If Royce is all of a sudden flirting w/ the 1st-2nd round, what about Rodney's surge

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katze019

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Myron had a tweet about Rodney's NIT run making git worthy of him going pro... Well, Royce was very good, not great all year and had a big game vs. Kentucky (who had absolutely no fear of a loss during that game/ sense of urgency) and now he jumped from outside the top 60 to late first round, early second.

Rodney himself has long been considered first round talent and is now living up to it... I don't know if either would be a starter in the NBA, but Rodney is right there if not ahead of Royce in my book.
 

Rodney was farther down on draft boards than Royce.
 

I imagine that Kentucky's athleticism is closer to what Royce or Rodney will face in the NBA compared to LaSalle and MTSU.

But yes, Myron was tweeting hard that Rodney should bolt now. A few of his tweets:

"Not sure why Rodney Williams stays after his NIT efforts. Will he really raise his draft stock next season?"

"Been saying that for 3 years. I've talked to NBA scouts who emphasize the same thing: his athleticism. That's his NBA ticket."

"He's already an old prospect."

"William Buford. Great year for OSU. Senior. Hasn't raised draft stock."

"In this era, seniors tend to go down not up. More time to scrutinize."

"Marquette has been unique that way. Jimmer led counter in scoring. That's not Rodney."

"His athleticism and size are his tickets. Just talked to an NBA scout about him."

"He could kill the BT. But leaving and impressing in camp might yield same result."

Go Gophers!!
 

Rodney Williams Stock Up

I don't know about you guys but seeing Rodney perform this well consistently has got me worried that he might leave, I know he has said he is coming back but four straight 20 point games.. and I also saw a tweet from our form strib beat writer Myron Medcalf thinking the same thing, why would he come back next year can his stock increase that much.. He has a chance to showcase his skills in NYC. I'm just saying I wouldn't be surprised to see a change in heart from Rodney's camp.
 

Rodney wants to stay, I'm guessing it has more to do with wanting to FINISH things here.
 


If Rodney plays like he has the last four games for an entire season, he could easily be the B1G player of the year and a lottery pick. Plus this is one of the deepest drafts in a long, long time (because of the lockout). Next year's draft will be much weaker, hence he'll have a better shot of going higher.
 

Rodney played himself into the second round the last few week. He isn't going anywhere.
 

I think he's placed higher awareness out there, but I can't see how he could have lifted himself into the 1st round yet, he's got a lot of ground to make up and I question whether four (and hopefully six) games really makes THAT large of an impact.

As Madtown said, if he comes back and gets on the All-B1G team, I'm pretty sure, even with him being a senior, his athleticism will be too much for scouts to ignore, he'll very likely be a top 15 pick I'm guessing. He can definitely up his stock plenty next season IMO.
 

BleedGopher said:
"William Buford. Great year for OSU. Senior. Hasn't raised draft stock."
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Bad example. Buford really didn't improve his numbers this year. In fact, you could argue Buford had a better junior year than senior year. With the progress we've seen lately, chances are Rodney Williams will have a better year overall next year than this year.
 




You don't go from not even getting an all-Big Ten honorary mention to 1st round pick due to a few good games.
 

White would fill a very different role than Rodney on an NBA team. For his size, Rodney still needs to improve his ball handling and shooting.
 

PP article from March 3rd: Rodney Williams is spectacular, but Tubby says “he still needs to work”

But Williams, who had 16 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and three electrifying dunks in the 81-69 win against Nebraska, is far from ready to take his world-class leaping ability to the pro level. He knows that.

That’s why he said “Nah!” when asked if Saturday was his last game at Williams Arena. There was talk before the season that Williams might declare for the NBA Draft this spring, projected as a second round pick. But he said “you’ll be seeing a lot more of me.”

I was told by Williams’ father tonight that the family had decided it would be best for Williams to return for his senior season.

