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

[Phoenixhusky]

All the mocks have Bazz as a late second rounder.

 

[BFieldHusky]

I think Bazz is a lock to be a first round pick and, probably, at the tail end of the big money lottery picks to the end of the 1st round. That's the guaranteed cash and it would be tough to pass that up. UConn's stock is going to take hit in the public's perception because of our new conference so I'd say anything short of an Elite 8 appearance would be seen as disappointing if he would return. Plus there's injury risk. If I had to guess, I'd say he's going pro and I don't blame him (or anyone). But yes, selfishly, I'd LOVE to see him return to UConn and help restore our proud reputation as a top 5 program and national title contender. Next year's team could be REALLY special in a weaker conference and with something more to play for. I'd say an Elite 8 appearance is very likely and a good chance at Final 4. That is if the corrupt NCAA doesn't continue to stick it to UConn and seed them in the toughest brackets that would include another tough "away" game.

Sorry dude he is not a 1st round pick this year.

 

[HuskyBballFan]

I think Bazz is a lock to be a first round pick and, probably, at the tail end of the big money lottery picks to the end of the 1st round.

No, he is definitely not.

 

[Dooley]

No, he is definitely not.

You don't think so? I know he's undersized but he went to UConn and NBA teams know that, for the most part, when they draft a kid from UConn, he won't bust out.

 

[scrappy2.0]

How do you know this is his "best shot to get drafted?" He had a great season, but the reality is he is behind a ton of guards at this point for the draft. We have all heard about how the draft is this year compared to next, but he is a 2nd round pick this year at best. If he comes back, has another great year, and has the exposure of being on a top 10 team and an NCAA run...well then he may slid into the 1st round. How many players have we seen that happen to lately?

I think a player who does not have a guarantee with a first round pick should stay--and all the more case in Uconns guys. This is going to be a National Championship[ contender. These guys will get better and be in the spotlight all year..... That how you make it from round 2 into 1. Improve and have the spotlight lit on you. Napier has a chance but I still do not believe a guarantee round 1. I think the best he could hope for is a team says Shabazz will take you in round 2 and sign you for a 1 year lock--but again that is almost never done. Boatright 0 chance to be drafted---if he listens to someone not in the know--hell live overseas as a lock. Daniels is the best long term prospect and just because he had a few good games--should not sway anything. He would NOT get picked round 1 and has all the ability to get to lottery status next year. Kyle Andersen is an example of a player who has had good games but is not ready--and he was better than Daniels this year. Daniels does not have an NBA body yet. Anyone see Corey Jefferson player yesterday--hes projected as a 2nd rounder and he is miles ahead of Daniels in terms of body athletic explosion etc... Most fans have 0 and I mean 0 clue on the NBA process. I will give you this---unless there is some serious beauty in the eye of the beholder--Shabazz will not round 1(too many better options in a crowded PG class). Boatright has no chance to sniff a top 60 pick. Hes way to small and his skills decision making are no where near NBA. If he was 6-3 wed be talking a s 5-10 top(but then again he may never have been going to Uconn at 6-3). He WILL NOT get drafted. Daniels--Im sure he peaked a few heads but clearly he needs physical improvement heck he was manhandled how many games this year--his SF skills are no where near fully honed--he would need to gain 10 hard pounds and hone out his 3 pt shot ballhandling and even some decision making a s well. he does have NBA length athletiscm and is showing the in out package--but he needs to be a finished product with his frame

 

[Bezzz]

All the mocks have Bazz as a late second rounder.

I haven't found one that does. He's not even listed in DraftExpress's Top 100.

 

[ChrisSmith]

Wow thanks for clearing things up, you should definitely have a talk with Shabazz before he decides, I'm sure he would be grateful for your sound financial advice.

I guess your posts are much more interesting and insightful - "Shabazz should come back because it will make UConn better and I'll have fun watching him".

 

[ChrisSmith]

Goo lord. Your odds of making the nba after playing in turkey are far less than after leading Uconn to the final four and elevating yourself to a first round pick and a guaranteed contract. Settling for 45k could cost you millions.

