Lovett

I will give Lovett the benefit of the doubt but if I was CM (which clearly I’m not) and I had solid proof I would ban him from having any contact with the team and unofficially kick him off for not being a team player. I’m sorry I can’t root for this kid if he has some alterior motives at this time aside from helping his team get some Wins. Plenty of ball left in the season and I am not writing this season off yet. There is always big east tournament to make a statement. Lovett at this stage will be playing in the Iran league.
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I agree that what LoVett May have done—not playing due to personal worries about his professional future—is selfish and not team oriented. But we may be selfish as well for asking a kid to risk his future as a professional basketball player, for ‘the team’. This kid sustained a similar knee injury in his redshirt year (I think?), so given his body size, playing tactics, physiology, and the specific stress levels of hoops—LoVett may be vulnerable to such injuries.
So, it comes down to $$$$$’s—Big $$$$’s, even in Europe—for a kid from a working class background.
This is not 1950 or 1960. It is the 21st Century. Major college sports are, in effect, ‘Farm Systems’ for professional sports, where stars make multi-millions and owners make billions.
The ‘game’ has changed.
I ask, how many of us would be willing to sacrifice for ‘the team’ if our careers hinged on the outcome?
 
Whole truth forthcoming ??? I am still waiting for the truth regarding Fran Frachilla and Slice. Doubt it will be forthcoming.
 
Chicago Days posted:
.....So, it comes down to $$$$$’s—Big $$$$’s, even in Europe—for a kid from a working class background.
This is not 1950 or 1960. It is the 21st Century. Major college sports are, in effect, ‘Farm Systems’ for professional sports, where stars make multi-millions and owners make billions.
The ‘game’ has changed.
I ask, how many of us would be willing to sacrifice for ‘the team’ if our careers hinged on the outcome?
Click to expand...

It is a fantasy to believe that all professional basketball players in Europe become millionaires. The reality is that most Americans that play in Europe play for a few years, make reasonable money, but return to the US in search of a job.

Lets look at facts, not fantasy:

The best 30 players or so in the Euro League make somewhere between $1 and $3 M USD per year.

In the top national leagues such as the ACB, VTB, ESAKE, BSL etc. most players will make between $5–$10k a month with house, car, food, and sometimes even taxes is paid for the players.

Salaries for the middle tiered players gets a lot muddier. some players in lower leagues getting paid more than players in higher leagues because they are popular and can draw a crowd to boost attendance.. Veteran players command more money than rookies and bigs often command more than guards such as Mr. Lovett.. Then you have to consider each players value if they are considered an import or a local. It is all very confusing, but between $1k and $3k a month is pretty good in the mid level leagues, any more you are doing really well.

The bottom tiered players that are just getting their start will take a contract from $0–&300ish dollars a month just to build their resume and hope they can move up. These contracts often include food, travel, and a place to live. Sometimes the teams will set the players up other jobs in order to make some extra money.

Even below that you have players getting paid by the game, or paid only with incentives to win. This multi tiered system is awesome because it allows for serious competition for a much larger group than in the US. The other really great thing is that even the small teams draw a committed and rowdy crowd.

I believe that Mr. Lovett was a very good college player. I wish him no ill will, but I will be surprised if he becomes one of the 30+/- best players to play in the Euro League that will make him wealthy as you suggest.

cite:
 
Chicago Days posted:
.....So, it comes down to $$$$$’s—Big $$$$’s, even in Europe—for a kid from a working class background.
This is not 1950 or 1960. It is the 21st Century. Major college sports are, in effect, ‘Farm Systems’ for professional sports, where stars make multi-millions and owners make billions.
The ‘game’ has changed.
I ask, how many of us would be willing to sacrifice for ‘the team’ if our careers hinged on the outcome?
Click to expand...

It is a fantasy to believe that all professional basketball players in Europe become millionaires. The reality is that most Americans that play in Europe play for a few years, make reasonable money, but return to the US in search of a job.

Lets look at facts, not fantasy:

The best 30 players or so in the Euro League make somewhere between $1 and $3 M USD per year.

In the top national leagues such as the ACB, VTB, ESAKE, BSL etc. most players will make between $5–$10k a month with house, car, food, and sometimes even taxes is paid for the players.

Salaries for the middle tiered players gets a lot muddier. some players in lower leagues getting paid more than players in higher leagues because they are popular and can draw a crowd to boost attendance.. Veteran players command more money than rookies and bigs often command more than guards such as Mr. Lovett.. Then you have to consider each players value if they are considered an import or a local. It is all very confusing, but between $1k and $3k a month is pretty good in the mid level leagues, any more you are doing really well.

