Why College Stars Withdraw from the Draft

1. One of the nation's best inside scorers with 22.7 points per game (2nd in NCAA) and 9.1 rebounds per game.

2. The recipient of the Lou Henson award, given to the mid-major player of the year. Averaged a double-double with 17.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, to go along with 3.3 blocks per contest.

3.The only player in his conference to lead his team in scoring (18.8 ppg), rebounding (5.4 rpg), assists (4.1 apg) and steals (1.1 spg). He was also selected to the All Big Ten Second Team.


These three players all share two things in common- they are talented players with huge potential, and all three of them entered the NBA draft only to later withdraw. So why did these decorated prospects decide to stay another year at their university when they have bright futures in the NBA?

The first player mentioned is Adnan Hodzic, a power forward for Lipscomb. It's especially shocking to see a player with his stat line withdraw his name from the draft, but his reasons are well thought-out.

"Well you have to look at the success my team had. We won the regular season championship, but we lost the first game of our conference tourney and we didn't make it to the tourney. NBA scouts look at that," Hodzic said. "I have to prove us kind of like Butler did."

Precisely. If Butler didn't make it to the Tournament, do you think Gordan Hayward would be drawing as much attention as he did when he made it to the Final Four in Indianapolis?

The second player on the "why the heck did you withdraw?" list is Keith Benson. His numbers were well-above the average player, but Benson didn't pounce on the draft the second he heard he'd get selected.

"The argument I heard to stay in the draft was to gain more experience and get stronger."

Simple as that. A little polishing never hurt anyone's stock!It's a very mature decision by Benson, and we'll see how his plan plays out in next year's draft.

Finally, the last person on the list is the lone bright spot on Penn State's team, junior guard Talor Battle. With only three conference wins, it's difficult to fathom why on Earth Battle would stay another year with the college version of the New Jersey Nets, but he showed perseverance in his decision to stay.

"I withdrew because I thought it was in my best interest to stay another year in college, to prepare myself for the tough life of being a pro athlete," Battle said.

His advisers felt that it wouldn't hurt for Battle to get some feedback and things to improve on from the NBA scouts.

"They thought it was a win-win situation to test the waters and receive feedback on both strengths and weaknesses," Battle said. "They just let me know what they think would be the best decision for me to stay in the draft or withdraw."

To truly understand why these players are staying another year, we have to look at why other players are forgoing their remaining years in college.

A perfect example would be Ole Miss guard Terrico White. You don't see a lot of Ole Miss games on ESPN, and scoring a pedestrian 15 points per game doesn't quite jump off the stat sheet. White also only averages one assist a game, and that's an extremely low number for a guard. So, why is White entering the draft when the aforementioned players are staying another year?

"My advisers have said that I'm projected to be a 1st round pick," White said. "How high I go in the 1st round is depending on my workouts with teams and stuff. I've heard that I could possibly be a lottery pick after next season."

Draft experts and scouts say that White has the tools and athleticism to be both a great scorer and defender, but he has a long way to go before he reaches his potential. Apparently, investing in underdeveloped players with superstar potential is trending right now in the NBA. But White said if he stayed another year, he could be a lottery pick. So why leave now?

"My family and I thought that it was best for me to stay in the draft," White said.

Well, there you have it, folks. All in all, withdrawing from the draft has to deal with perfecting your game and getting NBA-ready. And for others, the talent is already there, they just need to be recognized. It's different for every specific player, but as they say, "All's well that ends well" and every one of the players on my list have stellar careers in their future. Waiting another year just adds to their maturity level. And every coach likes a poised player.


ZACHARY DISCHIANO

Minnesota Vick-ings: Could it happen?

In case you're anti-televisionist or you've just been distracted by the Michael Phelps drama, I'll give you a quick rundown on a situation that's been in the NFL news. The Vikings are in need of a quarterback as Tavaris Jackson has been nothing short of disappointing. Jackson also tore his MCL, which could affect his ability although it's said he won't miss any games. Brett Favre claims to be retired, so we'll talk about him when he changes his mind again here in about six months. It's obvious that the Vikings only offense comes from running back Adrian Peterson, and 31 other teams know that. That's why the Vikings are so desperate to get a better QB than current starter Sage Rosenfels, to balance out the offense. No offense, Sage, I think everyone can agree that you have the coolest name out of all the quarterbacks. With Michael Vick eligible to play starting Week 6, he HAS to be on the radar for Minnesota.