What you just said is that the odds of making the NBA are higher if you're a first round pick than if you're playing professionally in Turkey. That is certainly true. It's pretty irrelevant. The issue is what are the chances of being a first round pick this year versus being a first round pick next year? I believe the difference is marginal, and Shabazz stands to gain little in terms of the NBA by returning another year. There's plenty of other considerations, however. It's just funny how when fans are trying to convince themselves that a player on their team should return, they treat coming back for another year as an automatic boost to your draft stock. You're just as likely to fall as you are to rise.

 

[Clockshop]

Shabazz had surgery on his foot and is still having problems with it. If he declares, it's likely to show up in the physicals done by NBA teams and will be a concern, much like Sullinger's back. If it were me, I would spend the extra year getting my degree, and then taking the shot at the NBA. Teams will draft him for his decision making and ability to run a team, whether it's the 2nd unit or as a starter. No need to rush, but we don't know his financial situation and pressures.

 

[BoatShow]

Has anyone told him they are thinking about putting a Tilted Kilt in Storrs? Reason enough to stay.

 

[superjohn]

I guess your posts are much more interesting and insightful - "Shabazz should come back because it will make UConn better and I'll have fun watching him".

Are you really this stupid? I've explained it about a million times, Shabazz will come back because he's not on the nba radar. He has no chance of being a first round pick and he hasn't even been listed anywhere as a second round pick. I'm of Calhoun's way of thinking, you don't leave early if you're not a lottery pick. I would have no problem with Bazz leaving if he was a guaranteed first round pick, he is just not. I love the kid and want the best for him but leaving early would be a huge mistake. You've shown that your belief is that Bazz shouldn't turn up the chance to play in Hungary for $45,000.

 

[Waquoit]

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.

El-Amin did make a mistake coming back for his junior year. He should have left after his Letterman apperarance.

 

[BFieldHusky]

El-Amin did make a mistake coming back for his junior year. He should have left after his Letterman apperarance.

But El-Amin was coming off a National Championship season were he the no. 2 scorer. His stock literally wasn't going to get any higher.

Shabazz is coming off a season where he made first team all BE, but in a year where UCONN got no exposure this year. To me the exposure he will get next year could be the difference between getting picked late 1st round and getting picked at the end of the 2nd round/not drafted. People who think he is getting drafted 1st round are out of their mind. I think its 50/50 if he gets drafted 2nd round or not at all.

 

[CAHUSKY]

What you just said is that the odds of making the NBA are higher if you're a first round pick than if you're playing professionally in Turkey. That is certainly true. It's pretty irrelevant. The issue is what are the chances of being a first round pick this year versus being a first round pick next year? I believe the difference is marginal, and Shabazz stands to gain little in terms of the NBA by returning another year. There's plenty of other considerations, however. It's just funny how when fans are trying to convince themselves that a player on their team should return, they treat coming back for another year as an automatic boost to your draft stock. You're just as likely to fall as you are to rise.

You don't think his stock rises by coming back and possibly winning conference and national player of the year and leading Uconn to the final four? Really. Those are legitimate possibilities and would clearly boost his draft status. Ask Kamba.

 

[James]

Shabazz is slept on. I think he can be a terrific pro prospect, just needs to work on his body. Reminds me of a flashier right handed Derek fisher. Would be an excellent triangle pg. his defensive instincts would also translate. First rounder this year

 

[Brochacho]

Shabazz is slept on. I think he can be a terrific pro prospect, just needs to work on his body. Reminds me of a flashier right handed Derek fisher. Would be an excellent triangle pg. his defensive instincts would also translate. First rounder this year

I've thought of him as like a Derek Fisher/Avery Bradley mashup when he reaches the NBA. And while I'm at it I think Daniels is a Jeff Green type guy and Boat is a poor man's Isaiah Thomas, the Washington one.

 

[ctchamps]

Isn't it funny how everyone posting was ticked SN was not on any of the national lists for top players because based on his performance this season he deserved to be. But now that he may leave us we're all praying he's not on any one's lists.

