Dinkins, I am curious to your overall opinion of his decision at this point (knowing he is dropping). You say he won't come back, and I agree, but do you think at this point it is really a huge mistake. Also, what do you think his reasoning is for going even of he will potentially be a 2nd rounder?
I think he should've came back for one more season. IMO, I think he could've ended up being a top 3-5 pick a season from now, if he were to come back. There are a few things, that has already been expounded several times on here, in which he needs to work on.
Is it a mistake for him to leave? If he ends up being a top 15-25 pick, then I guess he made the right decision based on a financial standpoint. If he ends up getting drafted in the second round, then it'll certainly look like he made the wrong decision. He'll have to work hard, if he goes in the second round. I'm not saying, he isn't a hard worker, but he'll have to work
that much harder.
I heard Harkless could grow to 6'9" or 6'10". Maybe, he views himself as a hybrid forward (small and power). I don't know! I just wished he had waited before making a decision. Then, again he probably had made his decision before our season was over.
It doesn't take much for these kids to leave nowadays. If they hear there is a chance (regardless, how small or large) they can go in the first round, then they'll bolt.
Hell! James McAdoo is contemplating bolting. A kid who only averaged 6.1 ppg and 3.9 rpg; has only led the team in scoring in two games this season (albeit, in the NCAA tourney versus Vermont and Kansas); never led the team in in rebounding; nor was he a starter (only started 3 games this season).... But, he's contemplating on heading to the NBA.
Guess what? He's projected to go higher than his UNC counterparts--Barnes, Marshall and Henson--who has entered the draft early. Guys who has done way more in college than McAdoo. Quite frankly, I think McAdoo will be better than all of those guys (in the long run), but he should certainly return to school.
The NBA is all about potential, and that is what scouts and GMs see in guys like Harkelss. I hope he goes rather high in the draft and have a long, prosperous career. But, I wished he had waited another season before making the leap.