I was at the game and ceremony and Bazz's tearful reaction makes me wonder...

[patrick]

Just watched the local news...Bazz was talking about how you could see this team coming together and "how good we're going to be next season"....

He said WE????
That's great to hear!

 

[BearJWS]

Here's what Shabazz should probably do...
He'll be a Senior next season, so that means even if he declares for the NBA Draft & does not sign with an agent, he can still return to UConn for his Senior season if he doesn't like his draft position. This would be a wise thing to do, even if he intends to return.

Much of his decision will depend on the health of his foot. I can see him going through the process, then making an educated decision. Ollie has so many NBA contacts, so hiring an agent is not needed. All Shabazz needs is one team to say we'll give you a guaranteed contract as a First round pick. Shabazz has repeatedly said "they're playing for next season", so that leads me to think he's returning for next season... but his play this season has piqued many NBA teams, so returning makes it less clear. I can see him as a JJ.Barea type of player at the next level (minus the Ray Allen foul)... short in stature, but full of confidence & results. NBA scouts know tough & clutch. Shabazz has that. Shabazz has a tough decision. If all of us could be that lucky for that choice!

 

[tcf15]

From Amore, on Boat, Bazz, DD and the Draft:

“A few of us have decisions to make,” Boatright said. “[Ollie] is my coach so I’ll definitely listen to him, but it’s my decision. Everybody can only give me so much advice, but it’s all on me. I’m going to discuss it with my family and my coach as to what will be the best fit.”

Napier expects to sit down with Kevin Ollie soon and talk it over. “I expect coach wants me to stay,” Napier said.

DeAndre Daniels said he “hasn’t really thought about it.” But his strong finish to the season has made him UConn’s best NBA prospect. It’s intriguing, and momentum could snowball between now and the day of decision in late April. That needs to be watched.

http://courantblogs.com/uconn-men/uconn-63-providence-59-ot-wrapping-things-up-from-gampel/

 

[prankster]

In many ways, he came close to having a Kemba Walker year, this year. But the fact is.....he simply did not.

He absolutely (from what I have sen this year) has the opportunity to have a Kemba type year, next year. Which pretty much would solidify him as a lottery pick.

I think it would be good for both him, and the program, for him to come back next year....

 

[superjohn]

You're right, there are no guarantees. No guarantees this year, no guarantees next year. So why is he better off going pro next year?
And there's nothing wrong with going to Europe. If all he is is a European player, why not get an extra year of playing Europe?

This type of thinking is just so bizarre. Do you really think a really good college player who can contend for a title next year should leave to play in Europe? You must also think that El-Amin made a mistake coming back for his junior year and winning a championship, he would have been far better off getting that extra year in Istanbul.

 

[arnie3]

If anyone can tell 'Bazz what to expect it's KO. He's been down that road so many times in his long NBA career. He'll get great advice, but ultimately if there's a slight opening this year then he should jump. I agree with others that a second round pick would be a probable ticket to the "D" League or overseas. And the fact of no post-season puts him further down in the mix. Obviously it's a wait and see. I just want to savor this victory because it was special! Twenty wins and a better record in the BE than the past two seasons! That's impressive with the hand they were dealt. To me, it's been an amazing season.

 

[BFieldHusky]

From Amore, on Boat, Bazz, DD and the Draft:

http://courantblogs.com/uconn-men/uconn-63-providence-59-ot-wrapping-things-up-from-gampel/

Boatright scares me a little bit...but honestly, does he think he is getting drafted? He would play in Europe for the rest of his life.

 

[superjohn]

I meant El-Amin coming back after his freshman year, brain fart.

 

[Ts5034]

In Shabazz case, i dont think the weak draft has anything to do with it. You saw all the draft sites projectong him as an early-mid 2nd round pick for this years supposed weak draft class. I guess the people whos opinions matter dont see him as a lottery or first rounder yet. Thats why i feel we will see him come back even though all of the things already mentioned in this thread entered my mind today as well.

 

[alexd]

He said WE????
That's great to hear!

Yes....clear as day. Not that it means anything.

 

[superjohn]

Boatright talking about the draft is just insane, he has no chance of going in either round.

 

[tzznandrew]

This type of thinking is just so bizarre. Do you really think a really good college player who can contend for a title next year should leave to play in Europe? You must also think that El-Amin made a mistake coming back for his junior year and winning a championship, he would have been far better off getting that extra year in Istanbul.

I think your logic is right. But your facts with KEA are wrong. He was a freshman on the E8 1998 team, then was a sophomore on the title team. He came back after that year (he, perhaps, should have left, since I'm not sure he could have raised his stock, and probably had a chance for the first round).