The bottom tiered players that are just getting their start will take a contract from $0–&300ish dollars a month just to build their resume and hope they can move up. These contracts often include food, travel, and a place to live. Sometimes the teams will set the players up other jobs in order to make some extra money.

Even below that you have players getting paid by the game, or paid only with incentives to win. This multi tiered system is awesome because it allows for serious competition for a much larger group than in the US. The other really great thing is that even the small teams draw a committed and rowdy crowd.

I believe that Mr. Lovett was a very good college player. I wish him no ill will, but I will be surprised if he becomes one of the 30+/- best players to play in the Euro League that will make him wealthy as you suggest.

cite:
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Hi Otis. I'm not suggesting LoVett will reap millions. I am saying that that is the dream he pursues; that's his 'lens' from which he views his future.
He's a kid coming off a similar injury 2 years ago, is small-sized but quick, and he and / or his dad believe he had best not risk further injury playing college ball.
That sucks for the 'team' and for us fans--but it probably is a practical--if cold-hearted--decision in this day and age, and he should not be resented for that decision.
 
I will give Lovett the benefit of the doubt but if I was CM (which clearly I’m not) and I had solid proof I would ban him from having any contact with the team and unofficially kick him off for not being a team player. I’m sorry I can’t root for this kid if he has some alterior motives at this time aside from helping his team get some Wins. Plenty of ball left in the season and I am not writing this season off yet. There is always big east tournament to make a statement. Lovett at this stage will be playing in the Iran league.
Click to expand...

I agree that what LoVett May have done—not playing due to personal worries about his professional future—is selfish and not team oriented. But we may be selfish as well for asking a kid to risk his future as a professional basketball player, for ‘the team’. This kid sustained a similar knee injury in his redshirt year (I think?), so given his body size, playing tactics, physiology, and the specific stress levels of hoops—LoVett may be vulnerable to such injuries.
So, it comes down to $$$$$’s—Big $$$$’s, even in Europe—for a kid from a working class background.
This is not 1950 or 1960. It is the 21st Century. Major college sports are, in effect, ‘Farm Systems’ for professional sports, where stars make multi-millions and owners make billions.
The ‘game’ has changed.
I ask, how many of us would be willing to sacrifice for ‘the team’ if our careers hinged on the outcome?
Click to expand...
how does him coming back from an injury and playing and winning in a conference like the big east hurt his value? I only see him not playing and showing he is healed and a team player as hurting him., but that makes too much sense to me and I never seem to understand things here;)
 
unless there is more to story (and probably is)...

Coming back from injury and helping win would help his value....

however, the risk might be bigger than reward. Even if cleared to practice or play and he happen to re-injure coming back to hard too soon, it would likely diminish any chance of getting decent looks/money in spring..

so from his side, probably see it as better to rehab extensively without overdoing game play and then have some tryouts and get a contract
 
unless there is more to story (and probably is)...

Coming back from injury and helping win would help his value....

however, the risk might be bigger than reward. Even if cleared to practice or play and he happen to re-injure coming back to hard too soon, it would likely diminish any chance of getting decent looks/money in spring..

so from his side, probably see it as better to rehab extensively without overdoing game play and then have some tryouts and get a contract
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Exactly how I’m guessing it played out in family discussions. I don’t like it, but that’s the economic calculus these days in major college hoops. Priotizing the chances to play pro hoops—however real or stretched—drives the bus, at the expense of the ‘team’.
It’s a sad reality—and about to become far worse should the NCAA eliminate transfer 1-year waiting requirements.
 
Here's really the ridiculous thing to me:

I once had a guy in in my company who was a very good HS athlete. Long story, but he was an all-state baseball player in Iowa, and won a sports scholarship to college. On a long drive once I asked him about his favorite sport and he said baseball. I asked him if he would for one season, take $50K per year to be the starting centerfielder for the Chicago Cubs. (At the time his salary was about $75K). (The Cubs triple A affiliate was in Iowa) He paused, and said, no, I don't think so.

I couldn't believe that a guy would pass up playing at Wrigley field for a desk job, even if for one season at subpar pay.

The point I am badly making is that for Lovett, this was a chance at a golden collegiate season. Be a main cog, and maybe the team makes the NCAA tourney. It's likely he will never again play in front of a mostly packed house against a top ranked Villanova, or a Duke, or in the BET. Even a packed CA vs. a Providence. NBA D-League games are played in front of a couple hundred people. HE likely will bang around teams around the globe, and never will the crowds approach this moment in time, a chance to captivate a city, play on national or regional television every single game.

