Myron: I think Mbakwe will go pro after this year; suggests Rodney will too

[BleedGopher]

During his chat today, someone asked Myron about Trevor and if he'll go pro after this year. Myron's response:

"I think he'll leave. Here are my reasons.

1. He's a senior in school .. an old man in NBA draft terms. He could improve next year and still take a hit because of his age.

2. No guarantees he averages a double-double next season. He's hot now. Might be his best chance.

3. He can make money doing this .. .even if he has to go overseas.

4. He's gone through a lot of drama over the last year."

Then someone asks who is more likely to leave for the pros: Rodney or Trevor, Myron's response:

"Rodney. Just because NBA scouts are tracking him. He has high-level tools. If he ends the year strong, he's gone."

Myron also thinks Al will return before the end of the season and that Walker is doing well.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/g...kD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUycaEacyU

Go Gophers!!

 

[Dr.Don]

Bleed, at least this topic warrants more discussion than..."Tubby to (name the school)..."

 

[bga1]

During his chat today, someone asked Myron about Trevor and if he'll go pro after this year. Myron's response:

"I think he'll leave. Here are my reasons.

1. He's a senior in school .. an old man in NBA draft terms. He could improve next year and still take a hit because of his age.

2. No guarantees he averages a double-double next season. He's hot now. Might be his best chance.

3. He can make money doing this .. .even if he has to go overseas.

4. He's gone through a lot of drama over the last year."

Then someone asks who is more likely to leave for the pros: Rodney or Trevor, Myron's response:

"Rodney. Just because NBA scouts are tracking him. He has high-level tools. If he ends the year strong, he's gone."

Myron also thinks Al will return before the end of the season and that Walker is doing well.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/g...kD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUycaEacyU

Go Gophers!!

Sigh.

The Mbakwe deal is debatable- he's not a first rounder now. The difference in pay and career between a first rounder and a guy who goes to Europe or in the second round has to be dramatic I would think. It would seem that another year in school working on ball handling and offensive skills- such as hitting shots from 8-10 feet ala JuJaun Johnson would be huge for him.......

Rodney- amazing athlete but he's not really even an accomplished Big Ten player yet. It would be a shame for him not to have the patience to learn the necessary skills and elevate himself to a high first rounder. He's not a first round pick next year- no way.

Take the long view guys.

 

[Minnesconsin fan]

long term, they both might need a job after basketball and a degree might help. I don't think either one of them are going to be set for life after they are done playing.

 

[GoGoGophers]

I think we all need to accept the idea that Mbakwe will not be returning next year. As stated, he is no longer a young man in the eyes of the Association and will not likely improve his draft status by hanging around next year. His scoring and rebounding #s are not likely to improve enough to offset the fact that he'll be 24 before he ever puts on a pro jersey. Add to the equation his propensity to "find" trouble and suspensions, and it's a no-brainer IMO.

RW...I have no idea. I would not be surprised either way. Many pro scouts feel that the opportunity to hone your craft without the distractions of classes/maintaining eligibility, limits on practice time, and other roadblocks that college throws in the way may actually benefit a player's development.

 

[gopher7]

Has there ever been an NBA draft pick that averaged just 5 ppg playing wing in his 60+ game college career?

 

[SelectionSunday]

We certainly have to accept the fact that we could lose one or both of these guys for next season (I think we'll lose Trevor but Rodney will stick around), but why not focus on this season and worry about next season later? Myron appears to be stirring the pot because all's been quiet on "As the Gophers Turn" lately.

The most important thing I took out of Myron's musings was the fact he thinks Al will return before the end of the season. That's a piece of good news that hopefully comes to fruition.

 

[CP Gopher]

From what I've heard (purely speculation, of course), these two face a pretty significant uphill climb if they're going to graduate. I hope I'm wrong, but basketball looks to be their only path.

 

[Rosemountian]

We certainly have to accept the fact that we could lose one or both of these guys for next season (I think we'll lose Trevor but Rodney will stick around), but why not focus on this season and worry about next season later? Myron appears to be stirring the pot because all's been quiet on "As the Gophers Turn" lately.

