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Apr 21, 2011 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Many thanks
Granted, the sample size is too tiny to declare a trend, but so far we’re looking at 1/3 for a one and done and batting 1.000 for the top graduate to be a one and done.
proud to swim home
by learned hand on Apr 21, 2011 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions
i hate this about college bball
there really needs to be a 2 year minimum in college. and, i just don’t understand how north carolina or duke seems to return their players almost every year while we’re plagued with one-and-dones.
by longhornricky on Apr 21, 2011 1:02 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Rings
Coach K has multiple rings and Coach Williams has one ring.
Who are you?!
I'm Kick Ass!
by TexasGarcia37 on Apr 21, 2011 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep
The commitment is different. Players go to UNC and Duke to play for championships. They come here to go one-and-done.
We have a 12th man and he's Bryan Harsin
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Apr 21, 2011 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Coach Williams has two rings.
Do not be distracted by what you see, but be transformed by what you believe.
May have something to do with who they are recruiting.
Maybe Barnes is satisfied with recruiting players who are likely one-and-dones even before they arrive at the 40 Acres. He can definitely put a good product on the floor every year that way. But will the product ever be great (that is, national championship caliber)? IDK.
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Apr 21, 2011 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Just got on someone on Twitter about this.
So last year the problem was that Barnes wasn’t recruiting program players as well as he did before and now the problem is that he’s recruiting too many studs? I just don’t buy this.
First of all, basketball recruiting is much different than football recruiting. Few scholarships, many more offers. I think the staff probably does intentionally target some guys who they know will be in the program for a while, but are they not supposed to pursue the star players because they might leave early?
And anyway, Thompson committed as a sophomore. A raw sophomore. Where was the assurance that Thompson would even develop enough to be a lottery pick after a year?
I just don’t buy this line of argument. You recruit the best players possible, put some good role players around them, and hope that you get lucky. That last part is key — it takes a lot of luck to win six straight games in the tournament.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Apr 21, 2011 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions
It's not one-and-dones that are the problem.
Texas hasn’t had too many of those. In recent years, only Kevin Durant and now possibly Thompson. More about guys like PJ Tucker or Daniel Gibson leaving early that have hurt the team’s ability to contend. And TJ Ford, of course, who was encouraged by Barnes to leave.
Duke and North Carolina have had their share of early defections, too, those programs are aided by being at a level where recruiting has a better chance of replacing those guys. Texas is getting close, but isn’t there.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Apr 21, 2011 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Commitment is the problem
Avery Bradley was the poster boy of our one-and-dones. We’ve had a few two-and-dones. I think people would like to see them hang around until after their junior years like they do some other places.
Barnes’ biggest selling point is players in the NBA. We need trophies to pull in guys who have legitimate championship aspirations.
We have a 12th man and he's Bryan Harsin
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Apr 21, 2011 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Forgot about Bradley somehow.
If players are good enough to play in the NBA, especially to receive guaranteed contracts in the first round and pretty serious money in the lottery, why should they give up millions of dollars to stay in college? If they stay in college, that second big contract is another year away and they wasted a prime year of earning potential. It’s great to talk about how they should be altruistic and want to win championships, but we’re talking about millions of dollars. The type of money that can change the way that they and their family lives the rest of their lives.
Let’s face it, college basketball fans want players to stay in college for selfish reasons. If college basketball fans are only looking out for themselves, how can they blame players that are doing the same thing?
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Apr 21, 2011 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
well said. + 1 millionfinity
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
by HookTech on Apr 21, 2011 5:15 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree with this, up to a point
It really matters where you are likely to go in the draft, and if you can realistically move up by staying an extra year. Because of the NBA salary system, you can make a lot more if you move up. Moving from slot 20 to slot 15 works out to be almost an extra $300,000 per season. Moving from 15 to 10 is $500,000 per season.
Your other point (about us wanting these guys to stay for selfish reasons) I totally agree with. I just wonder if TT was to stay, if he could move himself up into the top 5-10 range. (Top 5 spots get the big money.)
Of all the Texas guys who have gone to the NBA, the only one that I can think of that hurt their draft position by staying from Daniel Gibson. If he had come out after his Freshman year, they were talking like he would be a fringe lotto guy. He ended up in the 2nd round after staying the extra year. (Although I recall hearing that he wouldn’t work out for many teams before the draft, as he wanted to be a Cav. So I guess he got what he wanted.)
