[laarethekingsParticipant]

First off in the long run its never a mistake going back to school lets get that out of the way, but Tyler Zeller if he came out this year would have been pushed up into the top 12 picks in the draft… Next year he might be in the 20’s.

[Anton123Participant]

 I think he just really wants to win an NCAA championship, they will have a terrific squad next year and will probably be the favorites to win it (along with Kentuky). 

[surveParticipant]

true…but one thing we hardly ever take into the equation is…some of these guys are not coming from a situation where they are financially stable.  Zeller, Henson, nor Barnes were in such financial straits that they had to leave.  Zeller is going to graduate on time (and Henson prob a lil early) and still will make 1st round money.  Cant hate on that one bit.

[Cardinal_FanParticipant]

 Great points on not having to leave. I would also like to add that im sure those guys being Henson and Zeller know that neither one of them will be stars, maybe just really good or decent rotation players so y not go back to school and polish their game a lil bit more so they will be ready to actually contribute when u do make that jump.

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

Don’t be surprised if Zeller does make it into the lottery. Even with what appears to be a stronger overall class it doesn’t look like there any quality centers available next season so a team might end up having to reach for Zeller.

[kevnix5Participant]

I think Harrison Barnes probably should have went this year. I love that he is staying another year because he will be that much better next year or whenever he decides to go plus I’m a Tar Heels fan so I loving the look of the team for next season. Barnes probably would have ended up going top 2 this year most likely first overall. Especially with the Cavs getting the top pick, they need a SF and Barnes would most likely go ahead of Williams.

[Lotto StudParticipant]

I just hope Perry Jones is not making a mistake by coming back. We already see what’s happening to Ohio State’s football team.

[TRC1991Participant]

i agree with perry jones. baylor’s froncourt is insanely packed. but i think championship was on his mind when he returned

[canesboy6Participant]

I heard that he just didnt think he was ready for that kind of pressure. Keep in mind that Alot of these kids are 19 and 20, having a great time at school, and not ready to jump into a hostile lockout. They figure, If I might not even get paid till next year anyways, why not stay, improve, and have a great time?

Zeller wants to graduate. I could see how it would have been smart to come out this year, but he appears to be improving still so no reason to think a Dominant season wont have him very much in the same place as last year. Dont forget, people said the same about Hansbrough every year, and he ended up going lottery as a senior. Zeller wants to be the first Tar Heel to win 2 titles, and that might be worth more to him than a million or two on his rookie contract. He is a first round Lock barring a freak injury.

Barnes is a tough call, but I just dont see how he had much to lose. He will be top 5 whenever he goes and he was no lock for top pick. His team is absolutely loaded and he just started peaking at the end of the year.

My biggest question mark is Sullinger. He was very ready to go, his team isn’t going to be as good as last year, and next draft is loaded. He would have been top 5 this year, but might not be next  year. There are so many upside guys in next draft that a sure thing solid guy might slip a little.

[GlenTaylorSucksParticipant]

I agree w/ Canesboy. Sullinger took the biggest risk in coming back. I honestly don’t think he can learn much more at the college level. He already proved he could be a force in the paint, and that he could win games. I think coming back can only hurt his stock at this point- had he left, he likely would have gone in the top 5. Next year, he’ll be lucky to go top 10, maybe even lucky to be in the lottery should everyone live up to their potential.

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

 If a guy can play he can play and the only way these players are negatively affected is in regards to their paychecks.  In Sullinger and Jones case it might work out better for them to go to a more established team that isn’t so God awful so they doesn’t have such high unrealistic expectations so early.

[jazz270Participant]

While I applaud the choice to go back to school for loyalty and a hope of getting a championship, what exactly does a championship do for these young kids? It looks nice on the mantle, and there are good memories. So?

Remember, these are kids likely to play ten years in the NBA if everything goes right. That’s the problem right there in a nutshell. Things don’t always go as planned in life. Stuff happens.

