Jakarr Declaring?

I think if you declare, even without an agent, you must pull yourself back out a little while before the draft or you are no longer eligible even if you don't get drafted.

Can't you go to the workouts and then pull back? in that event, Jordan may do the same.

Moot point. He said he's getting an agent.
 
I hope this doesn't turn into a JaKarr bash post. I know we're all upset that he's leaving, but by all indications, the kid is a great kid, a good student, and a great representation of St. John's University. Let's wish him the best of luck in the future.
 
I think if you declare, even without an agent, you must pull yourself back out a little while before the draft or you are no longer eligible even if you don't get drafted.

Can't you go to the workouts and then pull back? in that event, Jordan may do the same.

Moot point. He said he's getting an agent.

Not a lot for an agent to make on a D League contract.
 
I hope this doesn't turn into a JaKarr bash post. I know we're all upset that he's leaving, but by all indications, the kid is a great kid, a good student, and a great representation of St. John's University. Let's wish him the best of luck in the future.

Agreed. I think personally its a mistake, but if he does declare, I hope he gets drafted. It just seems at 12.5 ppg he has lots of room to improve in college. He took 366 shots, got to the foul line just 108 times, where he makes half his FTs. With Harrison taking 440 shots this season, I really don't think Sampson will get more looks next year. So maybe now is the time to declare while the NBA might think he has an upside in potential.
 
He just wasn't that good. No 3 pt shot, poor free throw shooter. Didn't really look dominant against college kids. He needs another year. Best of luck to him.
 
Love Jakarr and his potential and wish him the best...I really think he'd be better served with another year at St. John's but I really hope this works out for him...It can only help St. John's to have more pros in the NBA...Hopefully some team's scouts really love him and he has a late 1st round promise...Best of luck Jakarr!
 
Are we sure it is the nba draft and not the army? This is a dumb move. Hope he doesn't hire an agent.

He might have a better chance being drafted by the army (when it comes to this upcoming NBA draft).

I think one more offseason of work and on the floor with the Johnnies would certainly improve his stock.

Hate to say it, but he may realize he is not getting better here & needs to take a different approach. I agree with post above however.

Whose fault is that though? He certainly needed to bulk up and hasn't done so.

Not a matter of "fault", it is simply what the player & his advisors think. I worried about our vulnerability with the big men & it now appears we have a real challenge. Losing Karr & Sanchez is not easily solved obviously. Our motto seems to be one step forward, two steps back. Just venting!
plus we don't know if CO is leaving. Hopefully Lavin has a couple of rabbits up his sleeve.
 
Pretty sure Lavin will use Sampson leaving as an excuse for losing next season.
 
1) good luck to Jakarr

2) bottom line is he needs to bulk up and extend his range if he wants an nba career. Do that here at SJU, do it in the d-league/Europe, either way he's not an nba player as is. So he was going to have to improve substantially to have the career he wants. Odds of that we're low regardless of when he came out.


3) he wasn't perfect but I don't understand the posters who think this isn't a big loss. For depth and experience alone, he was key. Now, if Obekpa follows him our season will be over before it starts.
 
Good kid. Terrific personality. Lot of upside but definitely needs another year at least.

Lavs needs to step it up this Spring.
 
I hope this doesn't turn into a JaKarr bash post. I know we're all upset that he's leaving, but by all indications, the kid is a great kid, a good student, and a great representation of St. John's University. Let's wish him the best of luck in the future.

I agree, let's not forget the loyalty that this kid showed to this program after losing eligibility. He has always been a great representative of the school. Most of us don't think that it is the best decision(myself included) but we also don't know the kid's situation. I know speaking for myself that I will root for this kid 110% and hope that he puts together a nice career for himself.
 
Wise move by jakaar. take the money now when a team may draft him based on potential. if he stayed another year i doubt he would get a look. Actually i doubt he will get a look this year but maybe some team will gamble a late second round pick
 
Wise move by jakaar. take the money now when a team may draft him based on potential. if he stayed another year i doubt he would get a look. Actually i doubt he will get a look this year but maybe some team will gamble a late second round pick

It's really hard to see how Sampson would end up in the NBA next season. I just don't see it happening. I understand pressures, but it would make a lot more sense for him at worst to be that much closer to a college degree then to throw even that away on a long shot.
 
http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/032414aaa.html


March 24, 2014

Sophomore Forward JaKarr Sampson

On deciding to turn professional:

“It has been my lifelong dream to play in the NBA, and I am excited and ready to begin that journey. I am grateful to my teammates and coaches at St. John’s. I would like to thank Coach Lavin, our staff and my teammates for being there for me throughout my whole career at SJU. We have been through a lot together and I know everyone is excited for me.”