Not blaming the players
I would do the same thing, I think most everyone would. I’m saying that I think we’re perceived as more of an NBA pipeline than a championship contender and that might be a factor to the guys that go to the power schools and stay a little longer working for a championship, guys like Jared Sullinger. You go to UNC, Duke and Kansas to win a championship. You go to Texas to get prepped for the NBA.
The AB’s and JHams have not helped us to a championship, not even a Big 12 championship. I’m not saying it’s wrong to use Texas as a one or two year stop, I’m saying it’s wrong for Texas. Perhaps it’s just Barnes’ luck of the draw and not a trend but I truly believe that we won’t win a championship until we have players who are committed to that goal. When the stars are one or two true freshmen and sophs every year what you end up with is talent but not enough execution to win anything. And no depth the following year.
Barnes has been a victim of his own good recruiting but I think the incoming class next year has a chance to be a solid core for the next four years. I don’t see anybody who’s one or even two and done in next year’s class except for maybe Kabongo and I think Barnes is already looking for Myck’s replacements at PG so maybe down the road we’ll have a cohesive team with some real experience.
We have a 12th man and he's Bryan Harsin
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Apr 21, 2011 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Its the system.
I have no problem with TT or anyone else leaving for the $$ or dreams or both. I also fully support Barnes and what he has done at Texas. But…this is getting really old and very frustrating!! NBA rule sucks!! I really would like to see a NC banner for mens bball hanging at Texas in my lifetime.
Perhaps Duke recruits tend to be the type of player that values college over money.
That may be because they tend to be wealthier and thus don’t need the money.
There’s also the possibility that being the big man on campus at Duke or UNC is a bigger draw than being a basketball player at UT (who is not going to have fans all over him because they’re generally more interested in the football team).
Quick list of recent Duke players who left after their 1st or 2nd year
Kyrie Irving (I think he is leaving, has he declared?)
Josh McRoberts
Luol Deng
Elton Brand
William Avery
Corey Maggette
I may be missing a few. Duke has had it share of 1 and 2 year players.
Interrupting the pain for a minute...
Has anyone else thought that the reason that Barnes recruits so well is that incoming players know he’s not going to go all BobStoopsie on them and lie to them to get them to stay? Integrity matters.
Greg Davis haikus; a lot like his offenses; always go sideways.
by pleaseplaykindle on Apr 21, 2011 1:57 PM CDT reply actions
I think this is a good point
Barnes gets guys to the NBA. And when they are ready to go, he fully supports them.
by Reggieball on Apr 21, 2011 5:57 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
TT
I know Tristan had a great year with us, but will he really have that succesul year in the NBA. He lacks a jump shot which he needs to develop, and he is not the tallest player at 6’ 8". I just do not think he is a ready for the pros and staying one year could help him develop his game more offensively. Also, his free throw percentage does not help.
Look at Avery Bradley he only played 31 games and averaged 5.1 minutes. I do not see the point of leaving to go to the pros if you are not going to play. Honestly, on most teams Thompson will not see that much playing time, and how will they help him develop. Playing one more year at UT would only benefit Thompson especially if he could develop a jump shot.
by Anthony Mannino on Apr 21, 2011 2:14 PM CDT reply actions
there is a good point here...
tough to develop when you are on the bench…..practice will only go so far when you have limited live action in the NBA.
Tristan’s lack of outside shot will be his biggest issue in transitioning to the next level. Without it, he will be nothing more than a backup or role player with limited minutes.
That's the key: what matters to the player
If a player wants to bank on developing into a star, then maybe getting more PT and sitting less time in the NBA makes sense. But financial security is awfully tempting, and if a kid can get it at 19-20yrs. old, it’s hard to choose not do grab it, even if it makes it harder to develop into that big star down the road.
When the world slips you a jeffrey, stroke the furry wall.
by burntorangehorn on Apr 21, 2011 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Yea but
I know money and a guaranteed contract is nice, but is he sacrificing more money by not staying one more year. Like you said he will be nothing but a bench player if he does not develop a jump shot. If he stays one more year and improved on his shooting couldn’t he be a top 5 draft pick. He is already strong around the basket and is an excellent shot blocker. Also, after another year under Barnes his D will only improve.