So curious to see what fellow writers have to say, I've asked a few different bloggers what they would do if they were the Vikings GM--would they pursue Vick, risking fan support and locker room distractions to get a proven QB? Vick is likely pretty rusty, but his trainers have come up with a new system to get his arm back to full strength. Instead of throwing footballs to his receivers he's been throwing bones to his retrievers, and it seems to be generating positive results.

No, I'm kidding, but here's their answers:

Bill Williamson, ESPN.COM

It’s not about what I think the Vikings should do, it’s what I think they will do and I don’t think Vick will be signed. The Vikings may be desperate, but the Vikings want a new stadium. They will not, I don’t think, risk losing in the court of public opinion, pursuing Vick just because of a need .I really don’t see it happening.



Shakey1, STYLE POINTS

Michael Vick is an off the wall talent who can electrify an offense with just the threat of him handling the ball. Most teams would kill for a playmaker of his caliber, and now they can get their hands on the best in the game for free.

Teams need to look past his obvious shortcomings and give him a shot. If it doesn't work out, they can cut him and wash their hands of the situation. The Vikings should be jumping up and down at the thought of adding a weapon like Vick to their quarterbacking crew. But they'll probably just sign Jeff George and call it a day.




paneech1472, PANEECH
I think it might be easier to lure Favre back into football than to assimilate Vick back into a role of acceptance with any NFL team.

Vick would be helpful and would remind the Vikes faithful of a young Randall Cunningham, but from a PR standpoint, the move would be a "dog".



Pat Yasinskas, ESPN.COM

If I were the Minnesota Vikings, I would not pursue Michael Vick. He would come with distractions from the media and the protest groups. He's a wonderful athlete, but he's been out of football completely for two years. There's no way he can come in and pick up the offense fast enough to help this season. Go out and look for other available veterans and watch who comes available later when teams have to release players.



MidwayIllustrated.com, MONSTERS OF MIDWAY ILLUSTRATED

Nope I would not pursue Michael Vick. From a purely football stand point I wouldn't do it. Not for anything related to his legal troubles, just his inability to be a good solid accurate QB.
Vick can run the ball, but what the Vikings need is that other dimension of a QB who is good with his throws, accurate and can consistently move the chains to take the heat off of Adrian Peterson.
Michael Vick in my opinion does not bring that type of experience and talent to the table.




There you have it, folks. The majority say no to Vick, but only time will tell what happens to the scrambler. Feel free to tell me what you think!



Airdisch

5 Interesting Quarterbacks

After announcers, emails, and conversations were pounded into my head about what a great guy Kurt Warner is, with his story about being a grocery store bagger and marrying a woman with a kid in a wheelchair, I decided to find some things about other quarterbacks.

1.Jay Cutler-On May 1, 2008, annouced he had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and needs daily insulin shots. Cutler does volunteer work for mentally challenged young people through Vanderbilt's "Best Buddies" program. He works with Dedicated to Diabetes, which is a Denver-based organization that aims to improve public knowledge about diabetes as well.

2.Tom Brady- played college football for and graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan. He was a backup his first two years, the current starter was future NFL quarterback Brian Griese.When he enrolled at Michigan, Brady was seventh on the depth chart and had an intense struggle to get some playing time. At one point, Brady hired a sports psychologist to help him cope with frustration and anxiety and even considered transferring to California.

3.Chad Pennington- and his wife Robin created the 1st and 10 Foundation in 2003 with the mission to build stronger communities by funding programs and institutions that seek to improve quality of life throughout West Virginia, Tennessee and the New York Metropolitan area. Since its inception in 2003 the foundation has given gifts of over half a million dollars to various organizations.