 

[ChrisSmith]

You don't think his stock rises by coming back and possibly winning conference and national player of the year and leading Uconn to the final four? Really. Those are legitimate possibilities and would clearly boost his draft status. Ask Kamba.

I do think that would raise his stock. But you don't think re-injuring his foot next year or having his numbers go down would hurt his stock? Those are real possibilities as well.

Again, it's a zero sum game. If one players stock goes up, another's goes down. It's just as likely that Bazz's stock would go up as it is would go down. Or maybe it won't change, and he might as well have gone pro.

 

[ChrisSmith]

Are you really this stupid? I've explained it about a million times, Shabazz will come back because he's not on the nba radar. He has no chance of being a first round pick and he hasn't even been listed anywhere as a second round pick. I'm of Calhoun's way of thinking, you don't leave early if you're not a lottery pick. I would have no problem with Bazz leaving if he was a guaranteed first round pick, he is just not. I love the kid and want the best for him but leaving early would be a huge mistake. You've shown that your belief is that Bazz shouldn't turn up the chance to play in Hungary for $45,000.

Not being on the NBA radar doesn't mean you should come back. If you're not an NBA player, and Europe is your only regardless of whether you play 1 year or 4 years, then maybe you should go to Europe asap. I think KEA made the right decision. Pudgy 5'9 guys don't play in the NBA. He started earning money for his family sooner than if he stuck around. Now Bazz isn't 5'9 and pudgy, but he is 6'0 and a below average athlete for a NBA guard. If he's not on the NBA radar this year (as you claim) maybe that's a sign he's more like KEA. On the other hand, if he is on the NBA radar, then why not capitalize on it this year?

And Calhoun was not about what was best for the player - he was about what was best for UConn. Apparently just like yourself.

 

[jorge34]

I am very confident in stating that.......he will definitely NOT be a first round pick. And it is 50-50 at best he is drafted, at all. That being said, I am pretty certain a kid like Napier know exactly what he can make.....overseas. He can always finish his degree in the offseason. I like him, so certainly would love to see him back, but I think the likely scenario is....he leaves. And if that is the case, I hope he does great wherever he ends up.

 

[superjohn]

Not being on the NBA radar doesn't mean you should come back. If you're not an NBA player, and Europe is your only regardless of whether you play 1 year or 4 years, then maybe you should go to Europe asap. I think KEA made the right decision. Pudgy 5'9 guys don't play in the NBA. He started earning money for his family sooner than if he stuck around. Now Bazz isn't 5'9 and pudgy, but he is 6'0 and a below average athlete for a NBA guard. If he's not on the NBA radar this year (as you claim) maybe that's a sign he's more like KEA. On the other hand, if he is on the NBA radar, then why not capitalize on it this year?

And Calhoun was not about what was best for the player - he was about what was best for UConn. Apparently just like yourself.

You are a ducking idiot. What you said about Jim Calhoun is one of the dumbest statements ever made on this message board.

 

[UCDaveD]

But you don't think re-injuring his foot next year or having his numbers go down would hurt his stock? Those are real possibilities as well.

Yeah, those are real possibilities, but so what? If being a contributor to an NBA team is his goal, then the best way to achieve that is to come back. Who leaves early due to fear of injury just to go play in Europe? Those leagues will still be there at the end of next year if his NBA prospects don't work out for whatever reason.

 

[jorge34]

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!!!

Wouldn't shock me if all three left.

 

[Sean]

Napier will almost certainly go undrafted if he goes pro. Once you go down late in the draft, you are looking for one of two things: either project-ability, or one elite level talent. Think of guys like John Jenkins last year who made the league solely off of his shooting prowess. Napier doesn't have the speed, he isn't an elite level shooter, and he isn't an elite defender. He's literally average to below average in every category for an NBA player. With that being said, those kind of guys really fit the European mold perfectly. We all know Marcus Smart and MCW are better, but there are also some more intriguing late rd players than Bazz - Nate Wolters has the size, albeit not the speed, and is an elite level shooter and scorer, albeit very untested. Isiaiah Cannon is another example of a guy at a small school who compares very similarly to Napier.