He may make money now, but for the future is this the best thing for Tristan’s game. Everyone has talked about how great he is (which I agree with), but after one more year he could be even better. Think of playing in the summer and learning from Lamarcus Aldridge. He is a big guy with a nice jumper.
by Anthony Mannino on Apr 21, 2011 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Trips thinks he isn't sacrificing more money
This draft class is weak and scouts could seriously ding him if he doesn’t improve jumper, free-throw shooting, which are both improved by a huge number of repetitions, mostly off the court. He’ll have more time for that in the NBA.
Aldridge didn’t have to develop his jumper as much as Thompson will have to — he came to Texas with a great touch.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Apr 21, 2011 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Re: $$
Another thing to consider is that NBA players don’t make the big bucks until their second contract anyway, so in essence you are discounting your potential earnings an extra year by staying in school. That second contract $$ and terms is not going to change whether Thompson declared this year or next.
That could change
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
Will TT ever be an NBA all-star? Probably not unless he dramatically improves his offensive game
Still, I disagree with the notion that he won’t be successful in the NBA. 6’8" with that kind of wingspan, that kind of athletic ability, and that kind of speed for a guy of his size is a pretty rare commodity in the NBA.
I can’t come up with any NBA player comparisons to TT at the moment, but he will be successful because of his defense and rebounding ability. Offensively, it would be beneficial if he was on a team that plays at a fast tempo.
by goingforthecorner on Apr 21, 2011 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions
plus from all accounts he works his arse off...
hard to go wrong with a guy with talent, drive, and a tremendous work ethic!
He's a borderline lottery pick (and a likely lottery pick)...there's no reason he should go.
He’s already a lottery pick despite the deficiencies you point out in his game. There’s no guarantee he’ll be a lottery pick next year even though it’s likely. His time to go is now.
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
I totally agree
if TT is going because of financial reasons and he feels that he can make more money in this weak draft class, I have no problem with that. Everyone’s financial situation is different and its hard to turn down millions of dollars. But if he is actually expecting to contribute at all in his first couple years he is sorely mistaken. He is way too undersized to play the 4 in the nba and unless he develops somewhat of a perimeter game I’m afraid he is going to be stuck riding the bench. I guess i just don’t understand the logic. He could be great, why would he settle for being some glen davis, energy bench guy who plays 10 minutes a game, because that is what he is headed for.
The NBA is a skill set oriented league, your role is defined by what you can do based on physical attributes, talent and skil; yes work ethic and heart matters but no matter what you do you’re not turning DJ white into gerald wallace or suddenly getting mike bibby to play denfese. If you’re a guy at the end of the bench for a team then you don’t get a lot of team practise time and you spend long hours by yourself trying to develop you’re skills to improve. If he were to come back for another year, he gets that same time to develop, plus he is playing within the team concept and polishing his skills by being able to test his improving skills against other players in games, which he won’t be able to do while sitting on the bench. The coaches would focus on him and help him improve. If he improves who is to say he can’t be a lottery pick again and he would go into the NBA being able to contribute and get meaningful minutes. I watched him this year and was amazed by the possibilities of his future and i really don;t want to see him squander it.
by CanadianHorn on Apr 21, 2011 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
That's one way to look at it but why not look at the risk he takes if he comes back?
What if he doesn’t get better? What if he’s the same player as this year and teams then don’t believe in his potential? Remember, there’s a whole new crop of players coming in as freshmen and there’s those returning freshmen as well that he will be compared against.
Sure he can play with a good friend in Myck next year, possibly win a NCAA championship and possibly go higher but then with your argument, he should stay all four years and try to at least win the championship once during all his eligible years and then leave after his fourth year when he’s the most skilled player he can be in college.
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
that's wasn't my argument at all
i never said that he should stay 4 years, i simply want him to go when he has a skill set that will not result in him riding the bench for his career. It’s easier to gain confidence in oyur game in college and if he goes into the NBA unprepared and gets crushed then that really hurts your development.
There is always the possibility that somone will not improve, but with the work ethic that he showed this year i would seriously doubt it. If he didn’t improve he would have missed out on a chance to make more money, so i guess he have to weigh what matters more to him as a player. Is it scoring a good rookie contract and taking a harder route to develop his skills or is it coming back for another year, taking an easier route to develop his skills and being a better player and would make the same money, while also weighing the possibility of not improving and hurting your future income. If I’m in his spot, I’m coming back and getting better because i would hate to be stuck on the bench at all, but he is the one with the decision to make not me, so i guess we’ ll see.
by CanadianHorn on Apr 21, 2011 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions
You're right. I confused other people's arguements with yours.
