Joel Goodson
- it's all ball bearings, nowadays
so, like, you're saying there's a chance?
NBA Draft
- Status
so, like, you're saying there's a chance?
I saw the mock draft some posts before yours with Ament at #10 and thought the same thing. I only saw him play a couple/few times, but was not that impressed — at least compared to the build up and now the mock drafts.
I understand that sentiment and it was certainly not a well executed departure. But one thing that seemed to be completely misinterpreted and overplayed by Illini fans was his comment about Kofi. If he hadn’t used Kofi as an example and just said, “I don’t want to spend my whole college career no more than 5 feet from the basket on offensive because it doesn’t allow me to expand my game in preparation for the NBA,” I don’t think the kickback would have been the same. And that’s what he meant. But Illini fans just jumped on what they perceived was a slight on Kofi. I don’t believe it was meant that way -/ and he was right.
He might not have shot that many threes (though by his second game at UM he surpassed the number Kofi had in three years); but it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Morez had more shots outside of 8 feet in his one year at Michigan than Kofi had in three years at Illinois. And would he be in the draft this year if he spent the season with the Illini? Not so sure he would be. He made the right decision for him, just did it in a very poor way.
Not a surprise, but still nice to hear. People will you tell you I’m not exactly an optimist. This team can ABSOLUTELY win a national championship. Brad talks about it a lot. This year that is not some wild fantasy.
Ryllini
- Lombard
While I have no doubt this is the likely outcome, I'm surprised Andrej has dragged this process this long and has not announced by now..
FightinIllini30
Future insider
Does Andrejs return warrant a boom? Seems strange to give it one but it’s also a big get
And the "F Yeah!!!" girl
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
The camp trying to find a way to justify to themselves going pro has been palpable this whole time.
Hold onto your butts.
At this point, for me, obviously I want him back, but if Lebron can talk the Lakers into taking a wildly underdeveloped Bronny with a first round pick, it wouldn't shock me if Peja tries to play that same card with Sacramento. It's good for marketing. That would be a terrible decision for Andrej, but when money is no object and there's generational wealth in the family, you can make these types of decisions and have it not negatively effect you 30 years from now.
I agree with LvillILL1 that he's gotten enough feedback to where it's a no brainer to go back to school. It might be hard to convince his old man of that.
I do agree with you with the fact that it's taking this long. I'm sure Peja is making all the calls and using all of the contacts that he has at his disposal. Would we all do that for our kids if we were in that same situation? Who knows.....
His decision, his life, we'll be fine either way.
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madillini4
Ozamataz Buckshank
- Millywaukee
Maybe an unpopular opinion, but we need to retire that gif.
I think you are just freaking yourself out about this.
skyIdub
"I can't tell you. Secret."
This is normal, guys that are even 1000% locked in to coming back always take almost all of the time at their disposal in the process.
Hell, Ben two years ago withdrew on the day of the deadline when he wasn't even a combine guy.
The expectation in Illini-land is that Stojakovic will announce his return soon. I'm pretty sure he has already told the important people.
But, his dad an agent have been working hard to secure a rookie exception guarantee. That's why there is no announcement yet with two days to go. Andrej wants to go pro, as I've posted all along. This has never been the slam dunk that media has portrayed it to be.
But, his dad an agent have been working hard to secure a rookie exception guarantee. That's why there is no announcement yet with two days to go. Andrej wants to go pro, as I've posted all along. This has never been the slam dunk that media has portrayed it to be.
To follow up (and final thoughts before this is finalized):
It's the dream of everyone to go pro. Andrej is no different. In the middle of the process, it got a little bit more interesting than expected, but never was hugely in question on him actually leaving.
As said above, the expectation is he announces his return soon. Very confident in this.
It's the dream of everyone to go pro. Andrej is no different. In the middle of the process, it got a little bit more interesting than expected, but never was hugely in question on him actually leaving.
As said above, the expectation is he announces his return soon. Very confident in this.
I can see why he's in his own head here and it's understandable. There is literally NOBODY that would endorse him staying in the draft. It would be an awful decision for any player................that doesn't have a superstar father that doesn't have an NBA franchise under his thumb. That combined with being the son of a father that's got a net value of $45M-$50M takes any/all pressure of him. If he fails, Peja pulls the same strings in Greece. If he succeeds, then great.
While you're 1000000% right that it's crazy that anyone thinks it's a smart decision, but what other player at the Combine that considered a second round pick, at best, has a father that's a Basketball Hall of Famer? That would be the one reason for pause.
Is Drej a kid that wants to ride his dad's coattails or is he one that wants to earn the start of his career? I don't know him or the family, but I've seen dumber things done because of parents helicopter raising their kids. Happens all the time in baseball with HS players.
I get why, I am just telling you guys what is very likely about to happen.
In other news,
I am very interested in some of the more 50/50 decisions.
Meleek Thomas, Allen, Milan, and Tanner are all notable names. I expect Koa to stay in, even though I think he should come back. Heard Graves and Tounde are likely staying in as well.
Richmond, Andrej, and Fears all are guys that are widely expected back.
I am very interested in some of the more 50/50 decisions.
Meleek Thomas, Allen, Milan, and Tanner are all notable names. I expect Koa to stay in, even though I think he should come back. Heard Graves and Tounde are likely staying in as well.
Richmond, Andrej, and Fears all are guys that are widely expected back.
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- Status