[SmooveKRYPTParticipant]

Antonio Blakeney???

I thought he was a sure fire one and done first rounder (likely lotto pick) coming in to LSU with Simmons last year.

Now I literally have not heard his name once since he pulled out of the draft. I’m not sure what made me think about him today. He’s not listed on either of the next 2 mocks. I checked and he’s having a solid season, averaging 16 & 5 rebs on 46% and 35% from 3. Then I see LSU is 9-11 (1-7 in SEC play) and losers of 7 in a row. He’s their leading scorer, but one of only 3 players averaging double figures. He also has a negative A/T ratio and limited defensive stats.

I’m sure the Louisville scnadal didn’t help him in the eyes of NBA execs. Does he stick around at LSU, enter the draft and bank on a good combine/summer league and he sticks somewhere as a second rounder?

 

 

 

[OhCanada-Participant]

 He should transfer. That program is terrible. I still think hes an NBA talent but imagine him at a legit program like Gonzaga or Louisville.

[ChoppyParticipant]

 True. His best shot was to have a great freshman campaign riding Simmons coat tails and go pro. Inconsistency on his part and a star in Simmons that basically gave up on college kind of derailed those plans. I think a change of scenery would do him the world of good. Go somewhere where he doesn’t have to carry his team and can be a second or third option. 

[TopShottaParticipant]

 I agree 100%..he def needs to transfer. Louisville or FSU would be great spots for him

[blbh365Participant]

 After he and his father admitted to having taken part in the stripper parties at Louisville I doubt UL is an option.

[binetParticipant]

 Good point.

The stripper parties are also a major reason not to draft him I believe. That’s not really the kind of guy you want in your locker room, and since he is not more than a role player talent I believe that’s a major concern. He would need to have a stellar senior year after transferring to go Pro.

[SmooveKRYPTParticipant]

If he was going to transfer he should’ve done it before this season (like Malik Newman did) getting out of a situation that was bad for his draft stock.

I too believe he’s definitely an NBA level talent stuck in a bad program…but if he transfers and sits out next year, he’d come back as a 22 year old junior. Not saying it can’t work, Wes Johnson parlayed that exact situation into being a top 5 pick at the same age, but the program would have to be a perfect fit and a legit final 4 contender in order to change the opinion of him in the eyes of execs. That’s really hard to predict 2 years down the line with the amount of guys that leave school early now

 

[negguaryParticipant]

With Newman lol I thought he was a sure fire top five pick!! Lol where is he transferring too?? I still am a big fan I loved his aggression and competitive spirit in high school….Malik monk is eveything I thought he would have been!!! 

[SmooveKRYPTParticipant]

He transfered to Kansas. I love his competitiveness too and the shot creating ability.

It should be interesting seeing him with the incoming Billy Preston and possibly Trey Duval there next year. I’m sure working with and against Mason III and Graham all season in practice has only helped him.

 

 

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