McDuffie

[shockmonster]

Certainly cannot blame McDuffie for testing the waters.

But if he waits one more year and continues to improve like he very likely will, he will be a first round or high second round selective.

Maybe. I'd estimate that for a first round pick, Duff needs all four years to fully mature. Some skills need improvement but he needs to improve physically most.

[jdshock]

Maybe. I'd estimate that for a first round pick, Duff needs all four years to fully mature. Some skills need improvement but he needs to improve physically most.

First round picks are almost always about potential, even the lottery picks. There just aren't that many rookies who show up and dominate the league.

It really doesn't have anything to do with just his skills. It has to do with how much he can improve in comparison to how much NBA GMs think he can improve. If NBA scouts are telling him that GMs think he could become an all-star and want him in the first round, then he should go. He's probably not going to overperform and then get picked higher. If people think he's a second round pick and he doesn't have a high ceiling, he should stick around because he can work hard in the next few years and out perform what the execs think, moving him up in the draft.

[ArtVandalay]

If you're not one of the 67 invited to the draft combine, you return to school. Those 67 are all college players. There are only 60 draft picks, and more than a handful of those picks will be overseas players.

I think McDuffie will have his opportunity, I just don't think it'll be this year.

[shockmonster]

First round picks are almost always about potential, even the lottery picks. There just aren't that many rookies who show up and dominate the league.

It really doesn't have anything to do with just his skills. It has to do with how much he can improve in comparison to how much NBA GMs think he can improve. If NBA scouts are telling him that GMs think he could become an all-star and want him in the first round, then he should go. He's probably not going to overperform and then get picked higher. If people think he's a second round pick and he doesn't have a high ceiling, he should stick around because he can work hard in the next few years and out perform what the execs think, moving him up in the draft.

He will be 21 his Senior year. He's still growing and that describes potential. GM's want sure things if they are 6'8.

[calfan]

A lot of factors go into making a decision to go pro beyond just basketball talent itself.
1. How long did he think he would be at WSU when he first came here?
2. Does he like going to class?
3. Are other people from back home telling him to make the jump?
4. Does his family need the money?

Those are all questions that could impact his decision outside of his pro evaluation.

I wish him the best. It's not an easy decision.

[Dan]

I hope he comes back. We haven't really even tapped into his true potential yet.

[DUShock]

Is it possible that he has checked out mentally, perhaps put himself in some sort of academic issue, where declaring is his only real option? (I know of no such occurrence but am thinking aloud/from the keyboard)

[OregonShocker]

First round picks are almost always about potential, even the lottery picks. There just aren't that many rookies who show up and dominate the league.

It really doesn't have anything to do with just his skills. It has to do with how much he can improve in comparison to how much NBA GMs think he can improve. If NBA scouts are telling him that GMs think he could become an all-star and want him in the first round, then he should go. He's probably not going to overperform and then get picked higher. If people think he's a second round pick and he doesn't have a high ceiling, he should stick around because he can work hard in the next few years and out perform what the execs think, moving him up in the draft.

Exactly. A lot of the decision making probably hinges on signing dollars; rookie contracts are VERY limited outside the first round and are REALLY iffy outside the second round. He should look at potential to get the best rookie deal, whether by staying or signing now (assuming staying is an option, as others point out.)

[OregonShocker]

Is it possible that he has checked out mentally, perhaps put himself in some sort of academic issue, where declaring is his only real option? (I know of no such occurrence but am thinking aloud/from the keyboard)

Not sure the Marshall staff would allow that to happen...either in the recruiting or in the first semester, the long term commitment to school has been addressed.

[OregonShocker]

Is it possible that he has checked out mentally, perhaps put himself in some sort of academic issue, where declaring is his only real option? (I know of no such occurrence but am thinking aloud/from the keyboard)

Does someone with more research capabilities/insight/memory recall how many GM recruits have left due to academic issues?

[DUShock]

@OregonShocker: I am with you in that it seems unlikely that with the tutors and academic resources dedicated to student athletes that this would occur.

One of the many things that I like about HCGM is his program's commitment to academics.

[xazshox]

3G Recruits lost to academics

I don't recall any. I do recall an individual or 2 that 3G had to revoke privileges from until they straigthened themselves out. Someone else can correct me if I'm wrong on this.

[Cdizzle]

Must be the offseason.

[Fake Gregg Marshall]

Does someone with more research capabilities/insight/memory recall how many GM recruits have left due to academic issues?

I'm sure it has happened, as these things are inevitable at any school, but I can't think of any. Our players have a pretty clean academic record. I find it very unlikely that academics are playing any role. Not that I have any inside knowledge, it just seems like Markis is simply weighing his options.

[MadaboutWu]

I don't recall any. I do recall an individual or 2 that 3G had to revoke privileges from until they straigthened themselves out. Someone else can correct me if I'm wrong on this.

One or two had trouble qualifying after getting signed which is a different matter as it is out of WSU hands. Teddy Hawkins springs to mind.