Purvis on DHam doubters

[Stainmaster]

This would be spot on if Hamilton were likely to be a first-round pick.

The difference between Drummond and Hamilton is that not only is Hamilton is leaving UConn without much in the way of individual accolades or team success, but that his leaving now (as opposed to next year, when he would arguably be better positioned to go in the first round) makes it less likely for him to carry our banner in the NBA and earn that cred with recruits.

Whatever you feel about Drummond's time at UConn, he's doing this program a major service by what he's doing in the NBA.

I want Hamilton to succeed and do the same, obviously, since that's in the best interest of the program, but it doesn't look very likely.

Not my point. I was responding to the "DHam is dead to me, I bear no good will towards him" line of thought. Obviously he and Drummond are different in many ways. Regardless, once a player turns pro it's in the best interest of the program for people to bury the hatchet and root like hell for them to make a good name for the university in their career. Doesn't matter whether it's Drummond in the ASG or Giffey in the Summer League a couple of years ago.

 

[gtcam]

Come on, let's leave the holier-than-thou attitude about fandom out of this.

We're all UConn fans here -- we want what's best for the program. Hamilton leaving was not best for the program, and a legitimate case can be made that it wasn't best for his basketball career, hence the criticism.

Coming from the glass is always empty guy - wow
Him leaving was not best for the program - tough crap
Me leaving my job wouldn't be best for my company but if something comes along and I want to try it - be it doable or not - its my decision and screw all the people who bash me otherwise
Can't you see that fans or not; if folks start getting nasty that players and recruits might take notice?
Good thing KO isn't hooked into your postings

 

[Tenspro2002]

Not my point. I was responding to the "DHam is dead to me, I bear no good will towards him" line of thought. Obviously he and Drummond are different in many ways. Regardless, once a player turns pro it's in the best interest of the program for people to bury the hatchet and root like hell for them to make a good name for the university in their career. Doesn't matter whether it's Drummond in the ASG or Giffey in the Summer League a couple of years ago.

I don't think we disagree here, and I expect that the point of view that "he's gone now; the better he does is better for the program" will prevail after the initial shock wears off.

But it's also not incongruous or contradictory to say:
1) He's hurting the team by leaving
2) He may be hurting his long-term professional chances by leaving
3) Now that he's gone, we want him to do well

So far we've heard more of #1 and #2, and going forward I expect to hear more of #3.

 

[intlzncster]

Wherever he ends up, he's going to be making more on day one than 99% of the people here - as a 20 year old kid.

Unless he goes undrafted and straight to the D league. Then he's looking at $25k per annum.

 

[uconngb]

Best case scenario, as of right now, is for DHAM to be drafted at the end of the 1st or in the 2nd. Things will change when the actual combine happens. Klay Thompson was considered a 2nd rounder this time of year in all the mocks. Might have been solely for the weed arrest but regardless... 2nd round projection. Combine hit, everyone projected him in the mid teens of the 1st round. These early mocks are for the most part worthless after the top 8 to 10. Yet most on here treat them like fact.
Since you think he's a year away from being a top 5 pick (really the only scenario where he's sacrificing TENS of millions of dollars) you must believe DHam will develop into a star player. If you were in his shoes what would you rather do:

1. Be drafted at the end of the 1st round, make a little more than a mil a year and be under club control for FIVE years.

2. Be a second rounder, make about a half a mil a year and be under club control for TWO years. Since you think he's a year away from being a star, Europe doesn't even enter the equation. This means you hit free agency very early. Examples: Arenas, Gilbert. Boozer, Carlos.

3. Stay in school and be broke

For me, it's be a toss up between 1 and 2. The guaranteed money in the first scenario is nice but you can hit the mother load quicker if you are a successful 2nd round pick. Either way you can't lose. I know for damn sure I or you wouldn't stay in school.

You missed the most likely scenario: Don't get drafted, end up playing in some god-forsaken country for peanuts when you could have stayed in school and improved. But hey, it is a WHOLE year that he would have given up.....

 

[intlzncster]

MOST of us are hoping like hell that Purv stays and plays next season
If he sees DBs bashing UConn players and coaches do you think he likely to hang around?????
What if recruits start seeing this stuff?
Criticize play but be cool on personal decisions - basically these young guys owe you and I nothing
Use your damn heads for something more that to wear your hats backwards

Just a hunch, but I'm willing to be (a lot) that Purvis isn't making decisions for his future based off the musings of anonymous internet posters.