On the counter-side, while Napier is a much better player than Boatright, I actually like Boatright's shot of being drafted better than Napier's. Some team could look at his breakneck speed and see a potential Ty Lawson if he grew into it. I think its a huge stretch, but NBA team's don't invest much when they take 2nd rounders, and Boatright's UPSIDE is higher even if his floor is much, much lower.

Overall, though, I do think Chris Smith has an interesting point. Unless Napier has reason to believe he can improve his stock (improve his D, improve his speed, advance to a 45% 3 pt shooter), maybe he should just go pro and head to Europe. He really does fit the mold of a 25 ppg scorer over there down the road.

 

[ChrisSmith]

You are a ducking idiot. What you said about Jim Calhoun is one of the dumbest statements ever made on this message board.

Graduation rates. Transfers. Stanley Robinson. Michael Bradley.

Argument over.

 

[ChrisSmith]

Yeah, those are real possibilities, but so what? If being a contributor to an NBA team is his goal, then the best way to achieve that is to come back. Who leaves early due to fear of injury just to go play in Europe? Those leagues will still be there at the end of next year if his NBA prospects don't work out for whatever reason.

Exactly, we don't know what Shabazz's goal is, so how are people saying what is unequivocally best for him? I don't know what his goals are, so I won't pretend to guess what's best for him. Does he want a degree? Does he want $? Does he want another NCAA run? And if he does want $, there are too many unknowns to know what is best for him.

 

[Woodson]

Graduation rates. Transfers. Stanley Robinson. Michael Bradley.

Argument over.

Wow. Breaking news. Jim Calhoun isn't perfect.

As for the other side of the argument, talk to some former players - they'll make it for you. Here are a few suggestions - Kevin Ollie, Caron, Kemba, and yes, Stanley. His players love him, that's why they all come back and the family is so strong. Make the connection.

 

[ChrisSmith]

If Shabazz comes back, 4 general scenarios can happen:

1. He improves significantly -
How likely is this to happen? Every other player in the country is hoping to take their game to the next level too. What makes Bazz likely to increase relative to these other players? Bazz has physical limitiations, and is coming off a great statistical season - how much more can he improve?
Even if this is the case, is it enough to compensate for him being another year older and for their being a stronger draft class? Is it the difference between being a second round pick and a first?

2. He stays the same - his draft stock falls because next year is projected to have a stronger draft class and because Shabazz is another year older (and thus is viewed as having less developmental potential by NBA teams)

3. He gets worse - his draft stock falls

4. He gets hurt significantly - his draft stock falls

The tough thing is trying to gage the likelihood of each scenario, and also gaging the financial repercussions of each. Hopefully Bazz gets the right information from the right people.

I hope he comes back, but I have no idea if he will. There are very good reasons on both sides.

 

[ChrisSmith]

Wow. Breaking news. Jim Calhoun isn't perfect.

As for the other side of the argument, talk to some former players - they'll make it for you. Here are a few suggestions - Kevin Ollie, Caron, Kemba, and yes, Stanley. His players love him, that's why they all come back and the family is so strong. Make the connection.

Of course the guys who things have worked out for love Calhoun. What about the guys who things haven't worked out for? The guys that didn't graduate or transferred? There's been way too many of those guys. And what is Robinson supposed to say? That he blames Calhoun? That's a good way to shoot yourself in the foot.

 

[UCDaveD]

Exactly, we don't know what Shabazz's goal is, so how are people saying what is unequivocally best for him? I don't know what his goals are, so I won't pretend to guess what's best for him. Does he want a degree? Does he want $? Does he want another NCAA run? And if he does want $, there are too many unknowns to know what is best for him.

Come on now. No, short of him coming out and telling us, we can't be positive what his goals are, but let's be realistic. I'd be willing to wager a large sum of money that his goal, probably since he was very young, is to play in the NBA. I'd say it's a relatively safe assumption to make.

But for the sake of argument, let's say his goal is to make money. Considering the difference in money between what he'd make in the NBA (even assuming league minimum) versus what he'd make in Europe, I'm still not convinced that the math doesn't show that the right play is to take a shot at the NBA.