His Junior year he was a bit hobbled by the end. They lost some silly games, but then made a run to the BET finals. The end of the season was frustrating, since KEA was injured in the Utah State game. That team had potential to get to the Final Four if he was healthy--the 1 and 2 seed were out of their bracket. If KEA was healthy and they got by Tennessee, they would have had 8-seed UNC, and then 7-seed Tulsa in the E8--and then 5-seed Florida. Just one of those really interesting counter-factuals for UConn... they probably lose to MSU for the title, but would you bet against a healthy KEA-Freeman-Voskhul team with one game for a repeat?

 

[tzznandrew]

I meant El-Amin coming back after his freshman year, brain fart.

My post took way too much time, and you clearly corrected yourself. Still like the counterfactual, though!

 

[superjohn]

I think your logic is right. But your facts with KEA are wrong. He was a freshman on the E8 1998 team, then was a sophomore on the title team. He came back after that year (he, perhaps, should have left, since I'm not sure he could have raised his stock, and probably had a chance for the first round).

His Junior year he was a bit hobbled by the end. They lost some silly games, but then made a run to the BET finals. The end of the season was frustrating, since KEA was injured in the Utah State game. That team had potential to get to the Final Four if he was healthy--the 1 and 2 seed were out of their bracket. If KEA was healthy and they got by Tennessee, they would have had 8-seed UNC, and then 7-seed Tulsa in the E8--and then 5-seed Florida. Just one of those really interesting counter-factuals for UConn... they probably lose to MSU for the title, but would you bet against a healthy KEA-Freeman-Voskhul team with one game for a repeat?

Yup I corrected myself, I had a brain fart. My point is El-Amin could have left for Europe after his freshman year just like a large amount of college players could, it just makes absolutely no sense to do so.

 

[superjohn]

I think your logic is right. But your facts with KEA are wrong. He was a freshman on the E8 1998 team, then was a sophomore on the title team. He came back after that year (he, perhaps, should have left, since I'm not sure he could have raised his stock, and probably had a chance for the first round).

His Junior year he was a bit hobbled by the end. They lost some silly games, but then made a run to the BET finals. The end of the season was frustrating, since KEA was injured in the Utah State game. That team had potential to get to the Final Four if he was healthy--the 1 and 2 seed were out of their bracket. If KEA was healthy and they got by Tennessee, they would have had 8-seed UNC, and then 7-seed Tulsa in the E8--and then 5-seed Florida. Just one of those really interesting counter-factuals for UConn... they probably lose to MSU for the title, but would you bet against a healthy KEA-Freeman-Voskhul team with one game for a repeat?

I remember the loss to Tennessee but didn't remember the teams they would have faced had they beaten Tennessee. Did you actually remember all of that? If so that's very impressive.

 

[nomar]

There have been many instances where UConn players could have benefited from another year in Storrs but nonetheless were locks for the 1st round and sufficiently "ready." (Of course, draft position trumps readiness, but they usually go hand in hand -- Drummond's readiness was questionable but we've all seen that he was pretty darn ready.) Of Bazz, Boat and DD, none would go in the 1st round and only Bazz is arguably capable of contributing at the next level.

DD had a monster finish to the season and might be an NBA-caliber player next season, but this season, I would never draft him in the 1st round. Neither would anybody who works in an NBA front office. Second round, maybe, if he blew up at the camps. Not a smart move.

Boat could really be a special player but right now he's at best where Kemba was after his sophomore season. And that's generous. Hopefully Ollie keeps Boat's ego in check and he does the right thing.

Bazz, I think, could contribute at the next level right away. But that's still an "if" in the minds of a lot of NBA personnel. He's got a chance to really raise his game. With more experience and talent around him, Bazz will have a lot of opportunities to impress NBA scouts.

No "fan caps" here -- nobody on this team should be going pro.

 

[tzznandrew]

I remember the loss to Tennessee but didn't remember the teams they would have faced had they beaten Tennessee. Did you actually remember all of that? If so that's very impressive.

I remembered they would have played UNC in the S16--because I was angry they even got in, and wanted revenge for 1998. I also knew that the 2-seed was also beaten, because I remember feeling the what-ifs back then. I had to look up that it was Tulsa.

 

[BFieldHusky]

There have been many instances where UConn players could have benefited from another year in Storrs but nonetheless were locks for the 1st round and sufficiently "ready." (Of course, draft position trumps readiness, but they usually go hand in hand -- Drummond's readiness was questionable but we've all seen that he was pretty darn ready.) Of Bazz, Boat and DD, none would go in the 1st round and only Bazz is arguably capable of contributing at the next level.