4.David Garrard -Garrard was 14 years old when his mother died from breast cancer. When Garrard began his NFL career, he created The David Garrard Foundation to promote breast cancer awareness and research.Doctors diagnosed Garrard with Crohn's disease in 2004. Despite undergoing surgery in June 2004 to remove a nearly 12-inch portion of his intestines, Garrard played during the 2004 NFL season. Garrard now starts for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

5.Phillip Rivers - Rivers worked as a waterboy at Decatur High School, in Decatur, Alabama, where his father Steve was the head coach of the football team. As part of a fifth-grade project, he had to make a poster about his dreams and aspirations. On the poster, he pasted his face over that of a Minnesota Vikings player who had appeared on a cover of Sports Illustrated. He has worn the number 17 since ninth grade; it is in honor of his father, who wore the same number in high school. Rivers and his wife, Tiffany, began dating in the seventh grade.

aWAKEn

Currently the number two team in the nation, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons have bounced back from some of their worst years in history. In 20 tournament appearances, the Deacons have won 27 games, never bringing home a championship. Players like Tim Duncan, Josh Howard, and Chris Paul have done their best in their time at Wake, but none of the above players have even made it to the Final Four. In 2005, the Deacons entered the tournament as a number two seed, but failed to make it past the second round. Wake Forest basketball has struggled recently, and with the death of former head coach Skip Prosser, things did not get any easier.
This year, however, the Deacons have come out of nowhere starting the season an astounding 15-0. Wake even upset the powerhouse North Carolina Tar Heels where standout sophomore Jeff Teague dropped 34 points. Teague, who has the roll of filling the point guard role since Chris Paul left, has exploded this year averaging over 21 points per game. He has a strong shot and excellent penetrating ability, keeping defenses on their toes. His athleticism is outstanding and puts pressure on any defense. ESPN.com's Chad Ford considers Teague to be a top 2009 NBA draft point guard prospect.
Along with Teague, Wake Forest has been fortunate to have another strong young player in Al-Farouq Aminu, the freshman forward. Aminu has contributed solid play game in and game out, which is essential to any team's success.
The Deacons have proven to be one of the best teams in their history, with strong play from their younger athletes. Some believe they won't do well in the tournament due to inexperience, but within a next year the Deacons could possibly go all the way. Though the Deacons have been through tough times recently, things have started to change. The past few years they've seemed asleep, but this year, the team has truly aWAKEn.

Usain Bolt to NFL?

It has been a while since I've posted a blog- sorry! I've been attempting to balance work, sports, newspaper, algebra, chemistry, Spanish III and advance placement English all at once. This next blog was my contribution to "The Wolfpack" a.k.a my school paper. It may be old news, but it was for the September issue. I will try to get some more blogs in, thanks for your patience!



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It takes Olympic Champion Usain Bolt 9.69 seconds to run 100 meters. That’s 23 miles per hour on average (more than twice our school parking lot speed limit), and a 3.5 second 40 yard dash. Even though it’s impossible, if he kept that pace for a mile, he would be done in less than 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Standing 6’5”, Usain Bolt has the height and certainly the speed to be a fantastic football player. The question is, would Bolt be able to adjust to the NFL, and is he even eligible?

The rumor of Bolt joining the NFL has been heavily discussed, the topic even reaching ESPN. Mark Schlereth, an anchor for ESPN, commented on the possibility of the world class sprinter making it in professional football.

“I think he’d be a terrible football player…it’s not just speed, its intelligence.” Schlereth also mentioned that Bolt is “not familiar with the game” and therefore would not be a successful football player.

“Which NFL team wouldn’t want a guy that could stretch the field vertically? I mean that’s what it’s all about, loosening up the defense,” said Trev Alberts of Sprint Sports.

Both sportscasters have a point. Experience is something that can’t be taught; only time could transform Bolt from a sprinter to a football player. However, the fact that Bolt is so athletic and perfectly built to be a wide receiver or kick returner means that the young man does have potential. Built like Randy Moss and Terrell Owens, Bolt could become a great player with the right training, if he puts the time into it.

So let’s say Bolt decides he wants to play football. Is it even possible? He didn’t attend college, and most think that it’s required to do so to play.

Here’s your answer: yes. While the majority of the players drafted are the ones who played in college, the rule for draft eligibility has nothing to do with college. A player is eligible to sign up for the draft once three years have passed since his high school graduation. Bolt is 22 years old, and is therefore qualified to be drafted.

