Vanders tweet yesterday

[KenoshaWarrior]

I noticed in a tweet yesterday that Vander is no longer on the Marquette campus but instead he is in California.

Said he was "Living the California life" in a tweet to chris o'tule

[frozena pizza]

When I think of California life I don't think of spending hours in the gym and weight room.

[Goose]

He knows Chico's is a big fan of his and probably meeting for beer summit and advice.

[77ncaachamps]

Must be working out down there or taking a little break.

[mu_hilltopper]

If that means .. not finishing the semester .. another quality decision.

[ChicosBailBonds]

He knows Chico's is a big fan of his and probably meeting for beer summit and advice.

Ironically, putting a new front door on the house this week....wider....will make it easier for him to fit his head through it.    (Oh no, did he just go there.....LOL)

I wish him the best, you need confidence to succeed at that level, and he isn't short of that.

[ChicosBailBonds]

I noticed in a tweet yesterday that Vander is no longer on the Marquette campus but instead he is in California.

Said he was "Living the California life" in a tweet to chris o'tule

  Our state is a magnet for those with limited job prospects....living the California life 

[Goose]

Chico's

I know you are pulling for Blue and wish your confidence in him returning a few weeks ago would have panned out. No doubt Vander Blue has NBA confidence, now we will see if game matches.

[Silkk the Shaka]

If that means .. not finishing the semester .. another quality decision.

Pretty sure Hayward didn't finish out the semester.  Not sure on Butler, Crowder, and DJO, but I wouldn't be shocked if they didn't either.  You can always go back and pick up a few classes.  You can't go back and work out harder for the NBA draft again.

[Nukem2]

Pretty sure Hayward didn't finish out the semester.  Not sure on Butler, Crowder, and DJO, but I wouldn't be shocked if they didn't either.  You can always go back and pick up a few classes.  You can't go back and work out harder for the NBA draft again.

DJO and Crowder stayed.  DJO graduated and Jae commuted to and fro Florida while finishing the semester.  Butler also stayed and graduated.  Believe Hayward stuck around but was short of graduation.

[BrewCity83]

When I think of California life I don't think of spending hours in the gym and weight room.

Maybe he's at one of the gyms in Venice Beach.

[Dawson Rental]

I noticed in a tweet yesterday that Vander is no longer on the Marquette campus but instead he is in California.

Said he was "Living the California life" in a tweet to chris o'tule

Paid for by an agent with whom he is already running up a bill, no doubt.

[jmayer1]

Ironically, putting a new front door on the house this week....wider....will make it easier for him to fit his head through it.   

Vander's head or your's?

[g0lden3agle]

Vander's head or your's?

Unneccesary shots at Chicos work better if they're funny and make sense.

[MarquetteDano]

See a tweet like that makes me think that Vander just wasnt happy going to school. Somepeople just dont dig the university experience.  Even if he plays in Europe maybe he will be happier than studying for tests.

[KenoshaWarrior]

See a tweet like that makes me think that Vander just wasnt happy going to school. Somepeople just dont dig the university experience.  Even if he plays in Europe maybe he will be happier than studying for tests.

Agree.  If he plays in Europe he still can make a really good living.

[4everwarriors]

Smart move on Vander's part to train all in for the individual workouts. Might as well go for it and put your best foot forward. No different than the football dudes who are in tonight's draft festivities who haven't set foot on a campus since the end of last season.

[Blue Horseshoe]

Must be working out down there or taking a little break.

For his sake, more of the former and less of the latter. Some accomplished NBA talent trains in Southern Cal during the offseason.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/lee_jenkins/03/03/derrick.rose/index.html

[NavinRJohnson]

If that means .. not finishing the semester .. another quality decision.

For a kid who pretty clearly wasn't interested in going to school anymore, and probably never was, why not? He has about two months to get ready for what he hopes to be the biggest day of his life. Sitting in English class is not going to help him with that.

BTW, you have no idea that he didn't make arrangements to finish out the semester. Unlikely, yes, but certainly possible.

[JD]

Hmm, maybe Vitamin D helps you become a better shooter outside of 5 feet 

[JWags85]

DJO and Crowder stayed.  DJO graduated and Jae commuted to and fro Florida while finishing the semester.  Butler also stayed and graduated.  Believe Hayward stuck around but was short of graduation.

Additionally, they were seniors close to graduation.  Vander is not, so for him, its a matter of coming back to finish a years worth of classes, or a year and change.  That's a factor.  It's also incredibly common.  I knew football players when I was in school who would drop everything and prepare for the draft once the semester was over.  And some of these guys were very good students.  Like was said, you can finish your last semester moving forward, but you don't get a redo on your draft potential.

[BrewCity83]

Crean advised him to go work on his tan.

[Brewtown Andy]

Hmm, maybe Vitamin D helps you become a better shooter outside of 5 feet 

Fell asleep during all those midrange jumpers this year, huh?