 

[navery12]

Has anyone said they aren't rooting for him here? I'm sure people are tweeting stupid things at Purvis and anyone else related to the team, but you would think he would know by now to ignore them.

I forget who it was, I'm relatively new here and rarely post so I'm not too familiar with who all the posters are, but I remember someone saying they hoped he failed in the NBA since he was so dumb to leave early. I'd look but I have no idea where to even start

 

[Rocktheworld]

We're all UConn fans here -- we want what's best for the program.

you are such a . I'm guessing (hoping) you didn't attend UConn

 

[willie99]

I wish him the best, and I think he's leaving money on the table, simply not incompatible positions

NBA ain't kind to projects, preparation and timing is everything

He could of had a big season next year and moved way up the draft board, it happens all the time

I think he's destined for D-league and Europe, I hope he proves me wrong



I love Rodney and admire is spirit, but one has to have thick skin when you desire to live in the spot-lite. Life ain't easy and you'll never please everyone. you just do the right thing and you can't worry about what everybody thinks

 

[twiceahusky]

Long time reader, first time poster here. So many here are critical of those who don't full-on support DHAM's future success. Very few of my friends that are full-on Husky fans unconditionally support him, and if they do, it is ONLY to have another successful pro in the NBA to help future recruiting.

In the end, I think there are student athletes, and then there are some just punching a ticket to get to play pro ball (and then lots in between). Pure student athletes - leave them and their decisions alone. However, DHAM seems to be using Uconn to get to another place (NBA, or maybe overseas). He now becomes a public figure, and he should deal with both the good and bad. He plays well, and he is loved by many - he gets that advantage. The flip side of the coin is that fans have the right to criticize him too - that is fame.

In the end, I feel my perceived contract with DHAM (and any player) was that he'd come to Uconn, (a) work hard, (b) get better, (c) help the team, and (d) leave when ready as determined by the coaching staff that helped him develop. More so than any other player, he has not come through on (d), has a little more (b) in him, and certainly has the ability to provide some (c) next year for a team that feels a bit vulnerable in light of not being in a big conference.

 

[willie99]

NBAdraftexpress has Hamilton at # 31, going to the C's (good news for him, first time I've seen him listed)

NBAdraft.com, undrfated

ESPN / Ford, ranked the 134th best prospect (I don't think Ford likes him much)


One scout said (paraphrasing) "he could of had a Buddy Heild like surge next year, doesn't make any sense" (why are there so many haters?)

 

[BLUEDOGHOUSE]

Getting an invite to the combine is the first big step. Close to 70% of invitees who scored an invite got drafted last year. Purvis has a 0% chance of an invitation. Brimah less than 20% chance (IMO) even if more invites are extended this year. Hamilton on the other hand is more likely than not to get invited. He is not a lock though. There is a chance Brimah gets an NBA evaluation and/or team workout. Rodney? No.

Only 2 players not invited to the combine last year put NBA money in their pocket. That amounted cumulatively to around a million dollars between these guys. Nothing much to speak of at all when looking at the big picture. International players that's a whole different story. I am referring to domestic talent.

I want Rodney to return to UConn. UConn will be a much better team with him NO DOUBT. Since we are chatting about the business angle of things though...a good case can be made for Rodney to leave with his friend DHam and start a professional career overseas. RP is a great kid. I am sure all of Husky Nation will be rooting for his success post UConn.

Hamilton has a Composite NBA Draft Ranking of #66. It only takes 1 team though. The decision I am following closely is Isaiah Whitehead. He hasn't hired an agent. The reviews out on him are mixed. No doubt he gets an invite to the combine.

 

[7774]

NBAdraftexpress has Hamilton at # 31, going to the C's (good news for him, first time I've seen him listed)

NBAdraft.com, undrfated

ESPN / Ford, ranked the 134th best prospect (I don't think Ford likes him much)


One scout said (paraphrasing) "he could of had a Buddy Heild like surge next year, doesn't make any sense" (why are there so many haters?)

Well sure, it could happen. Anything could happen. If we're talking about unlikely scenarios, he could get injured next year and not be able to work out for teams. Then it makes perfect sense for him to leave now.

