Interesting. I didn’t realize that was permitted this year already. Are players still required to withdraw from draft to retain eligibility?I was looking at Jon Rothstein's twitter whatever to see what his sources were on his statement about the NCAA probable ruling that immediate eligibility would not go into effect this year when I saw this, according to Rothstein, "Important to note: ANYONE who declares for the NBA Draft technically retains their eligibility since prospects are now allowed to retain agents during the process." Or did I misunderstand your comment? I know I am probably the last person to ask about stuff like this.
FWIW... if I am Ayo I am coming back. Here is my thinking...
1. if I have gotten to the point in my career that sticking with an NBA team is likely, that means I have the ability to be dominant for an entire season in the BIG Ten.
2. because this dominance emerged later in the season, NBA decision makers / scouts lacked critical data & in-person exposure to be convinced.
3. why (except for fear of injury) would I accept late round draft status (based upon my reasoning that I can dominate at the college level).
4. in the spirit of Deron Williams I play another year for two reasons.
a) A real chance at competing for a national championship and...
b) A body or work that justifies my worthiness of receiving a first round pick.
No way can you say that AYO dominated at the college level. He was a very good player some nights.Professional athletes have extremely short careers, relatively speaking. Why wouldn't I want to monetize every single one I can? Sure the contract won't be guaranteed outside the 1st round, but if you prove your worth, that can actually be a good thing. Free Agency in the NBA is extremely lucrative. He will get there faster if he starts sooner. Not to mention being able to work on your craft without practice restrictions or worrying about grades. NBA practices are at a whole different speed. If I can dominate at the collegiate level, how exactly is that making me better than practicing against my peers in the NBA would?
I would love for him to come back, but that's because I'm a fan. I'm not him. Is Ayo's life-long dream to compete for a B1G Championship and play in the NCAA tournament, or is it to play in the NBA? I bet its the latter.
No way can you say that AYO dominated at the college level. He was a very good player some nights.
I’d say by the end of the season he was dominating night in and out. He really grew a ton this seasonNo way can you say that AYO dominated at the college level. He was a very good player some nights.
No way was he a dominate player. You’re right in that he grew a ton this year. I can’t remember the last time illinois did have a player that dominated night in & night out. Deron? Frank? Kendall? Maybe further back.I’d say by the end of the season he was dominating night in and out. He really grew a ton this season
If Ayo still elects to go to the NBA without the ability to have teams see him physically, talk to him, etc...his intent was to go before the season even started.Jeremy Werner, in his podcast suggested that uncertainty about AD going pro has increased due to the changing situation, but Werner still leans in that direction.
I think it has been pretty clear that this was his intent before the season started.If Ayo still elects to go to the NBA without the ability to have teams see him physically, talk to him, etc...his intent was to go before the season even started.
If Ayo still elects to go to the NBA without the ability to have teams see him physically, talk to him, etc...his intent was to go before the season even started.
As a fan base, we love him. As a team who is investing resources into him and can't get a true read on his size, strength, etc...all they can go on is statistics and game film. Ayo doesn't have great stats(shooting percentage, three point shooting percentage, assist to TO). He's not a stat sheet stuffer as Dick Vitale would say. He also doesn't jump off the screen athletically. There are only a handful of "WOW" plays.
The uncertainty surrounding Ayo outweighs the known commodity. When I see Cole Anthony and Emmanuel Quickley returning to school, both at the guard positions, both who are guys with the "WOW" factor...they obviously got certain advice.
It's just my opinion, but given the circumstances, if he declares, his intent was to never come back, which is fine. That's his choice, a choice he's worked hard to have and I wish him the best.
European option may not be available for this group of players due to virus.Here are the key 3 questions that I think AD should be seeking answers to:
1) Will I get drafted into the NBA? 65/35 at this point? Some draft boards have him listed...others don't. I'm sure he's getting interest, but not sure if anybody has said, "we're definitely using our 2nd round pick on you".
2) If yes, what is my likely path after getting drafted? (i.e. g-league, guaranteed contract, bench - depends on teams expressing interest and probably what they are telling him). For some reason I don't think he's one that wants to get drafted just to bounce up and down between the g-league and the NBA bench.
3) What is the best/worst case scenario if AD chose to stay at Illinois for another year? Dominate end-to-end, no doubt 1st team B1G, maybe B1G POY, show what can be done on the national stage now that Illinois is back on the map! But what does that get him at most given the type of player profile he is. His differentiation is his Mental toughness. So strong..wants the last shot...nothing phases him. But it's intangible...not measured by any test. At most he'll lock himself as an NBA pick (late first to mid 2nd rounder). but the questions around his path will likely still be there even after next year.
I wish circumstances were better for him. But he seems to be surrounded by people with AD as the priority, so I think they'll collectively make the best decision for him. The only other decision I could see is to go professional oversees, but I don't think he's ready to give-up (nor should he) on the NBA. Too early to cash in the chips because that option for a player like him is always available.
If I were Ayo, the possibility of Kofi not being at Illinois would now be added to my pros and cons list about returning.
yep. could make him want to come back more for more spotlight or could push him awayThis.
yep. could make him want to come back more for more spotlight or could push him away
Agreed. If he comes back, it will be the lure of a potential Final Four. Kofi made up for a lot of mistakes on the back end. Without Kofi, this is a middle of the pack BT team, at best. Without Kofi and Ayo(along with Griffin, Feliz, Nichols and even Jones), this is another rebuild.Likely the latter...
do not think it is another rebuild. Team will make the tourney next year, imoAgreed. If he comes back, it will be the lure of a potential Final Four. Kofi made up for a lot of mistakes on the back end. Without Kofi, this is a middle of the pack BT team, at best. Without Kofi and Ayo(along with Griffin, Feliz, Nichols and even Jones), this is another rebuild.
I love your optimism. Seriously, I do and it bothers me that I don't share it. It's just that a 50% roster turnover, losing what....75%+ of our scoring and 75%+ of our rebounding is tough to overcome. We'll have mainly a freshman backcourt and back at square one with a severe lack of an interior presence, muchless depth.do not think it is another rebuild. Team will make the tourney next year, imo
Solid logic throughout, Indy.FWIW... if I am Ayo I am coming back. Here is my thinking...
1. if I have gotten to the point in my career that sticking with an NBA team is likely, that means I have the ability to be dominant for an entire season in the BIG Ten.
2. because this dominance emerged later in the season, NBA decision makers / scouts lacked critical data & in-person exposure to be convinced.
3. why (except for fear of injury) would I accept late round draft status (based upon my reasoning that I can dominate at the college level).
4. in the spirit of Deron Williams I play another year for two reasons.
a) A real chance at competing for a national championship and...
b) A body or work that justifies my worthiness of receiving a first round pick.