With the deadline to withdraw from the draft recently expiring, I again wondered about which players are making good decisions for themselves. Of course, when it comes to SJU players, I want them all to stay. However, when I think about how I would advise my own family member, sometime the answer is.....go pro.
Finding this topic interesting, I thought we could use a thread to highlight examples of both good and bad choices. I'll start with a few from last year. These are specifically players who I think could have gone either way. Of course someone like Ben Simmons was a no-brainer.
Good Decision
Jamal Murray
Thon Maker
Henry Ellenson
Malik Beasley
Malachi Richardson
Skal Labissière
Chiek Diallo (surprisingly)
Isaiaha Whitehead
These players were all drafted high enough to earn guaranteed money in excess of $1.5 million.
Bad Decision
Ben Bentil, So. ($300k guaranteed, in D-league)
Jaylon Reynolds, Jr. (undrafted, playing in Italy)
Goodluck Okonoboh, So. (undrafted, in D-League)
Chris Obekpa, Jr. (Undrafted, in D-League)
Stayed 4 Years and it Paid Off
Yogi Ferrell (undrafted but had one of the league's best rookie seasons)
Buddy Heild
Denzel Valentine
Malcolm Brogdon
Brice Johnson
Ron Baker
GaryPayton II
I would have to say that most (or all) kids seem to get good advice. For 2016, the good decisions far outpaced the bad.
Finding this topic interesting, I thought we could use a thread to highlight examples of both good and bad choices. I'll start with a few from last year. These are specifically players who I think could have gone either way. Of course someone like Ben Simmons was a no-brainer.
Good Decision
Jamal Murray
Thon Maker
Henry Ellenson
Malik Beasley
Malachi Richardson
Skal Labissière
Chiek Diallo (surprisingly)
Isaiaha Whitehead
These players were all drafted high enough to earn guaranteed money in excess of $1.5 million.
Bad Decision
Ben Bentil, So. ($300k guaranteed, in D-league)
Jaylon Reynolds, Jr. (undrafted, playing in Italy)
Goodluck Okonoboh, So. (undrafted, in D-League)
Chris Obekpa, Jr. (Undrafted, in D-League)
Stayed 4 Years and it Paid Off
Yogi Ferrell (undrafted but had one of the league's best rookie seasons)
Buddy Heild
Denzel Valentine
Malcolm Brogdon
Brice Johnson
Ron Baker
GaryPayton II
I would have to say that most (or all) kids seem to get good advice. For 2016, the good decisions far outpaced the bad.