I really don't understand that at all, and this isn't about Pitino, but any coach really. Seems to me, if you've got the player's interests at heart, if they're told they're a first round pick, you tell them to take the money and run.

 

Well first, Pitino never tells a player what to do in regards to the draft. They ask his opinion and he gives it to them. His argument was, if you go any later than 16 or 17, you're going to be drafted by a good team. If you're drafted by a good team, you won't play much, thus killing any chances of you having any sort of impressive stat line, which in turn hurts your chances of a better contract the 2nd time around. Makes sense to me.

I really don't understand that at all, and this isn't about Pitino, but any coach really. Seems to me, if you've got the player's interests at heart, if they're told they're a first round pick, you tell them to take the money and run.

 

It all depends on who's telling them they're first round. Lots of people out there with lots of interests in a kid.

 

I agree with you though: if the information that a team is going to take him in the first round is reliable, then you go.

As long as Pitino is there, I'm sure they will be fine. Rozier seems to show a lot of promise.

 

How many years does Pitino have left in him? While we cannot know for sure but realistically? He has been coaching for quite a while and the stress has to take a toll.

Well first, Pitino never tells a player what to do in regards to the draft. They ask his opinion and he gives it to them. His argument was, if you go any later than 16 or 17, you're going to be drafted by a good team. If you're drafted by a good team, you won't play much, thus killing any chances of you having any sort of impressive stat line, which in turn hurts your chances of a better contract the 2nd time around. Makes sense to me.

 

There's truth to that, but the guys that can play stick around regardless of where they're drafted. Kawhi Leonard for the Spurs is a perfect example. Guy was drafted 22nd by the Pacers and traded to the Spurs. He managed to start over half the games that season.

 

Also, it sounds great in theory to come back, improve and go higher. Doesn't always work out that way. Ask Mitch McGary if he regrets not taking the money last year.

Seems to me, if you've got the player's interests at heart, if they're told they're a first round pick, you tell them to take the money and run.

 

I agree with you though: if the information that a team is going to take him in the first round is reliable, then you go.

 

Generally speaking, I agree with this. The exception would be if you might have a player who is in the 20ish range of the 1st round & could legitimately come back & become a top 5 pick.

 

Harrell isn't that kind of player IMO. He could return & improve his stock, but it wouldn't be by very much.

 

Dakari Johnson might be that kind of player though.

It all depends on who's telling them they're first round. Lots of people out there with lots of interests in a kid.

 

I agree with you though: if the information that a team is going to take him in the first round is reliable, then you go.

 

 

This I 100% agree with. I'm talking scouts, GMs, etc. Guys that are employees of teams that have 1st round draft picks.

There's truth to that, but the guys that can play stick around regardless of where they're drafted. Kawhi Leonard for the Spurs is a perfect example. Guy was drafted 22nd by the Pacers and traded to the Spurs. He managed to start over half the games that season.

 

Also, it sounds great in theory to come back, improve and go higher. Doesn't always work out that way. Ask Mitch McGary if he regrets not taking the money last year.

 

You can play the what if game virtually every year. Trez had a nice season this year, no doubt. Showed great improvement in a couple areas, but IMO he's still not ready for the NBA. His mid-range game still needs work, and he really only has one post move, a baby hook from his right hand. He makes a living on the glass which is good, but he still needs to expand his game a little.

 

I'm selfish, but I think he would benefit from another year... He's only a sophomore.

Harrell isn't that kind of player IMO. He could return & improve his stock, but it wouldn't be by very much.

 

Harrell wouldn't be a Top 5 pick, but I can easily see him cracking the Top 10. His athleticism is unmatched.

Harrell wouldn't be a Top 5 pick, but I can easily see him cracking the Top 10. His athleticism is unmatched.

 

Maybe he can crack the Top 10, but I have a hard time seeing it. I think he's in the 15-25 range.

How many years does Pitino have left in him? While we cannot know for sure but realistically? He has been coaching for quite a while and the stress has to take a toll.

 

That's a good question. I was messing with Deuce saying I heard Pitino would retire if they lost to UK. You never really know with him, I can't imagine him without basketball in his life though.

Who will be UL's wing players? I hope they have options other than Blackshear. I really thought he was going to be a stud.

How many years does Pitino have left in him? While we cannot know for sure but realistically? He has been coaching for quite a while and the stress has to take a toll.

 

That's a good question. I was messing with Deuce saying I heard Pitino would retire if they lost to UK. You never really know with him, I can't imagine him without basketball in his life though.

 

Less than five years, IMO. I'd be really surprised if it were any longer than that.

Who will be UL's wing players? I hope they have options other than Blackshear. I really thought he was going to be a stud.

 

Pitino said in his presser this morning that Blackshear is the only player that hasn't gotten better since he's been there. Said he's a great person, but needs to work harder.

Pitino said in his presser this morning that Blackshear is the only player that hasn't gotten better since he's been there. Said he's a great person, but needs to work harder.

 

Well, Rick is actually telling the truth with that one.

 

I remember Blackshear played pretty well against UK in the 2012 Final Four. He hadn't had a great year but did some nice things in that game. I thought then that he would use that as a springboard to stardom, but that hasn't happened. I know injuries have probably made his progress a little slower, but he's too talented to be just another player, which is what he's been for three years. I still think he has the potential to be a standout for UL.

Well, Rick is actually telling the truth with that one.

 

I remember Blackshear played pretty well against UK in the 2012 Final Four. He hadn't had a great year but did some nice things in that game. I thought then that he would use that as a springboard to stardom, but that hasn't happened. I know injuries have probably made his progress a little slower, but he's too talented to be just another player, which is what he's been for three years. I still think he has the potential to be a standout for UL.

 

He is especially frustrating, because I can't even point to one aspect of his game that has improved. Usually you can find something that a player has gotten better at, but not Wayne. He hasn't gotten worse, just not any improvement.