I personally think most of these kids are getting horrible advice from their coaches who have only one thing on their minds, and that’s winning games. I must be a skeptic, but I really doubt the kid’s welfare is first priority. Harrison Barnes was a top three pick in this draft, and I must admit I’m terribly biased because I wanted Barnes for the Jazz. Damn. But, he was told by his coach that he was likely not a top five pick, which had to influence his decision. Of course Williams wanted Barnes back, NC is going to be terrific next year. Perry Jones should have been kicked in his a$$ out of the door at Baylor, and told to go learn on the job. Why not? If you want a degree, you have millions in the bank and time to get it after basketball. Surely Jones wasn’t quite ready, but teams know that. They are usually very patient with kids like that, and almost never throw these kids to the wolves. Or is it Wolves. Whatever. Once again I’m ticked that Jones wasn’t there, he was my personal pick for the Jazz, who nurture young kids and are great developing them. Damn, once again.

So what if you’re a little immature? A little unsure? When you are absolutely, positively, without a doubt sure about something in life, far too often the bus has already left the station.

There are other sides to this question. Brandon Knight was told to turn pro by Calipari, which was probably a good decision for Knight, as he’ll go in the top five. But even there, Calipari had promised PT to get the one and done PG for next year at Kentucky, if Knight stays, then no one is happy. Not Knight or Teague, that’s for sure.

Sullinger was probably a mistake again, but this time I’m pretty sure it was the player’s choice, something he had on his mind all along. His mistake. Once again, millions in the bank have a way of making someone feel very secure.

Kyle Singler was a sure fire first round pick last year, this year he could easily slip deep in the second round. I hope not, because he’s one of those glue players. Jimmer didn’t like the water temp last year, and came back to become a sure first round pick, and probably a lottery pick. Good decision.

So to answer the question, Barnes, Jones and Sullinger. BIG mistakes. The draft next year might be one of the deepest in years, to my utter delight and the angst of their prospective agents.

 

[French FlairParticipant]

I think, when you’re a very good player (but not a star) and you want to win as a pro, it’s better to go in a draft with more potential (than this year)… there’s more chance to be taken by a championship contender at 20-30 than in the lottery also.

[sheltwon3Participant]

Anytime your choice is making 2 million or say 3 or 4 million, you tend to do whatever you want.  I means seriously NBA players dont really get paid until their second contract anyway.  Also I am sure if you are smart when you look back, you would trade millions to have more time to enjoy life either in college or high school or possibly before.  I doubt any of the players that stayed will be less of a player.  Some players may actually have their games grow.  In college and the NBA the biggest jump is in your second year.  If a player stays pass that, then possibly it could be a bad idea.  Big men take the longest to develop so staying in school could help.  Duncan was a number one pick every year he was in college and he stayed until his senior year.  I doubt he regrets it.

[surveParticipant]

Henson will only improve when you speak of polish and they both have time to get stronger.  Another year in that weight room is only gonna help.   I’ll tell ya….those 2 guys coming back makes UNC very scary.

[surveParticipant]

Sullinger took a big risk coming back, but I think it will pay off for him as well.  With Amir Williams coming in, Sully will get to play out of the middle more, work on his face up game and defense away from the basket.  In Sully’s case, I think he will not go as high as he wouldve this year (only because of more talent) but he will be a better player than if he had left.  He is still lottery…and thats probably his main concern.

[surveParticipant]

excellent point! the best time I ever had in my life was college and being a kid…you will NEVER get those times back…oh how I reminisce!  of course traveling all over, making big money, driving nice cars is fun too, but thats grown folks stuff…and there will be plenty of time for that for these guys.  Perry Jones was a top 3 pick, but I think the guy just loves being a kid.  remember, he came back even though he has a suspension to serve.

[Lotto StudParticipant]

"Perry Jones was a top 3 pick, but I think the guy just loves being a kid. remember, he came back even though he has a suspension to serve."

Sidney did the same thing & in due time it may be the biggest mistake he has made. He cost himself potential millions.

[r377Participant]

An NBA career – it is where you end up, not how your got there.  You can come out early, get drafted early and still be a bust….. You can stay in school and maybe get drafted a bit lower.  At the end of the day it is how you play that will determine if you find a roster spot in the NBA.  By entering later you can be more stronger physically and mentally….

[Author]

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