I told coach Tubby Smith after the game what Williams said; that he could feel a sense of relief. Smith didn’t seem surprised at the news.

“He needs to come back,” Smith said. “He still needs to work on a lot of things.”
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Presently he might have the highest draft stock he's ever going to have, but I have a gut feeling he's going to stay. His dad has said numerous times that he wants Rodney to get his degree. Rodney's got his head on straight; I think he wants his degree as well. Between education and the need to develop a jumper, I think Rodney comes back.
 


RoyalGopher said:
Presently he might have the highest draft stock he's ever going to have.
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I disagree. Put together a season made of games like the last few and it'll be higher. Plus, assuming the team does a lot better next year, that'll only help.
 

Given Myron's recent predictions, I feel even more comfortable that Rodney will stick around for his senior season.

Until the NBA deadline for declaring/staying in the draft passes, I won't feel assured that Rodney is sticking around for his senior year. Over the years we've seen numerous college players state they were sticking around for another season and then declare for the draft. He definitely has had a great stretch and I think continued growth could really vault his draft status if he came back next year; obviously, his return would also benefit the Gophers so selfishly I want him to stick around but long-term I think it could benefit Rodney greatly.

Not surprisingly, I find Myron's take on Rodney way off; Buford has always had a polished game with limited athleticism while Rodney's been the opposite (stunning athleticism with a raw game). Obviously Rodney is a much different player than Buford or Fredette, so it's a worthless comparison; it's like basing Ricky Rubio's chances of success in the NBA based upon a big man or swing forward coming over from Europe. I would think that if Rodney stays, continues to develop his all-around game while establishing a solid mid-range jumper, he would be a senior on the ascent as far as the NBA draft goes. And as far as Rodney's age (following his tweets, I believe he states Rodney's an old prospect), he doesn't turn 21 until late July. Hardly that old if he sticks around for his senior year.
 

RoyalGopher said:
Presently he might have the highest draft stock he's ever going to have, but I have a gut feeling he's going to stay. His dad has said numerous times that he wants Rodney to get his degree. Rodney's got his head on straight; I think he wants his degree as well. Between education and the need to develop a jumper, I think Rodney comes back.
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Why does everyone keep ignoring that Rodney SAID he will be coming back.
 

I strongly disagree with the idea that Rodney isn't likely to raise his draft stock if he returns. If he averages around 15 a game next year and shows he can shoot a full season like he's been shooting lately or even better, his stock will be much higher. Performing like this against Big Ten competition would be extremely valuable for him.
 

zambam said:
Why does everyone keep ignoring that Rodney SAID he will be coming back.
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Because for some people it makes great Gopherhole fodder to ignore what he said.
 

GophersOnTheRise said:
I strongly disagree with the idea that Rodney isn't likely to raise his draft stock if he returns. If he averages around 15 a game next year and shows he can shoot a full season like he's been shooting lately or even better, his stock will be much higher. Performing like this against Big Ten competition would be extremely valuable for him.
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Firmly agree. I can't see him being better than a 2nd-round pick right now next year, and 2nd-round picks face tough odds. If he can dominate the Big Ten next year anywhere near what he's done the past several games, his draft stock will rise greatly. There's not a lot of room in the NBA for passive small forwards who don't drive to the basket, no matter how high they jump. And that's all Rodney had just 3 months ago. Now he finally is starting to show what we've been waiting for. He simply needs to keep up what he's doing now to easily be a 1st-round pick; if he improves further he's a lottery pick.
 

zambam said:
Why does everyone keep ignoring that Rodney SAID he will be coming back.
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Because he said it before his current run of good play. Also, about halfway through the season, his father was quoted as saying that he will likely stay but they will see how he develops during the season. I'm guessing he still stays, but his current play will raise eyebrows.. so good for Rodney. At the end of the day, another season working on his midrange game could vault him forward and up the draft charts.. Either way, its great having his a gopher. A good kid and a good player. Keep it up Rodney and hopefully, you will lead the team to a deep NCAA run your senior year..
 