I understand the economics that may drive his decision, but if anything, Lovett has to increase his market value, not keep it the same. He is far from an NBA player from what we saw, and from a fan's perspective, the hear and now may just be the best thing he ever experiences in basketball. For me, I wouldn't pass it up for the world, unless of course we are talking about LeBron James type of talent, where the NBA would fling its doors open wide.
 
Here's really the ridiculous thing to me:

I once had a guy in in my company who was a very good HS athlete. Long story, but he was an all-state baseball player in Iowa, and won a sports scholarship to college. On a long drive once I asked him about his favorite sport and he said baseball. I asked him if he would for one season, take $50K per year to be the starting centerfielder for the Chicago Cubs. (At the time his salary was about $75K). (The Cubs triple A affiliate was in Iowa) He paused, and said, no, I don't think so.

I couldn't believe that a guy would pass up playing at Wrigley field for a desk job, even if for one season at subpar pay.

The point I am badly making is that for Lovett, this was a chance at a golden collegiate season. Be a main cog, and maybe the team makes the NCAA tourney. It's likely he will never again play in front of a mostly packed house against a top ranked Villanova, or a Duke, or in the BET. Even a packed CA vs. a Providence. NBA D-League games are played in front of a couple hundred people. HE likely will bang around teams around the globe, and never will the crowds approach this moment in time, a chance to captivate a city, play on national or regional television every single game.

I understand the economics that may drive his decision, but if anything, Lovett has to increase his market value, not keep it the same. He is far from an NBA player from what we saw, and from a fan's perspective, the hear and now may just be the best thing he ever experiences in basketball. For me, I wouldn't pass it up for the world, unless of course we are talking about LeBron James type of talent, where the NBA would fling its doors open wide.
Click to expand...

Good Point
 
Here's really the ridiculous thing to me:

I once had a guy in in my company who was a very good HS athlete. Long story, but he was an all-state baseball player in Iowa, and won a sports scholarship to college. On a long drive once I asked him about his favorite sport and he said baseball. I asked him if he would for one season, take $50K per year to be the starting centerfielder for the Chicago Cubs. (At the time his salary was about $75K). (The Cubs triple A affiliate was in Iowa) He paused, and said, no, I don't think so.

I couldn't believe that a guy would pass up playing at Wrigley field for a desk job, even if for one season at subpar pay.

The point I am badly making is that for Lovett, this was a chance at a golden collegiate season. Be a main cog, and maybe the team makes the NCAA tourney. It's likely he will never again play in front of a mostly packed house against a top ranked Villanova, or a Duke, or in the BET. Even a packed CA vs. a Providence. NBA D-League games are played in front of a couple hundred people. HE likely will bang around teams around the globe, and never will the crowds approach this moment in time, a chance to captivate a city, play on national or regional television every single game.

I understand the economics that may drive his decision, but if anything, Lovett has to increase his market value, not keep it the same. He is far from an NBA player from what we saw, and from a fan's perspective, the hear and now may just be the best thing he ever experiences in basketball. For me, I wouldn't pass it up for the world, unless of course we are talking about LeBron James type of talent, where the NBA would fling its doors open wide.
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Good Point
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I think some of you are failing to consider the possibility that LoVett may well still be injured albeit healthy enough to play through his injury. It is plausible that he and his father came to the conclusion that if he came back and played, he would be a shell of himself thus incurring the risk of further injury without the benefit of having the opportunity to increase his stock. This of course is all speculation, and even if true, I am not suggesting I agree with the decision.
 
Here's really the ridiculous thing to me:

I once had a guy in in my company who was a very good HS athlete. Long story, but he was an all-state baseball player in Iowa, and won a sports scholarship to college. On a long drive once I asked him about his favorite sport and he said baseball. I asked him if he would for one season, take $50K per year to be the starting centerfielder for the Chicago Cubs. (At the time his salary was about $75K). (The Cubs triple A affiliate was in Iowa) He paused, and said, no, I don't think so.

I couldn't believe that a guy would pass up playing at Wrigley field for a desk job, even if for one season at subpar pay.

The point I am badly making is that for Lovett, this was a chance at a golden collegiate season. Be a main cog, and maybe the team makes the NCAA tourney. It's likely he will never again play in front of a mostly packed house against a top ranked Villanova, or a Duke, or in the BET. Even a packed CA vs. a Providence. NBA D-League games are played in front of a couple hundred people. HE likely will bang around teams around the globe, and never will the crowds approach this moment in time, a chance to captivate a city, play on national or regional television every single game.

