He improved his shooting and had stats that were all conference materials, but where is he at on mock draft board even after a huge season? He's not sniffing the second round and that actually might be a good thing for him since he can work out with any team. There's always a chance that a team could take him, but the question isn't whether he's good enough, it's about if he can improve him stock as a player with a 5th year. I don't think he can. I think people are misunderstanding this as a belief that he won't improve as a player, but that's not the case. Improvement doesn't mean his stock goes up, especially as a 5th year player that has had knee issues. I would even argue that his potential as a pro player would actually go down even if he replicates the same great stats next season.
2018 Off Season Thread
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He improved his shooting and had stats that were all conference materials, but where is he at on mock draft board even after a huge season? He's not sniffing the second round and that actually might be a good thing for him since he can work out with any team. There's always a chance that a team could take him, but the question isn't whether he's good enough, it's about if he can improve him stock as a player with a 5th year. I don't think he can. I think people are misunderstanding this as a belief that he won't improve as a player, but that's not the case. Improvement doesn't mean his stock goes up, especially as a 5th year player that has had knee issues. I would even argue that his potential as a pro player would actually go down even if he replicates the same great stats next season.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
This! Very well put. And that's the reality that Black faces and why he's moving on, most likely.
His measurables are never going to get him on a mock draft board. He lacks the elite athleticism a guy his size needs to be drafted in the NBA. I'm not arguing another year will help his draft position because that is largely based on his project-ability which is limited.
My point is that guys who have been as successful as Leron generally want to give the league a shot. In addition he has shown an ability to dramatically improve a portion of his game over a year. It wouldn't be unheard of for him to come back next year a far better ball handler lets say. His post game improved, his 3 point game improved so it isn't out of the question. He's likely not getting drafted, but he improves his ball handling and suddenly you start to see bits of Robert Covington.
Smart money is on Black not making the NBA, however that same smart money would have to be on him trying first before departing to Europe
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Sal Iacuzzo
- Yonkers, NY
I don't think Leron will make the NBA either, but I'd give him a better chance than I would have Myke Henry.
haasi
- New York
Also, how about Alstork transferring to Illinois to have a higher profile and then Wright State making the tourney while Illinois sucks. Crazy times. He's gotta be pissed.
This probably illustrates my point better than any of my posts. There is always a shot. Particularly with a guy who has overcome adversity, has toughness and has shown remarkable improvement in his time here.
I'm not saying that he will play his last year at Illinois. I think he would be selling himself short however if he didn't at least give the league a shot before going over seas. I hope he refines his game further here, and I think it would benefit him the most, but I wish him the best wherever.
eMitch
- Quincy, IL
Wouldn't he likely try the combines (or whatever they are called) without an agent first before deciding either way? Didn't Malcolm Hill do that? At least let the NBA guys tell you what you need to work on and how close you are.
haasi
- New York
Wouldn’t it be crazy if myke henry has the best nba career of anyone in the post 2006 era? Not impossible. I wouldn’t have put him in the top 20 illini of that era... and that was/is a mediocre era.
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the national
- the Front Range
I had no idea he was even in the league. It looks like he played 28 mins on Monday nights game. huh. Never would have guessed it.
Illiniwek06
- N of I-80
To be fair, he plays for Memphis, a team that is tanking and has the worst record in the NBA. Regardless, good for Myke on making the league.
Sorry to ask this, I can not be here everyday and I don't have time to go thru all these threads. Could someone tell me why they think Black is transferring. Has he hinted at this, or, is this just a rumor?
Deleted member 631370
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Something about Underwood informing both him and Larry Bird that they weren't athletic enough for what he was trying to do here.
No, No, & Yes
If his goal is to play in the NBA, he could do the summer workouts, get specific feedback, play overseas or the G League and focus on basketball full time. He could end up in the league after a year or two. He has access to great resources if he stays as an Illini but as a student athlete he's limited with how much he can truly dedicate to basketball. I hope he stays, but he'd be making a mistake if he wasn't considering leaving. I've felt this way since the proposal though.
Actually, rebounding is one of the stats that translate the best from college to NBA, and he's a very good rebounder. Statistically he was down a bit this year, but I think that's a function of the role he was asked to play.
That said, he's not on any draft boards, and doesn't have the guard/wing skills that an NBA guy of his size needs. Not sure he can get those either.
I can see why he'd leave, personally --either pro, of 5th year transfer. Anything from Underwood is likely coach-speak optimism.
Tacomallini
- Washington State
On taxes he'll be okay for the first $100K or so, due to the IRS foreign income tax exclusion, which prevents double country taxation.
Second the thoughts on continuing ed. Why not work on a masters degree or two on U of I's dime?
That said, please, please stay Leron!
Oldtoysrock
- Sarasota, Florida
Agreed, plus with a strong final season you not only get the attention of scouts with the opportunity to go down as one of the greatest Illini players of all time should play into it.
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Maybe the fact that Alstork left Wright State for Illinois, and Wright State subsequently got better while Illinois got worse is not a concidence. :noidea:
bdutts
- Houston, Texas
That wasn't what my wife and I observed when we lived over in the UK. We made more than 100K combined but I think we had to pay taxes on the full amount.
Anyway, it depends on the country that he would play in as to what the taxation rules are.
foby
- Bonnaroo Land
Speaking of Wright St, how did their Freshman, Loudon Love and his 6'9" 300 lb frame from Geneva slip past everyone? 12.9p 9.8 rb not bad even though it is in the Horizon.
300 lbs is why he slipped past.
Deleted member 11196
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Yeah... I didn't understand the previous statement about $100k exemption. I worked overseas and the IRS got all over me for a measly $15k ....
foby
- Bonnaroo Land
He averaged about 28 minutes a game, so not bad there.
He scored over 20 four times. He had double figure rebounds 15 times.
Great games;
Oakland 25,17 and 18,17
Milwaukee 20,19
UIC 23,15
Pretty intriguing.
What is the status of his fiancé? Will she graduate this year?
illini80
- Forgottonia
It's been said she will graduate. No idea if the reports are accurate, but its been widely mentioned.
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