 

[willie99]

Well sure, it could happen. Anything could happen. If we're talking about unlikely scenarios, he could get injured next year and not be able to work out for teams. Then it makes perfect sense for him to leave now.

life's not really a game of pure chance like you're playing now, it's more about probabilities. In this case, what path provides the best opportunity to land in the NBA.

and on matters like this, I put a lot of weight on people with experience, I wish they felt differently but I can't change that

people can and do think it's a good move, I'm OK with that. I think it's a bad decision and my opinion won't change until proven otherwise (which I hope happens for the kid)

 

[7774]

life's not really a game of pure chance like you're playing now, it's more about probabilities. In this case, what path provides the best opportunity to land in the NBA.

and on matters like this, I put a lot of weight on people with experience, I wish they felt differently but I can't change that

people can and do think it's a good move, I'm OK with that. I think it's a bad decision and my opinion won't change until proven otherwise (which I hope happens for the kid)

No kidding it's a game of probabilities. That's why it's dumb to use some scout saying, "hey, he could come back and make a leap to national player of the year" as evidence of anything. The probability of that happening is small.

 

[David 76]

No kidding it's a game of probabilities. That's why it's dumb to use some scout saying, "hey, he could come back and make a leap to national player of the year" as evidence of anything. The probability of that happening is small.

Don't you think DHam has lottery pick potential?

 

[7774]

Don't you think DHam has lottery pick potential?

If he came back next year and improved his shooting and decision making significantly, sure.

I also think there are scenarios where he comes back and doesn't improve his draft position at all.

 

[ctchamps]

I wish him the best, and I think he's leaving money on the table, simply not incompatible positions

NBA ain't kind to projects, preparation and timing is everything

He could of had a big season next year and moved way up the draft board, it happens all the time

I think he's destined for D-league and Europe, I hope he proves me wrong



I love Rodney and admire is spirit, but one has to have thick skin when you desire to live in the spot-lite. Life ain't easy and you'll never please everyone. you just do the right thing and you can't worry about what everybody thinks

I don't think his response indicates he's thin skinned. He has as much right as anyone to speak his mind.

 

[ctchamps]

Can you imagine having to physically socialize with these nincompoops? The internet is great for so many reasons but actually shielding the normal from the insane is easily number one.

Given that there are so many different ways at looking at so many various positions being bandied about I really had a difficult time trying to figure out which posters you consider are nincompoops. And I thought it funny that a guy with your name would have trouble with poops of any sort.

 

[ctchamps]

This thread is an indictment against democracy. It's not that the various ideas people present are the major problem. It's that there are so many positions being presented by posters who insist their position is the absolute position. Without realizing it most of us would prefer a country in which we were the rulers and the other members of The Boneyard were our minions.

I'm of the mind that thinks a good portion of the admiration towards Fishy is based more than just his intelligent humor.

 

[CTBasketball]

I like how the same, cancerous topic transitioned over to a new thread. Classic BY.

 

[Rico444]

In the end, I feel my perceived contract with DHAM (and any player) was that he'd come to Uconn, (a) work hard, (b) get better, (c) help the team, and (d) leave when ready as determined by the coaching staff that helped him develop. More so than any other player, he has not come through on (d), has a little more (b) in him, and certainly has the ability to provide some (c) next year for a team that feels a bit vulnerable in light of not being in a big conference.

That's your problem there: you don't get to dictate what a kid should get out of college. He shouldn't make his decisions based on what fans think he should do.

 

[BUHusky]

In the end, I feel my perceived contract with DHAM (and any player) was that he'd come to Uconn, (a) work hard, (b) get better, (c) help the team, and (d) leave when ready as determined by the coaching staff that helped him develop. More so than any other player, he has not come through on (d), has a little more (b) in him, and certainly has the ability to provide some (c) next year for a team that feels a bit vulnerable in light of not being in a big conference.

Yikes... There is no "contract" when any player comes to school between them and any fan. And it's a beyond silly notion to think there is. Amateur athletes don't owe you a thing.