Anyways, he can still improve in the NBA against better competition while getting paid. Just because he might not play right away, doesn’t mean he won’t develop into a good player. I agree that there is some value in playing basketball every day and that riding the bench doesn’t really develop a player, but perhaps that will push him to work harder and get better.
Not many rookies come in as instant starters….especially big men. Not many big men log good playing minutes either. He’s 20 yrs old. He’ll probably need 2-3 years to develop his body and skillset before he becomes a real contributor. He’ll get there someday.
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
thank you and i agree that he could develop in the nba
it is just much harder to do that when your not getting to test your progress consistently. It just seems that in college it would be easier than in the nba because he gets added confidence because he gets to see results. I hope that everything turns out well for him no matter the situation and i hope you’re right that he could develop into a contributor after couple years in the nba.
by CanadianHorn on Apr 21, 2011 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions
TT is a "tall" 6'8"
He plays much taller than his height. I haven’t seen the numbers, but I would guess that he has very long arms. Guys his size who play hard on defense can have very good careers.
Bradley is more worrisome. He needs to be able to hit the three. Even then, he doesn’t really have a position in the NBA. 180 lb defensive stoppers don’t really exist.
by Reggieball on Apr 21, 2011 6:03 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
This pretty much sums up my feelings on the matter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahp-AmJFpb8
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
I'm tired to people saying they can't blame them.
I can and I do. They know what they’re doing is selfish and wrong.
We’ll never freaking win at Texas. I hope this report is false.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
hyperbole?
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Apr 21, 2011 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
No.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
double hyperbole?
Greg Davis haikus; a lot like his offenses; always go sideways.
by pleaseplaykindle on Apr 21, 2011 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
PPK created a slight breach of etiquette by skipping the triple hyperbole and going right for the throat.
When the world slips you a jeffrey, stroke the furry wall.
by burntorangehorn on Apr 21, 2011 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I think it's selfish and wrong for us to think we have any legitimate claim on their lives.
College athletics is not indentured servitude.
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
You're just not a true fan, HT!
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Apr 21, 2011 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions
You've been on here more often lately. What gives?
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Apr 21, 2011 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Finally got things stabilized with the job. and bored.
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
I think fans have a right to expect a certain level of decency.
The NBA limits should be moved up to 2 years.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
expect-->hope for; decency-->loyalty
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
by HookTech on Apr 21, 2011 4:15 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Right? Absolutely not.
You very much do NOT have the right to expect that players do you want them to do.
Fail.
Greg Davis haikus; a lot like his offenses; always go sideways.
by pleaseplaykindle on Apr 21, 2011 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
What?
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
honest question...
If you were someone whose best income potential lies in an ability that could be taken away by a bad knee injury (not too uncommon), would you have a different perspective on this?
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
by HookTech on Apr 21, 2011 4:28 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
There is nothing indecent about pursuing your dream
Get over yourself.
the man, the myth, the legend.
Twitter: @jyarbrough
It's indecent when people use you.
We are not an NBA team. We have a right to worry about our own interests.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
So let me get this straight:
You think that Kevin Durant, Tristan Thompson, Vince Young, Jamaal Charles, etc. all were just using the University of Texas, because they went pro early?
Well, they may have seen UT as an avenue toward their goals, sure, but so do most engineering, humanities, and computer science students. But let’s not act like the university isn’t also receiving some benefit from guys like that, because it absolutely is. I’m pretty sure having Kevin Durant come in and win the top award in college basketball didn’t just help Kevin Durant; Texas made hay too.
When the world slips you a jeffrey, stroke the furry wall.
by burntorangehorn on Apr 22, 2011 12:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Would you have left college after your freshman year if someone gave you a $1 million contract?
I think you would have.
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
But it would have been selfish and wrong.
Greg Davis haikus; a lot like his offenses; always go sideways.
by pleaseplaykindle on Apr 21, 2011 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Not if I could win a championship and get the same money next year.
Or more money.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
There's no guarantee for anything. Yeah the team will be good, but no one had Butler or VCU in the Final Four this year and they made it.
Either you take the contract now or we’ll look at you for another year and then decide if we want you again…..
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
If I'm confident in my game, then I have nothing to worry about.