The most important thing I took out of Myron's musings was the fact he thinks Al will return before the end of the season. That's a piece of good news that hopefully comes to fruition.

This

I think the thing that may hold Mbakwe in school is the potential to develop a jumpshot. He seems to be a little bit. Mbawkwe with a jumpshot is an early 2nd round pick IMO. Mbakwe without a jumpshot is probably a late 2nd round pick at best and an overseas career. But it won't surprise me if he leaves. There is little to no chance Rodney leaves. You don't throw away all that potential (he would be by going pro now). He would either not make a squad or be buried on an NBA bench. Rodney would be better served playing overseas than on an NBA bench for the longterm viability of his career IMO.

 

[ShowinGoldyLove]

Has there ever been an NBA draft pick that averaged just 5 ppg playing wing in his 60+ game college career?

Daniel Orton comes to mind from last year's draft (averaged 3 pts/3 rebs in 13 min/game). He was picked 29th overall.

 

[Ron Johnson Super Fan]

Anyone else think that Trevor has to add some major polish to his game in order to have a chance in the NBA? He will need to refine his jumpshot to have a chance. He does have a man's body but those are a dime a dozen in the league. He wasn't even in Chris Ford's latest top 100 prospects which is a good indication that currently the best he could hope for is a second round flyer from someone.

 

[GoldenGopherSwag]

Neither of these guys can consistently make a basket outside of 5ft. Hell, they can't even do it inconsistently. No idea how that equates to an NBA career, but that's just me.

 

[ChemEGopher]

We certainly have to accept the fact that we could lose one or both of these guys for next season (I think we'll lose Trevor but Rodney will stick around), but why not focus on this season and worry about next season later? Myron appears to be stirring the pot because all's been quiet on "As the Gophers Turn" lately.

The most important thing I took out of Myron's musings was the fact he thinks Al will return before the end of the season. That's a piece of good news that hopefully comes to fruition.

Myron (and even Marcus to some extent) is obsessed with talking about our guys' NBA potential. I don't really understand why. LIke you I wish he'd focus on things happening this season.

 

[Monty519]

Most draft mocks have Rodney going in 2012, not 2011 from my recollection. He'd be wise to stay another year, and I think he will. That offensive game needs polish badly and I think another year would do wonders for him. With a family to deal with though, he might be tempted. I hope that doesn't become too big of a factor though cause I'd hate to see him declare and then get burned by going undrafted or even 2nd round, where there's no guarantee of a contract. And for a raw player like that, it can be a death knell.

 

[Block M]

Myron-please move to Madison.

To be the Badgers beat writer. Your endless speculation is an endless annoyance.

 

[howeda7]

Myron (and even Marcus to some extent) is obsessed with talking about our guys' NBA potential. I don't really understand why. LIke you I wish he'd focus on things happening this season.

He does seem a tad obsessed with it, but in fairness this came from answering a question on a chat, not writing a full article for the Sunday edition (Lord knows that may be next) but let's not rip him too badly for answering a question in an online chat.

 

[howeda7]

I don't get the 'he'll be too old' bit. It's not like he's sigining a lifetime contract with whoever drafts him. If I'm the T-Wolves, do I really care if my 5 years with him is from ages 23-28 or 24-29? I don't get it.

 

[fan of Ray Williams]

This thread is going to explode with Trevor and Rodney speculation. I'd like to know why he thinks Al might be back. I don't suspect he knows any more about it than some of the posters. That being said, I hope he's correct on it.

 

[station19]

He does seem a tad obsessed with it, but in fairness this came from answering a question on a chat, not writing a full article for the Sunday edition (Lord knows that may be next) but let's not rip him too badly for answering a question in an online chat.

I was going to post the same thing. Seems like many posters enjoy ripping the media more than savoring a Gopher victory.

 

[howeda7]

I was going to post the same thing. Seems like many posters enjoy ripping the media more than savoring a Gopher victory.

Exactly. Save your outrage for when does does write a full article about this on the day we play #1 OSU. Then I'll join them in being ticked off.