Earlier in the season and especially earlier in his career he never seemed to drive to the basket unless there was open space on the baseline. Lately though he's been much, much more aggressive with putting the ball on the floor and driving to the basket. I know he missed it, but I loved the spin move he had that freed him up for a little floater. Pretty move. Lot of fun watching him develop.
 

GophersOnTheRise said:
Earlier in the season and especially earlier in his career he never seemed to drive to the basket unless there was open space on the baseline. Lately though he's been much, much more aggressive with putting the ball on the floor and driving to the basket. I know he missed it, but I loved the spin move he had that freed him up for a little floater. Pretty move. Lot of fun watching him develop.
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He looked like a completely different player last night and in the last few compared to 3/4 the season. If scouts took notice of Royce that quickly they will notice Rodney too.

This is the first time I've thought he is actually an NBA prospect. Not saying he gets drafted this year (probably next) but its a possibility. Especially if he keeps it going in NYC.
 

Myron Medcalf suggesting what Rodney should do? That's a real hoot.

Among college basketball scribes, if it's Andy Katz or Mike DeCourcy making the suggestion, then I'd listen.
 

Right now Rodney is a guy you take at the beginning of Rd 2, he easily rises into the top half of Rd 1 in 2013 if he proves the ability to make shots consistently.
 


Few things

Royce was a beast all year and was 1st team all B12 and newcomer of the year. The tourney was simply his first national exposure and casual fans were shocked at how good he was. He definitely raised his stock but he was already on the radar

Buford showed what he was two years ago. A good athlete with a nice shooting stroke but not a creator. In the pros he'll be a catch and shoot guy that can occasionally attack the rim. He's the same prospect as two years ago so of course his stock hasn't changed, especially since he hasn't exploded as a scorer with Lighty and Diebler gone.

Rodney's been playing great but he can definitely improve his stock by doing the things he's been doing all year, mainly his cutting and driving ability that he just recently started doing consistently. Plus if he can knock down J's at a decent clip (30-35% on actual jump shots as his overall percentage will be high due to how many layups and dunks he attempts) and continue to show that he can finish in the lane (not just the dunks but his ability to get off and make layups and floaters in traffic without charging) then he's a first round pick IMO. He is crazy athletic and long and is built like Wesley Johnson but with quicker and better hops
 

oleboy41 said:
Few things

Royce was a beast all year and was 1st team all B12 and newcomer of the year. The tourney was simply his first national exposure and casual fans were shocked at how good he was. He definitely raised his stock but he was already on the radar

Buford showed what he was two years ago. A good athlete with a nice shooting stroke but not a creator. In the pros he'll be a catch and shoot guy that can occasionally attack the rim. He's the same prospect as two years ago so of course his stock hasn't changed, especially since he hasn't exploded as a scorer with Lighty and Diebler gone.

Rodney's been playing great but he can definitely improve his stock by doing the things he's been doing all year, mainly his cutting and driving ability that he just recently started doing consistently. Plus if he can knock down J's at a decent clip (30-35% on actual jump shots as his overall percentage will be high due to how many layups and dunks he attempts) and continue to show that he can finish in the lane (not just the dunks but his ability to get off and make layups and floaters in traffic without charging) then he's a first round pick IMO. He is crazy athletic and long and is built like Wesley Johnson but with quicker and better hops
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I'd also add that Rodney continuing to defend well will be huge. Announcers talked a lot about how uncomfortable Rod was making MTSU's best player. He shows flashes (Shurna at home, Harrison Barnes, Moore last year, etc.) if he can keep that lock down defending going, he will easily be in the NBA.
 

Another reason Rodney should come back is to continue to gain confidence in his abilities. He seems to be a guy that isn't always confident in what he is able to do on the court. It would be a good idea for him to gain as much confidence as possible before going up against NBA competition on a regular basis.
 

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