On where in the NBA Draft he expects to be chosen:

“I have been advised that I may be selected between the late first and mid-second round, but the important thing is I am in the mix and I know I can earn my way up the draft board.”

On why he’s not returning to St. John’s for one more year in an attempt to become a guaranteed first round pick or lottery selection:

“Playing in the NBA has always been a lifelong dream of mine. I know I have a long road ahead and hard work to do still, but I feel like the chance to pursue my dream is available right now.”

On how long he’s known this is the route he would take:

“After conversations with my family and Coach Lavin, I arrived at the decision. At the end of my freshman year I went through the NBA’s underclassman process and spoke with league officials like Stu Jackson. After I made the decision to return to school I didn’t want to think about it during this past season. I really tried to stay in the present throughout the year.

On the biggest factor in his decision:

“This wasn't a quick decision, but it’s been something I’ve been considering for more than a year. I took my time and spoke with key people. After evaluating all of my options, I decided to continue to reach for my NBA dream. My ultimate dream is to not just reach the NBA, but to stay there. I want to stay for a long time and make a career out of it. Right now it’s close. It’s reachable.”

On his St. John's experience:

“I have enjoyed my time at St. John's, and I want to thank the coaching staff and all of my teammates for the great experience I had in my time in Queens. I would also like to thank the fans at St. John’s and everyone who has supported me throughout my career so far.”

On how his teammates reacted to the news:

“There were a lot of mixed emotions when I told them. They were excited, but it's bittersweet. There's a lot of talent on this team, and they'll do big things next year. I think we’ll all keep working hard, and many of us may get the opportunity to play in the league together.“

On the positional role he hopes to play on a NBA team:

“I’ll be in the gym all offseason and can hopefully work on polishing both my perimeter and post-up skills as an athletic wing. No matter what position or role, I will be happy to contribute any way I can.”

On observations about similar-type players to him in the D-League:

“Coach Lavin and my support group have helped me conduct research and the information gathered indicates that with hard work, I have a chance to improve my stock and play in the NBA next year. I will work hard and prove myself in every workout. I know I can impress upon GMs and coaches that I am ready be a contributor to a NBA team.”

On the challenges of the 2013-14 St. John’s basketball season:

“We were all disappointed that we didn’t reach our goal of playing in the NCAA Tournament. I think my teammates and St. John’s will have a great season next year. I really enjoyed my St. John’s experience with my teammates and our coaching staff. I just feel it’s time for me to take the next step.”

On what he’ll be working on most between now and the draft to get ready for the NBA:

“I’ll be working out with pro trainers and strength coaches, likely in Akron, Miami and Las Vegas. I definitely want to get stronger and work on my jumper to improve my game on the perimeter. I’m really looking to locking in on improving.”

On his family's support of his decision:

“They were very supportive of whatever decision I made. My mother and I want me to finish school. I will work with my professors and [St. John’s Student Development coordinator] Eric Rienecker to complete the semester in good standing and will look to come back during my offseasons and finish my degree in liberal studies.

On the difficulty of leaving St. John's and his teammates:

“It’s very difficult. We’ve all developed a family bond over the year. My teammates are like my brothers. It’s hard, but I have to be ready to move on. They’re happy for me and that’s what matters.”

On whether he is “testing the waters”:

“I am fully committed to the decision to turn professional. I plan to hire an agent soon.”

On the NBA player(s) he's often compared to:

“Because of my length, athletic ability and skill set, I've heard a lot of comparisons to Paul George. That’s the main one.”

On ultimately measuring his success as a professional:

“I will be able to look back at this and let you know in a few years. I can say right now that I am happy and confident with this decision, and 100 percent committed to making myself the best professional basketball player I can be.”

Good kid...Selfishly, I am disappointed because we had the potential to be very good next year...But, wish him the best...
 
His chances of making the NBA seemed to decrease each year. Not being able to bulk up since high school was a big minus.
 
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