My game’s not going to disappear in the span of a year. You can leave early, that’s fine, but at least legitimately try to win on this level.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
He's also confident he can make it in the NBA and excel.
He’s ready for some new competition. The kid works hard to compete. I never doubted his work ethic when I watched him play at Texas and I have no reason to doubt (except maybe his FT shooting) that he’ll excel at NBA and reach his upside. Is his upside an all-star level player? I don’t know. But he’ll be fine.
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
But you totally disregard the idea that there are things to accomplish on the college level.
Winning a national championship is a worthwhile goal. I guess he didn’t have that written on his mirror.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
I'll bite.
Winning a national championship is a worthwhile goal. I guess he didn’t have that written on his mirror.
He didn’t. You do. Opinions differ.
Move on.
(I think I just wrote a poem).
Greg Davis haikus; a lot like his offenses; always go sideways.
by pleaseplaykindle on Apr 21, 2011 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm sure it was a goal of his and he probably didn't think before the season that he would be a one and done player.
But the fact is, some goals are higher up on the list than others. He’s played basketball his whole life to make it to the NBA. I’m sure he’s a bit disappointed that he won’t have a shot at a NCAA championship but now he can focus on contributing to a team to win a NBA world championship. It doesn’t take back that he’s been one of the most successful freshman for the Texas Longhorns.
He’s about to reach his ultimate goal and that is to play in the NBA. Not many people get this chance. He has to go since he’s a projected lottery pick.
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
If Harrison Barnes stayed, he can stay.
That is all.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
You're making bad arguments and you know it.
You are approaching Beergut-levels of insanity. Come back to the good side.
Greg Davis haikus; a lot like his offenses; always go sideways.
by pleaseplaykindle on Apr 21, 2011 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Barnes was a top 5 pick LOCK. He should have came out. Same with Sullinger.
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
i agree
although sullinger needed to come out more than barnes, barnes has much more upside and will still be a top 5/ top 10 pick next year. I don’t think sullinger is even top 10 next year because he is going to be compared against a legitimate draft class unlike this year
by CanadianHorn on Apr 21, 2011 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions
But, yet, he didn't. Why?
That’s my whole point.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
It's almost sounding like people don't WANT these players to play college basketball.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
I don't know. Maybe he wants to be the #1 pick?
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
No, he wants to win a national championship
because winning a national championship is a worthwhile goal.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
"My game's not going to disappear in the span of a year"
So career ending injuries have never happened?
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
by HookTech on Apr 21, 2011 5:02 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
They're very uncommon.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
almost as uncommon as opportunities to get paid a million dollars or more to play basketball.
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
Uh, no, that's much more common.
Happens to dozens of guys every year.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
I was using the general populace as the general reference point.
Not college basketball players
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
If you want to live in a country where you don't have the right to offer your talents to the highest bidder
then move to Burma. They’d be perfectly happy to tell you what you can do and how much you can get paid for it.
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
Just because you have the right to do something
doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do and that there shouldn’t be any backlash over doing it. You have the right to protest soldiers’ funerals. But you probably wouldn’t, for various reasons.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
this is totally different
We’re talking about someone’s livelihood not strongly held opinions and freedom to express them. How can you compare your disappointment as a fan to a family grieving over a lost soldier in a debate about principles. Nowhere near the impact.
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
by HookTech on Apr 21, 2011 4:44 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
We've fought pretty nasty wars to protect people's rights to freely market their abilities for a living.
Not so much for freedom of speech.
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
by HookTech on Apr 21, 2011 4:47 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, well, I'm a socialist.
And, frankly, I’m surprised more Texas fans don’t think like me. I mean, we’re from Austin, right?
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
Haha. If you're really a socialist, then it's safe to assume you're not also a historian, right?
This has been a fun debate. I was trying to avoid getting personal and respect your opinion while arguing against it. I’m sorry I told you to move to Burma. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Shake?
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
There are many misconceptions about socialism.
Mostly just in America. But, yeah, shake, I guess.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
please, enlighten me.
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
by HookTech on Apr 21, 2011 6:43 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
please don't...nt
We have a 12th man and he's Bryan Harsin
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Apr 21, 2011 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
okay, enlighten me offline. mscrosby@hotmail.com
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
I think a lot Americans confuse socialism with communism.
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
by HookTech on Apr 21, 2011 6:51 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
But history has shown over and over that neither work.