DD had a monster finish to the season and might be an NBA-caliber player next season, but this season, I would never draft him in the 1st round. Neither would anybody who works in an NBA front office. Second round, maybe, if he blew up at the camps. Not a smart move.

Boat could really be a special player but right now he's at best where Kemba was after his sophomore season. And that's generous. Hopefully Ollie keeps Boat's ego in check and he does the right thing.

Bazz, I think, could contribute at the next level right away. But that's still an "if" in the minds of a lot of NBA personnel. He's got a chance to really raise his game. With more experience and talent around him, Bazz will have a lot of opportunities to impress NBA scouts.

No "fan caps" here -- nobody on this team should be going pro.

Well said.

 

[BoatShow]

, I teared up watching the video and I didn't just play my last game with UConn.

 

[patrick]

When was the last time one kid's decision ment so much to a program?
With conference realignment, starting a new conference, and the 2nd year of a new coach!

 

[mauconnfan]

These guys all played their hearts out so I wish them the best in whatever they choose!

Bazz - what can you say? Helped us to a NC his freshman year, couldn't have done it without him. And last year NCAA tourney with a whacky crew and this year, a truly special year which was pretty much done with players on his back. Playing with one foot he was the man. Hope he stays, his call and whatever the decision it's a good one!

DD - he'll be back, if he becomes what we saw the last 1/4 of the year and especially the last 4 or 5 he will go real high after his junior and will get paid for that. He realized he could use his length and size to back people in and take that little jump hook or fadeaway jumpers....looked pretty damn efficient scoring the ball and started making the three too, his pay day is coming 2014.......

Boat - talented kid, electric and times and at times you want to electrocute him......he's too small to be a 2 and he proved he could not run a team efficiently without Bazz so he needs to stay one more year and continue to grow with the ball in his hands, make better decisions while setting up his teammates by giving it to them in scoring position......look he was great today in most aspects and hats off to him, but that's crazy talk about making a decision......I guess if it's not the NBA which matters then it's not.....I want Ryan back not selfishly but because I think he's still got room to be very special!!

No matter I thank all of these guys (and the whole team and staff) for a truly fantastic year, one that I was not sure I could ever buy into myself because of the post season situation but they sold me and I had a blast!!!

 

[aceboon]

I should be shocked @ Boat's comments but given what he said to the Chicago papers during the summer it's not surprising. Whatever meeting he has with KO should be a pretty short and decisive one. After that it will be up whether or not outside influences take over.

 

[BFieldHusky]

From Jacobs article:

As athletic director Warde Manuel turned over the microphone to his coach — the one in September that Manuel wanted to prove himself, the one who in March he admitted left him exhilarated — the shiver inside Napier only grew stronger. That's when the crowd began to chant, "Kevin Ollie!" That's when the crowd began to chant, "One more year!" at Napier. With that, the junior guard heard Ollie tell the fans, "It's possible!" turned to his right, saw a weeping senior R.J. Evans and, well, that was it for Napier.
Did Napier tear up because this was it for him at UConn? Did he know in his heart that he will enter the NBA Draft? No, Napier insisted, it didn't mean that at all. It had more to do with Evans, who had given an inspired pre-game speech before his last game at UConn and then went out and defended the cotton out of Bryce Cotton. It had to do with what Ollie would call "the brotherhood."

 

[BoatShow]

From Jacobs article:

As athletic director Warde Manuel turned over the microphone to his coach — the one in September that Manuel wanted to prove himself, the one who in March he admitted left him exhilarated — the shiver inside Napier only grew stronger. That's when the crowd began to chant, "Kevin Ollie!" That's when the crowd began to chant, "One more year!" at Napier. With that, the junior guard heard Ollie tell the fans, "It's possible!" turned to his right, saw a weeping senior R.J. Evans and, well, that was it for Napier.
Did Napier tear up because this was it for him at UConn? Did he know in his heart that he will enter the NBA Draft? No, Napier insisted, it didn't mean that at all. It had more to do with Evans, who had given an inspired pre-game speech before his last game at UConn and then went out and defended the cotton out of Bryce Cotton. It had to do with what Ollie would call "the brotherhood."

Woah

 

[UCweCONN]

Does anyone really see Shabazz making it through an entire 82 game season with the foot issues he has? Boomer Esiason said the other day that plantar faciitis (spelling?) was the reason he retired. I really think Bazz needs to get his degree to secure his future and if an NBA career comes as well, it's a bonus. If he didn't have the foot issues I would never tell a guy not to go pro if that's where his heart is. I agree with other posters that this team will be nasty next year if he returns.