Any more talk of moe staying or going?
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How right you are, but his lifelong goal as well as those close to him is in all probability to be in the NBA.
Had he had a nice college run in the NCAA Tournament that would have been gravy but to most kids the goal is to get to the big league and college is just the stop along the way.
Do we all want him back,100%, but I can understand his desires and dreams nor do I have any knowledge as to his financial situation as to whether the immediate payoff is required as opposed to staying another year in school and foregoing the immediate reward for perhaps a greater financial reward in the long run.
For my kids it would be a no brainer, stay in school, but each families situation is different and I have no clue as to whether the exact mathematics of a mid-lower first round pick after tax and agent's dollars have been properly explained to the family versus a lottery pick next season.
In any event best of luck Mo and thank you for selecting SJU.
beast of the east
Active member
I think any coach who really cares about a kid would tell him to take the money if it is certain that it will be there. Most top recruits are in college primarily to play ball. Harkless is kind of a bubble case in this draft. If it were clear that he was going in the top 15, then I would tell him to go. If he likely will slip to the late first round or even the early second round, then he should hang around. The opportunity to finish his education will always be there, the opportunity to play in the NBA won't. For Mo, it's all about timing - if the odds are that he will greatly enhanced his draft position (and $$) by staying, then he should stay.
You've summarized the exact issue here. Telling him to "take the money" when it's likely not the amount he's expecting doesn't make sense. He's not a top 15 pick this year. It will be tough for all of us to watch him leave before he should and then watch him be the 22nd or 30th pick (or somehwere in there) in the draft and wonder what could have been. That doesn't mean he can't prove himself and become a big time player, but that's a tougher road and an unnecessary one for a freshman with his skill set. Prove yourself in college and get the big money with your first contract. Anyway, the family situation and finances are an unknown for many of us, but if that were the biggest issue, then what's the reason for waiting to make a decision? If the finances were that bad, wouldn't he just go without much debate and thought? I doubt that's a main driver.
I can understand wanting to leave and cash in on NBA $$$ But, if he is going to be a late first rounder or early second round pick I'd hate to see him languish on some NBA teams bench and become like so many others who left early and didn't have a good NBA career. I really think he needs another year to work on certain parts of his game that need improvement, like his 3 pt shot, foul shooting, turnovers, and body strength. In another year, his numbers may not be as good because he won't have to play 38 to 40 minutes a game but he will be a better player and get drafted higher if not a lottery pick
buckethead
Well-known member
that's been a bit of a worry on my mind too. I agree that his numbers may drop but by improving those skills he needs to he only improves his draft value next year, but maybe he feels his best chance is riding his All BE Frosh of the year award into the draft instead of worrying that his numbers will be down next year and might drop his value. I don't envy him this decision at all. He's on one of those fence lines people refer to all the time, there is potential for greatness and "oh crap" on both sides.
Let's look at the raw data here. A top 10 pick is guaranteed at least $1.85 mil this season and $1.93 the next. Let's, for arguments sake, say Moe falls somewhere around 25-35. A pretty big assumption yes but it's where I believe he'll be drafted. The #25 pick is in line to receive $925k. If he falls to the second round who even knows but more like $750k. I think we should compare the potential salary of him playing 3 years as the #25 pick vs him playing 2 years as the #10 pick. If he came out this season and played 3 years he would make roughly $2.89 mil. Using the 2013-14 wage scale though, a #10 pick would make roughly $3.85 mil their first 2 years out. Compare using any pair of picks. The smart financial decision seems to be to stay to make more per year when he does come out and develop more at St Johns.
I thought that would be the case at one point (he would stick around another season), but I heard he is a goner. I believe Jnaw has it right.... I also don't believe he's the main driver. He could be (the main driver), but I have my doubts.
Nevertheless, I wish Moe the best of luck in his future endeavors.
SJUhoopNUT
Well-known member
My concern is this is shaping up to be a very deep draft. You got the KY guys, Lamb, Drummond, Barnes, Sullinger, Thomas Robinson, Perry Jones, Royce White, maybe CJ Leslie. Nicholson from St. Bonnies has played himself into a high pick. I just don't want to see him slip to 2nd round. If you are going to come out, make sure you are locked into the first round. It is however a weak draft for PG's, so that helps him.
2nd round money isn't what Moe should be about when you have the ability to be a lottery pick next year. Unless his family is in dire straits.
2nd round money isn't what Moe should be about when you have the ability to be a lottery pick next year. Unless his family is in dire straits.