One is well-intentioned but still fails. The other is oppressive and fails.
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
It hasn't been failing in Sweden, Norway, etc.
This is not the conversation to be having on BON, but those countries have been doing very well for themselves.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
Well, they're diet-socialist the most. haha.
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
at or with?
"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.
They know what they’re doing is selfish and wrong.
speechless.
Greg Davis haikus; a lot like his offenses; always go sideways.
by pleaseplaykindle on Apr 21, 2011 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Cool story, bro.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
yep, that's pretty much what I think too, when I read your indignant posts about the rights-and-wrongs of college athletes.
I wish I could play little league now... I'd kick some fuckin' ass.
My post on the future over at BC
Thought it was pertinent here as well:
I wonder how ready Julien Lewis or Sheldon McClellan are to being the primary scorer. Hell, Stacey Poole at UK was ranked similarly and couldn’t get his ass off the bench. If not, Barnes can and should be going with a 3 guard lineup of Brown, Joseph, and Kabongo, given that Brown is probably your only shot creating scorer. Now if Joseph doesn’t come back…FML.
The one thing I’m hanging my hat on is Kabongo staying two years. Maybe the new NBA CBA forces him to, maybe he just wants to stick around one more year. It puts the Texas fan in an uncomfortable position to be rooting for Myck to do well, but not too well. Basically, don’t pull a Tristan, kid.
Hope springs eternal. A sophomore Kabongo can absolutely lead us to F4/NC. Throw in two seasoned guards in Joseph/Brown, a capable wing from either McClellan/Lewis (where art thou, Shawn Williams/iPowers?), and a solid 4 inside with either Holmes/Thomas. Then add your Jared Sullinger interlocking puzzle piece: Big Cameron Ridley. And whatever else Barnes conjures up in the ’12 class (LJ Rose? Marcus Smart?). Make it happen, Rick.
Sophomore Kabongo?
That is a pipe dream.
If Joseph leaves early I won’t be able to help from laughing because he has no business declaring for the draft and it will be his ego getting the best of him more than anything. He’d spend a while in the development league only to end up playing in Europe somewhere; probably only for a few years. Then he’d be out of a job and have no college degree. This whole thing will have turned into a farce.
"Hey, don't y'all think that's beautiful right there? That crystal is SO beautiful. And it's coming home to Texas." - Vince Young
Kabongo could use bulk and strength
I could see him here two years, easily. Depends on whether he’s Corey Joseph good or TT good.
We have a 12th man and he's Bryan Harsin
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Apr 21, 2011 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey, guys,
let’s convince the NBA that it can make more money if it requires kids to use up all their college eligibility before turning pro. Maybe the NCAA could pay the NBA a percentage of revenues. The NCAA at least in theory would be making a lot more money because of their far superior product. Wouldn’t this also improve the NBA product as well? The great players would be even greater when they reach the NBA. You could make the players happy by purchasing insurance to cover them through their college basketball careers.
See ya later, alligator.
What does the kid really want?
If the NBA is his dream, then this is the right thing to do. It’s hard to fancy that he grew up dreaming to become a Longhorn legend - or college champion in a foreign country.
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
Although if that's the only way to keep good players, maybe we need to recruit more Texas players.
I doubt anyone outside of Texas grows up hoping to be a Texas basketball legend.
Good luck TT
Whether they should or not has debated ad nauseum, I personally fall on the side of supporting the athlete getting their money when they can, I’d do the same and they have every right to.
Either way, the decision will be made, so why not be supportive of the folks who have played hard for the burnt orange?
I can’t imagine it would be seen as positive for prospective recruits either if they see that the moment they decide they’re worthy of taking an early trip to the league the whole fanbase turns on them. One of my favorite things about Texas is the brotherhood that pervades our alums, coming back over the summer, particularly in Bball.
Make us proud Tristan.
I wish I could play little league now... I'd kick some fuckin' ass.
Has he actually declared yet>?
Or is it just reports that he has.
I really want to know if he has an agent.
WHO FINISHES SCHOOL?
I applaud DJ, and KD, and TJ, and the others who left early but have continued as UT students. They came for the education and know they can still have that while earning millions. Has anyone tracked Barnes’ NBA summer students? If they actually came to college for the degree as well as the bb exposure, I think they were positive recruits and role models who help the university’s image as well as its bb recruiting. My impression is that many of these recruits were [or still are] students.
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