“The NFL is much different than running 100m or 200m races all the time,” said Junior Alex (private last name). “It requires a lot of side to side movement, especially when you have to slip tackles…I personally think that the most he could be at first would be some sort of a utility player along the lines of Devin Hester,”

“[Bolt] would be garbage cause of his weight… [football is] much different than on the track running straight,” Demarcus (private last name), senior said. Evan (private last name), junior, believes Bolt would get “slaughtered” by the defenders.

“The fact that he has to be on a team is a setback. He is a one man show and he likes it that way,” Ben Quarrels, junior, said. Celebrating before finishing many of his races, one can see by how he ran in the Olympics that he is in no way a team oriented type of guy, and that could factor in to whether or not he would even get playing time.

Back in 1984 a similar situation occurred, Olympic champion Carl Lewis was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 12^th round of the ’84 draft. Lewis ended up not playing in any games, and chose to stay in track and field.

With modern technology, however, it might be easy for Bolt to be a better player than expected. The gloves that receivers wear are extremely sticky, making it much easier to catch a football. Many quarterbacks these days have extremely strong arms, they could just heave one downfield and Bolt is fast enough and tall enough to leap over everybody on the field for a catch.

However, there are intangibles that Bolt can’t learn overnight; reading the defenses, knowing where the ball is going to be in 20mph wind, knowing his quarterback’s strengths and weaknesses, the list goes on and on. If Bolt were to join the NFL, it’s likely he wouldn’t really flourish into a great receiver until his 4^th or 5^th year in the league. Experience is Bolt’s only weakness, and if he stuck with it he would be an amazing player.

The rumor has generated much discussion, but in the end it is very unlikely that Bolt will even want to play. With incoming endorsements from his gold medals, advertisements, and other deals, Bolt is set financially and doesn’t need to risk his health for football. However, it would be an interesting transition that would bring attention and money to the NFL, gathering viewers from Jamaica and other islands. The NFL can be very persuasive, and Bolt could eventually end up in pads at the rookie combine. After all, you never know where lightning will strike.

Young Mutombo

Roy Hibbert went to Georgetown. Dikembe Mutombo went to Georgetown. Hibbert wears #55, as does Mutombo. Hibbert is 7’2”, Mutombo is 7’2”, and they both play in the NBA. The only difference between the two is 21 years of age, and when listening to Roy Hibbert you actually can understand what he’s saying. Georgetown has produced good centers in its history (Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo, and most recently Michael Sweetney) and Roy Hibbert could become a name on that list…here’s a look at the new Indiana Pacer, and how he compares to Mutombo’s style of play.

Since his freshman year at Georgetown, Hibbert has shown his tremendous work ethic by improving in virtually every category. His hook shot is smooth and fluent; he’s really nailed it down. For a big guy, he has soft hands and great touch around the basket. He has good ball control and can take hits in the paint and still finish. Although he’s no Shaq, he needs more training at the free throw line; he shot less than 70% in his career at Georgetown. Hibbert isn’t as strong as Mutombo, but don’t take his uncut frame for granted.

Defensively, very few even come close to the level of play produced by Dikembe Mutombo. However, since Hibbert has great length and enviable work ethic, the sky is the limit with what he could turn into. If Hibbert is fortunate enough to have a good trainer that improves defensive awareness and mentality, he could develop into a feared player. At the other end, while Hibbert has good touch around the rim, when shooting 10-15 foot jumpers Hibbert becomes inconsistent. He knocked down a game winning three vs. UConn (which was hilarious when I saw it, I couldn’t stop laughing; he looked so awkward) but behind the arc he has ways to go before he really becomes a threat.

In terms of athleticism, I previously took note of Hibbert’s length, but in all honesty that’s about all he’s got. Running the floor he seems to tire out quickly, only playing 26 minutes a game. If he is going to be a starter in the NBA he will have to be able to put in 35 minutes every game.

Sorry Roy, but I’m not quite done exploiting your weaknesses.

Hibbert has many extra hours in the gym calling his name, especially leg workouts. I could finish my chemistry homework quicker than he can shuffle ten yards, and I’m more of the English type…his jumping ability is weak although he doesn’t need more than a three or four inch vertical with his height. Hibbert and Mutombo have yet another thing in common, and that’s overall speed. I’m not saying Hibbert needs to get his 40 time up to the Devin Harris/Derrick Rose neighborhood, but somewhere in the vicinity of Amare Stoudemire or Andrew Bynum.

