nba scout chats with duffy. talks DD, napier, boat

[ChrisSmith]

Obviously based on the post about Aquille Carr you aren't anyone to listen to in this type of decision making!!

There's a lot of potential considerations when a kid is figuring out whether or not to go pro. A lot of the considerations vary based on the individual's situation (does his family have no money or lots of money, does he have dependents, does he have any interest in working a white collar job, is he willing to leave the country, how close is he to his ceiling,...). Unfortunately, a lot of fans trick themselves into only thinking about the reasons a kid should stay, because they as fans want to see the kid stay.

And when it comes to Carr, maybe I'm just thinking about something other than Carr entertaining you.

 

[ChrisSmith]

He wouldn't have been eligible this year if he transferred, see Smith, Roscoe.

True, but Bazz would have redshirted and had 2 years to play in the postseason if he had transferred. As opposed to staying at UConn, where it was unlikely he would redshirt just to have another shot at a title.

 

[ChrisSmith]

I hope Bazz comes back. There are certainly some good reasons for him to come back. Some fans exaggerate these. There's also some good reasons for him to leave. Some fans ignore these. With omniscience, it's impossible to say what the right decision is for him. Some fans pretend like this isn't true. Regardless of his decision, I think both options are understandable and I'll wish the best for him.

 

[Kitaman]

Bazz as good as he is, can get better. His improvement is only in the minor. Unfortunately Bazz is not surrounded by NBA'ers on this team. If he had a team to work with he would be even more awesome. With that said this is his team and having a donut and so much youth, what he has done is remarkable.

I don't see him having longevity in the NBA but he have a long career in Pro ball outside of the states. He's electrifying and can put butts in the seats. That alone should get him some good dollars overseas. As for the NBA he will be on a team until a taller Bazz comes on board, which could be only a year or two away. His defense also is not that great, which could be attributed to his size or taking plays off (lazy D). As for offense unlike Boat, Bazz rarely gets his shots blocked, which negates the size concern somewhat. I just wish he had stellar players to work with. Lastly it matters what Bazz wants and no one else. Its only a mistake if he doesn't play any pro ball and winds up selling insurance. He's too good for that. So if he can make $300,000+ a year somewhere, then I salute him.

 

[upstater]

True, but Bazz would have redshirted and had 2 years to play in the postseason if he had transferred. As opposed to staying at UConn, where it was unlikely he would redshirt just to have another shot at a title.

Weren't you just arguing he should go pro?

And now you're saying he should spend 5 years in college?

 

[ChrisSmith]

Weren't you just arguing he should go pro?

And now you're saying he should spend 5 years in college?

No, I didn't argue he should go pro. I didn't argue what he should do either. I'm not going to pretend I have all the information I need to make that sort of argument either way. All I argued was that fans tend to focus on one side and gloss over the other.

And I certainly did not argue that he should spend 5 years in college. I merely asked someone (who posited that Shabazz could be swayed to return to UConn for the chance to win another championship) wouldn't Shabazz have transferred (or at least redshirted at UConn) if that was such a big concern.

 

[HuskyHawk]

He needs to come back. NBA scouts aren't really all that good at picking talent. They tend to be swayed by clutch performances in March or by physical stats. He has had his best season in a complete media black hole. That should change next year. The scholarship and degree are worth more than a D league slot as a 2nd round pick any day.

Plus I believe he can improve and that KO is uniquely positioned to teach him what he needs to be an NBA pg.

 

[upstater]

And I certainly did not argue that he should spend 5 years in college. I merely asked someone (who posited that Shabazz could be swayed to return to UConn for the chance to win another championship) wouldn't Shabazz have transferred (or at least redshirted at UConn) if that was such a big concern.

Why? Either way he doesn't play this year.

 

[husky91]

Shabazz won't play in the league. I would almost think he realizes this and he could leave and start playing overseas now. Hopefully he stays for a shot to build his draft status.

I see this as good news. It's insight from scouts like this that the UConn coach staff needs to explain to Shabazz. He really does need to stay for his senior year.

A great '14 March run and we will likely see Shabazz, Boat and Daniels jump for the draft

 

[mauconnfan]

No, I didn't argue he should go pro. I didn't argue what he should do either. I'm not going to pretend I have all the information I need to make that sort of argument either way. All I argued was that fans tend to focus on one side and gloss over the other.

And I certainly did not argue that he should spend 5 years in college. I merely asked someone (who posited that Shabazz could be swayed to return to UConn for the chance to win another championship) wouldn't Shabazz have transferred (or at least redshirted at UConn) if that was such a big concern.

That makes no sense.....if he transfers he sits out and doesn't play. If he stayed (as he did) he plays 30 games and either leaves or stays for a 4th year. 2 more years (5 year plan) certainly would've put a financial strain on him if there were other reasons......I am hoping he stays but if there are other reasons for him needing to search for a professional career I will say "Thank you for 3 great years and good luck".......there's nothing in it for me other than loving his game and wishing he was able to play one more year in the tourney........

 

[ChrisSmith]

That makes no sense.....if he transfers he sits out and doesn't play. If he stayed (as he did) he plays 30 games and either leaves or stays for a 4th year. 2 more years (5 year plan) certainly would've put a financial strain on him if there were other reasons......I am hoping he stays but if there are other reasons for him needing to search for a professional career I will say "Thank you for 3 great years and good luck".......there's nothing in it for me other than loving his game and wishing he was able to play one more year in the tourney........

I was only speaking to purely to the opportunity to win championships, nothing else. If he transfers and sits out, he could play two more years and have two chances to win a championship. If he stayed at UConn and played (as he did) he would only have one chance to win a championship.

 

[ChrisSmith]

Shabazz won't play in the league. I would almost think he realizes this and he could leave and start playing overseas now. Hopefully he stays for a shot to build his draft status.

As you mention, if it's true that he "won't play in the league", then he might as well go to Europe now.

Personally I think he's got a solid shot to play in the league whether he leaves this year or next.

 

[ChrisSmith]

He needs to come back. NBA scouts aren't really all that good at picking talent. They tend to be swayed by clutch performances in March or by physical stats. He has had his best season in a complete media black hole. That should change next year. The scholarship and degree are worth more than a D league slot as a 2nd round pick any day.

Plus I believe he can improve and that KO is uniquely positioned to teach him what he needs to be an NBA pg.

I think the opportunity to demonstrate his game on a big stage (BE and NCAA tourney) is one of the best reasons to come back. I also think Kevin Ollie is a reason to come back. He can earn a degree. Playing college basketball is a lot of fun. He can compete for another title.

However, reasons to go pro are: why do it for free when he can get paid for it. He's not getting any taller or becoming a better athlete. He's had a great statistical season, it will be hard to replicate. Risk of injury. He can always come back for his degree later. It's a very weak draft class. Next years draft class is strong. While yes he could improve, everyone else that comes back could also improve - on average, players improve by an average amount (so why wouldn't expect any player to improve relative to other players).

I have no idea what's going to be most persuasive to Bazz. Hopefully he gets good information and advice, and makes whatever decision is right for him.

 

[BoatShow]

Only thing he can really improve is to be more of a pure point guard and maybe show he can have a role at the next level running an offense. Only problem is that Boat eeds to show the same thing, and it would be hard for both to do it at the same time "Here, you shoot it...no you, I insist...etc."

That's when Omar will say "cut the crap guys, I'll shoot it."