I understand the economics that may drive his decision, but if anything, Lovett has to increase his market value, not keep it the same. He is far from an NBA player from what we saw, and from a fan's perspective, the hear and now may just be the best thing he ever experiences in basketball. For me, I wouldn't pass it up for the world, unless of course we are talking about LeBron James type of talent, where the NBA would fling its doors open wide.
Click to expand...

Good Point
Click to expand...

I think some of you are failing to consider the possibility that LoVett may well still be injured albeit healthy enough to play through his injury. It is plausible that he and his father came to the conclusion that if he came back and played, he would be a shell of himself thus incurring the risk of further injury without the benefit of having the opportunity to increase his stock. This of course is all speculation, and even if true, I am not suggesting I agree with the decision.
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I am speculating that a 5'10 guard should increase his stock by finishing a free college education and learning the basics of coaching for a longer term career in the sport he loves.
 
Seems to me he made the decision based on his dream--and that is to play pro hoops at the highest level possible. According to my take, he did not want to risk further injury--given he's had this same injury 2 years ago--and be unable to compete for a spot on some pro team, even if he may well have given up the chance to play top level major college hoop teams and lead SJU into the BET and the NCAAs.
That was secondary to his primary objective: to play pr hoops.
I do not like or agree with the decision--because he might have indeed led his team to some glory and capped his college career with some glory and recognition--but I cannot dispute his reasoning.
His highest priority is to follow his dream and not risk further injury.
 
Playing sports always carries the risk of injury. If I managed a foreign team, especially if they can only carry 2 Americans, id pass on a small injury prone guard especially in a more physical league.

Lovett will play somewhere. Heck, Phil missere played overseas and was MVP of his UK league. To not play here is just a dumb selfish decision
 
If his dream was so intense , why didn’t declare for the NBA last year ? He wasn’t going to get drafted but, he could have started his pro career earlier . It’s too bad he was injured to a point where he didn’t feel he could play but, if Doctors give you the green light and you don’t even try to play ,well that’s a different story . He could have built a nice legacy here at St John’s but, he will be forgotten real quick . Most guys who only played 1 and 1/2 Years don’t get remembered , except he did kind of bail on the school . Kind of like Obepka , Jordan and now , Lovett. Plus, we carried him for the full year of his redshirt season as he didn’t qualify . Seems like a nice kid , over inflated value of his game and thinks he will play in some foreign country , where B.B. is always second to Soccer . Good luck to you , Marcus .
 
Not for nothing but a Bama big was supposed to be out 2 weeks with a wrist injury but he came back a week earlier and contributed to a win over 16-1 Auburn tonight. He's a 6'10 junior with I am sure pro aspirations. Just sayin. (Donta Hall)
 
This is the reason why for many the notion of student athlete is a joke. Playing d1 college basketball is simply a stage to audition for pro ball, nothing more.

I'm sure it may have happened before but I've never seen a guy bail on a season to protect a career playing overseas. Lovett has about a zero chance of playing in the NBA next year, and the whole notion that of preserving his future as an overseas player is crazy.

I dunno, I guess he is holding out hope that the NBA is in his future.
 
Playing sports always carries the risk of injury. If I managed a foreign team, especially if they can only carry 2 Americans, id pass on a small injury prone guard especially in a more physical league.

Lovett will play somewhere. Heck, Phil missere played overseas and was MVP of his UK league. To not play here is just a dumb selfish decision
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Which is exactly why LoVett is foregoing this season in unpaid ‘free’ college ball—major or not / glory in the NCAas or not—because he can’t risk it. He knows that a recurrence of this injury—the 3rd in 3 years—would doom ‘any dream’ of playing pro hoops. However tenuous his dreams of playing in the NBA or major Euro Leagues—he knows they’d be total fantasy if he were injured one more time, playing for glory in college.
That’s it.
 
So , what you are saying,he doesn't play this yr because he may be re-injure his knee and end his career.So he will go play somewhere where he gets pd and perhaps his contract would keep him getting pd should he and likely get hurt again. Why would any pro teams risk this .Maybe if he had Michael Jordan talent
 
I knew it was just a matter of time before college basketball players started emulating the football players who've been skipping bowl games. I just didn't expect it to be for most of the season. And I never in a million years thought one of our players would be the guy to do it.
 
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