I’m no fortune teller, but I don’t really see Hibbert ever making anywhere near what Mutombo has raked in (114 million dollars) but he could become a great basketball player if he really, really works at it.






Sources:
http://rushthecourt.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/roy-hibbert-mm.jpg(photo)
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mutomdi01.html
http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/roy-hibbert

Southeast Shaping Up

Since their birth in 2004, the Southeast division hasn’t had a collective winning record. They’re a relatively young division; the average player is about 26 years old. After the draft, recent trades, and young players beginning to embrace their potential, the division is finally looking up.




Let’s start out by looking at the Atlanta Hawks. Last year, Atlanta shocked America with their play against the future champions, taking the number one seed Celtics to seven games. Al Horford had an astounding rookie season, and looks to improve his numbers as well as the Hawk’s record this year. Also, look for Mike Bibby to step up this year; he joined an unfamiliar offense last year when he was traded from the Kings. Bibby also was battling thumb, ankle, and quad injuries, but he’s healing up well and hopes to have a much better season. Joe Johnson remains a reliable scorer, and with Childress gone and the Hawks short on guards, watch for second-year player Acie Law to get in more playing time. Law has potential to be a good point guard, and this is his chance to break out and earn a starting job.

Projected 08-09 record: 44-38


The Charlotte Bobcats have never made the playoffs, and it’s likely they won’t this year either. In the scheme of things, however, they will improve their record. Rookie center Alexis Ajinca is the first step to improving the Bobcat frontcourt. It still needs work, but they won’t be as embarrassing to watch. Emeka Okafor will continue rebounding and blocking shots, however if he could improve his inside scoring ability they would have another option besides Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace. Beware of Jared Dudley this year; he will likely see more playing time. The “sophomore” out of Boston College is a great shooter, and his court vision is top-notch. Expect him to sneak in more minutes as the season progresses.

Projected 08-09 record: 37-45

Although Rose would have been a better fit, Beasley will produce big things for the Miami Heat. Don’t forget about the other rookie, Mario Chalmers, who shut down Rose in the summer league match-up. The Heat may finally be seeing the light at the end of a very dark tunnel they’ve been in. With a healthy D-Wade in the starting line-up, and a consistent forward in Shawn Marion, the Heat have much better chances at making the playoffs this year. The one thing I’m concerned with is the mix-up at the point guard position. At first, it was Chris Quinn, who is way below average for a starting NBA point guard. Some say Marcus Banks will start, and others have generated the idea that Wade might take over at the 1 spot even though he doesn’t want to. If the Heat can trade for, or sign, a solid point guard, expect an immense improvement in their record.

Projected 08-09 record: 50-32


With strictly three point shooters in the starting line-up like Rashard Lewis and Keith Bogans, the Orlando Magic are thankful they have the best rebounder in the NBA, Dwight Howard. Averaging over 14 rebounds per game and finishing with thunderous dunks, Howard is a highlight reel waiting to happen. Howard, too, is thankful that Lewis and Bogans actually make their threes; Lewis finished 3rd last year in threes made, and Bogans 22nd. Let’s not forget about last year’s Most Improved Player-Hedo Turkoglu. Turkoglu averaged over 19 points a game and helped the Magic win the division for the first time. Orlando recently signed Mickael Pietrus, adding depth to the small forward position.

Projected 08-09 record: 48-34

When you talk about a team plagued by injuries, the Washington Wizards are always in that conversation. Antawn Jamison was the only consistent scorer on the team who didn’t miss more than ten games. Added together, stars Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler played a total of 71 games, not even a full season. Well, Gilbert seems to be healthy and serious about winning, and Butler is also healed up and ready to go. Andray Blatche is a young player with good potential, and Washington needs help at the center position. With the big three finally re-united, and a center with potential on the roster, the Wizards are a playoff contending team, and also help the Southeast become one of the top divisions in the NBA.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Division_%28NBA%29
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3081737
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/4245;_ylt=AsYF9nBeaLzIcC6RK0Os_fKkvLYF
http://www.nba.com/draft2008/profiles/AlexisAjinca.html
http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/jareddudley.html
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-flspheat04sbjul04,0,7176887.story
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/07_23-15/SPO