 

[CentralGopher]

nm

 

[jovs]

If Rodney would be drafted I don't see how he doesn't go. His skills are so far behind that the only way I see him improving is if he focuses completely on bb the next couple of years.

He would be drafted on potential whether he stays a few more years or not.

 

[Monty519]

I don't get the 'he'll be too old' bit. It's not like he's sigining a lifetime contract with whoever drafts him. If I'm the T-Wolves, do I really care if my 5 years with him is from ages 23-28 or 24-29? I don't get it.

Believe it or not, NBA scouts seem to care a lot. There was beef about the Wolves drafting Wesley Johnson. A major part of that was the fact that Wes was 23 and considered "old" as a prospect cause he wouldn't have as much room to grow his game. They think a player is closer to his ceiling at that age, and see less potential from him, even if he hasn't had the opportunity to professionally develop his game. To me, it's overblown, but it is a real factor that teams look at.

 

[howeda7]

Believe it or not, NBA scouts seem to care a lot. There was beef about the Wolves drafting Wesley Johnson. A major part of that was the fact that Wes was 23 and considered "old" as a prospect cause he wouldn't have as much room to grow his game. They think a player is closer to his ceiling at that age, and see less potential from him, even if he hasn't had the opportunity to professionally develop his game. To me, it's overblown, but it is a real factor that teams look at.

It's so arbitrary though. Baseball players aren't generally past AA at 22-23 years old, but basketball players have no room to improve at the same age? While I get it to some degree, that also means the guy has less downside then a 20-year old. If I'm picking 25-30, that's more valuable to me. Trevor may never be an All-Star, but he's also less likely to be a complete bust. Rodney, probably has a much higher ceiling, but could also flame out.

 

[underground629]

The best option (and what I believe at least Trevor will do) is what the good junior BT players did last year - stay away from an agent but see if any teams are seriously considering drafting them. I believe both players will be back next year. I don't think Trevor's age is THAT big of a factor. If he's drafted it's going to be super late. Players drafted that late aren't even expected to make the team. They aren't extremely concerned about potential or how many years the player might be able to last in the NBA. It's rare to see a 2nd rounder hang around the league or make a significant impact.

 

[vaporboy]

Daniel Orton may have been drafted 29th last year but he is on the New Mexico Thunderbirds roster and has played exactly 2 games. Are we saying that's better than starting this year for Kentucky? NBDL players do not make much money.

If Rodney Williams actually wants to play for the NBA he knows he has to stay and be able to hit a jump shot. Everyone in the NBA, with a few exceptions, have to be able to hit shots when they are wide open, it's a different game than NCAA. NBA is about spacing, consistency, endurance and concentration. RW needs more work!

 

[MotherNight]

Exactly. Save your outrage for when does does write a full article about this on the day we play #1 OSU. Then I'll join them in being ticked off.

More likely it will be a special about Ralph and his dad. Again...

 

[Monty519]

Daniel Orton may have been drafted 29th last year but he is on the New Mexico Thunderbirds roster and has played exactly 2 games. Are we saying that's better than starting this year for Kentucky? NBDL players do not make much money.

I'm pretty sure he still gets his 1st round pick check, which is at least a million a year. He'd probably tell you that's better than just a scholarship and more playing time at Kentucky, even if I'm not so sure about that myself. I wonder if he could have been a top 15 pick this year with even a solid year this season.

 

[CP Gopher]

I'm pretty sure he still gets his 1st round pick check, which is at least a million a year. He'd probably tell you that's better than just a scholarship and more playing time at Kentucky, even if I'm not so sure about that myself. I wonder if he could have been a top 15 pick this year with even a solid year this season.

While you are correct with this, you'd be amazed at how fast a couple million disappears when you live a pro athlete lifestyle.
I have a friend who played professional hockey here and in Europe, making an average of about 400 grand for many years. Even he is fortunate he got his degree as he now works out of necessity as a financial planner.

 

[tap]

To be the Badgers beat writer. Your endless speculation is an endless annoyance.

Please just leave-it's always speculation about Tubby leaving, Trevor leaving, Rodney leaving, Blake can't play point, no three point shooters, too big----it's always something negative. Remember he is a cheesehead and packer fan.