 

[temery]

The only thing he could do to disappoint me is to blow off his spring classes and hurt our APR.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

In the end, I feel my perceived contract with DHAM (and any player) was that he'd come to Uconn, (a) work hard, (b) get better, (c) help the team, and (d) leave when ready as determined by the coaching staff that helped him develop. More so than any other player, he has not come through on (d), has a little more (b) in him, and certainly has the ability to provide some (c) next year for a team that feels a bit vulnerable in light of not being in a big conference.

This sums up a lot of what's wrong with this board, this silly feeling that you as a fan are entitled to anything from these kids.

Incidentally, what's your obligation under this "contract" you think you have with Hamilton?

P.S. Tell me you don't seriously think that part of a kid's decision-making calculus should be the fact that next year's team might "feel a bit vulnerable in light of not being in a big conference" because if you actually feel that way you have a borderline insane sense of what's important in these life decisions these kids are making.

 

[David 76]

I don't think his response indicates he's thin skinned. He has as much right as anyone to speak his mind.

No! Those college kids shouldn't upset middle-aged men that are insulting their friends!

 

[Leebo]

The athletes don't even have a guarantee of a scholarship for 4 years, so why would anyone think that they have an obligation to us?

 

[twiceahusky]

Ouch. Tough crowd. Yes, I posted that as a Uconn fan, I'm pretty unhappy with DHAM and I'm not necessarily rooting for his bball career (well, I kinda am to help future recruiting, but no where near as much as many other Huskies). I referred to a "perceived contract" between the team/players that I root for and myself - and got chewed on by a few ultra-literal posters who suggest that I actually believe in the contract, or that these players care what I think.

I was just voicing an opinion not too dissimilar to a number of peers.

Rico444 stated "That's your problem there: you don't get to dictate what a kid should get out of college." I know I don't get to dictate what a kid should get out of college, but I should, as a fan, get to dictate who I root for and why. He doesn't really meet my criteria.

BUHusky reminded me "There is no "contract" when any player comes to school between them and any fan". No, I know there is not. But I suspect there are certain criteria that all of us demand of the team/players or you wouldn't be a fan. I was just trying to state mine using a "perceived contract" as a conceptual model.

BigErnMacCraken, I "don't seriously think that part of a kid's decision-making calculus should be the fact that next year's team might "feel a bit vulnerable in light of not being in a big conference". I was just stating another of the criteria that made this fan less-than-thrilled with DHAM's decisions. So many other Huskies made decisions that made me want to root for them forever, especially when conference realignment threatened the program, and DHAM didn't.

Peace.

 

[joober jones]

Can you imagine having to physically socialize with these nincompoops? The internet is great for so many reasons but actually shielding the normal from the insane is easily number one.

"You know, a long time ago being crazy meant something. Nowadays everybody'scrazy." - Charles Manson

 

[BUHusky]

Ouch. Tough crowd. Yes, I posted that as a Uconn fan, I'm pretty unhappy with DHAM and I'm not necessarily rooting for his bball career (well, I kinda am to help future recruiting, but no where near as much as many other Huskies). I referred to a "perceived contract" between the team/players that I root for and myself - and got chewed on by a few ultra-literal posters who suggest that I actually believe in the contract, or that these players care what I think.

I was just voicing an opinion not too dissimilar to a number of peers.

Rico444 stated "That's your problem there: you don't get to dictate what a kid should get out of college." I know I don't get to dictate what a kid should get out of college, but I should, as a fan, get to dictate who I root for and why. He doesn't really meet my criteria.

BUHusky reminded me "There is no "contract" when any player comes to school between them and any fan". No, I know there is not. But I suspect there are certain criteria that all of us demand of the team/players or you wouldn't be a fan. I was just trying to state mine using a "perceived contract" as a conceptual model.

BigErnMacCraken, I "don't seriously think that part of a kid's decision-making calculus should be the fact that next year's team might "feel a bit vulnerable in light of not being in a big conference". I was just stating another of the criteria that made this fan less-than-thrilled with DHAM's decisions. So many other Huskies made decisions that made me want to root for them forever, especially when conference realignment threatened the program, and DHAM didn't.

Peace.

Sigh. I wasn't being literal in suggesting that you believe there is an actual contract. No, I was simply pointing out how grossly entitled and spoiled you are to even think about college athletes in terms of your perceived contract.

If you don't want to root for a guy because he isn't meeting the various bullet points of your perceived contract, that's your own call. But just know it's a foolish "conceptual model".