I wouldn't read too much into the parents' comments. I certainly can understand them.

This story is old news, this was discussed on BGP a while back. Good luck to Jonathon in the future.

 

If this is such old news, how come Herald just now reporting on it? Had never heard anything about him being burned out or saying before the season started that this would be his last of playing basketball, please direct me to a link where he said this and this was discussed so long back. Thanks.

If this is such old news, how come Herald just now reporting on it? Had never heard anything about him being burned out or saying before the season started that this would be his last of playing basketball, please direct me to a link where he said this and this was discussed so long back. Thanks.

 

It was said a month ago probably that he was burnt out on BGP and wasn't going to play anymore.

 

He may regret the decision who knows. Everybody is different so its hard to speculate on him IMO. I don't know what his situation was individually, but a lot of times so much pressure is put on kids that it takes the fun out of it. Sports should be fun and if your not enjoying it that IMO defeats the purpose in playing.

I would say more to do with girlfriend than basketball..............he will have regrets if she leaves..............

I would say more to do with girlfriend than basketball..............he will have regrets if she leaves..............

 

I would hope all high school basketball players have girlfriends, so am sure it has nothing to do with that, just the pressure of 12 months a year basketball that has built up for the last 10 years, plus trying to please everyone but yourself.

I wish Jonathan the best of luck in his freshman year in college. When your teenager (boy or girl) no longer finds enjoyment in practice or the game it is time for the parents to let it go.

I would say more to do with girlfriend than basketball..............he will have regrets if she leaves..............

 

Same thing we were hearing at the State tourney.

 

I would hope all high school basketball players have girlfriends, so am sure it has nothing to do with that, just the pressure of 12 months a year basketball that has built up for the last 10 years, plus trying to please everyone but yourself.

 

Don't be so sure on that.

 

I wish him all the best. :thumb:

I got to know Jonathan's father pretty well over the last few years and even though I am older (more like a grandfather's age) I can understand Mr. Ferguson's comments. Years ago I would have given anything for the opportunities players get today but with opportunities comes pressure and incredible demands on your time. Back in the "good old days" you played baseball and went fishing but today basketball is a year around game. Jonathan's family will support his decision and if he does miss the game he will have opportunities. Best of luck to the family and to Jonathan and thanks for the memories---few could stroke the jumper as well.

I would hope all high school basketball players have girlfriends, so am sure it has nothing to do with that, just the pressure of 12 months a year basketball that has built up for the last 10 years, plus trying to please everyone but yourself.

 

 

My brother and 3 of my friends were very, very, good basketball players(3 of them not Ferguson level but good), their desire to be with a girl at her choice of college and just be a student led them not to pay basketball. All 4 are not with the girl they went to school for, and ALL regret not playing the game..........................

If this is such old news, how come Herald just now reporting on it? Had never heard anything about him being burned out or saying before the season started that this would be his last of playing basketball, please direct me to a link where he said this and this was discussed so long back. Thanks.

 

I am not for sure on the exact thread, but it was on this forum. More than 1 person reported this information, weeks ago. Barring an undisclosed injury, why else would he not participate in any all-star games?

I wouldn't be so sure about that. When I graduated I turned down several offers to play college football and stayed close to home and went to Morehead State. My girlfriend and most of my friends were going to Morehead so I thought that was the best thing for me to do as well. I regret it everyday.

 

You mention nothing about being burned out. Just a personal decision you made. No simialarities to Fergusons situation.

Small town athletics pressure is magnified 100%, am sure the Elliott County posters would agree, probably more parents interference also than what you would see at a Scott County or PRP. Am sure the Faulkner's are more than ready to move on to college also

 

I agree that more pressure on small town athletics is magnified. In a small town in Eastern Ky. a great ball player is not only a ball player, but also in some cases a small town hero.:thumb:

Where's Paul Harvey with the rest of the story?

I'll throw out a couple of possibilities:

1. The girl has him whipped. That's been stated on here and unfortunately 18 year old boys make short term decisions based on girlfriends, truck payments, etc. all the time. Sometimes it's the right decision, sometimes it's not. Ferg won't know until about 8 years down the road if this is the right decision or not.

2. He didn't get the offers he and a lot of the people around him thought he would.

3. He doesn't feel comfortable going far away from Elliott Co. There have been a lot of kids who won't go far away OR when they do, come right back home. Happy Osborne has made a living on this type of kid at G-town.

4. He's telling the truth and really wants to pursue other things than basketball. I've known several big time college athletes who feel this way, but it's unusual for a high school kid to truly be burned out.

 

Whatever the reason, I wish the young man the best of luck. It was sure fun to watch him play.

I'm pretty sure that there are a few other things surrounding the story, but that's up to Jonathan and everyone needs to respect that. I wish him nothing but the best.

I can certainly understand the feeling. The night before my injury (that was essentially and ironically career-ending anyways), I told the coach that was recruiting me hardest that I didn't want to play.

 

Too many of my friends play college sports now (at smaller schools) and would prefer to go to a different school and focus more on academics, but they don't want to disappoint their parents. Luckily for me, I have two younger brothers- since I quit, now my parents can try to vicariously experience tremendous athletic success through them