[Rockmic87]

He's just doing pre-draft training. This is a very commons thing. What blows me away is that Vanders agent has enough confidence in his ability to get drafted or obtain a lucrative overseas contract that he is will to shell out 10,000-20,000 dollars for his pre-draft training.

[JD]

Fell asleep during all those midrange jumpers this year, huh?

Nope, i just think Vander getting drafted isn't going to happen.  Who can we try to compare Vander to from MU previously?  How about Travis Diener.

Season GP MPG PPG FG% 3FG% FT% APG RPG BPG SPG
2004-05  23 34.0 19.7 42.0 40.5 83.8 7.0 3.9 0.0 1.3
2003-04  31 34.2 18.8 42.2 44.8 88.3 6.0 3.1 0.0 1.3
2002-03  33 34.7 11.8 39.6 36.3 81.3 5.6 3.2 0.2 1.4
2001-02  33 23.7 7.9 43.0 44.2 76.1 2.5 2.5 0.1 1.2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    Career 120 31.4 14.1 41.6 41.2 83.6 5.1 3.1 0.1 1.3


Look where Diener is now..  He is my favorite MU player and his numbers make Vander's look laughable.

[muarmy81]

Smart move on Vander's part to train all in for the individual workouts. Might as well go for it and put your best foot forward. No different than the football dudes who are in tonight's draft festivities who haven't set foot on a campus since the end of last season.

Same with Heisman winning QB's from Texas A&M!

[Coleman]

Said he was "Living the California life" in a tweet to chris o'tule

I believe its spelled O'Toole

[Sunbelt15]

He's just doing pre-draft training. This is a very commons thing. What blows me away is that Vanders agent has enough confidence in his ability to get drafted or obtain a lucrative overseas contract that he is will to shell out 10,000-20,000 dollars for his pre-draft training.

Probably chump-change to the agent. Laughing to the bank unless Blue gets injured.

[willie warrior]

Won't be laughing to the bank if he is a 2nd round pick.

[madtownwarrior]

I see the athleticism comparison between Diener and Vander is close too...

Nope, i just think Vander getting drafted isn't going to happen.  Who can we try to compare Vander to from MU previously?  How about Travis Diener.

Season GP MPG PPG FG% 3FG% FT% APG RPG BPG SPG
2004-05  23 34.0 19.7 42.0 40.5 83.8 7.0 3.9 0.0 1.3
2003-04  31 34.2 18.8 42.2 44.8 88.3 6.0 3.1 0.0 1.3
2002-03  33 34.7 11.8 39.6 36.3 81.3 5.6 3.2 0.2 1.4
2001-02  33 23.7 7.9 43.0 44.2 76.1 2.5 2.5 0.1 1.2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    Career 120 31.4 14.1 41.6 41.2 83.6 5.1 3.1 0.1 1.3


Look where Diener is now..  He is my favorite MU player and his numbers make Vander's look laughable.

[Dreadman24]

It will be interesting to see what you guys say about JJJ when he declare after his sophmore year..

[Blue Horseshoe]

It will be interesting to see what you guys say about JJJ when he declare after his sophmore year..

I would absolutely love if JJJ is a skilled enough player to be NBA ready after his FRESHMAN season.

[brewcity77]

I would absolutely love if JJJ is a skilled enough player to be NBA ready after his FRESHMAN season.

I just hope if JJJ goes early it is when he is ready. Jereme Richmond went after his first year, how'd that work out? Right now I'm not sure if he's playing for the Sauk Valley Predators or for an inmate league (went into jail back in October, not sure if he is out).

[insidetheleague]

Van is training in Cali as Trent is in Vegas. It's all preparation for the next level.

[Avenue Commons]

Nope, i just think Vander getting drafted isn't going to happen. 

Travis Diener doesn't have Vander Blue's body. I think Vander gets picked in second round. So does Draft Express, for whatever that is worth. http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2013/

[JD]

I see the athleticism comparison between Diener and Vander is close too...

Yeah, his athleticism really helped him with his stellar numbers the past 3 years too......

[keefe]

When I think of California life I don't think of spending hours in the gym and weight room.

It's always 420 along the Pacific coast.

[wardle2wade]

Nope, i just think Vander getting drafted isn't going to happen.  Who can we try to compare Vander to from MU previously?  How about Travis Diener.

Season GP MPG PPG FG% 3FG% FT% APG RPG BPG SPG
2004-05  23 34.0 19.7 42.0 40.5 83.8 7.0 3.9 0.0 1.3
2003-04  31 34.2 18.8 42.2 44.8 88.3 6.0 3.1 0.0 1.3
2002-03  33 34.7 11.8 39.6 36.3 81.3 5.6 3.2 0.2 1.4
2001-02  33 23.7 7.9 43.0 44.2 76.1 2.5 2.5 0.1 1.2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    Career 120 31.4 14.1 41.6 41.2 83.6 5.1 3.1 0.1 1.3


Look where Diener is now..  He is my favorite MU player and his numbers make Vander's look laughable.

I'm not saying Vander will be drafted, but comparing him vs Diener isn't a great example.  Diener output was against Conference USA, and Diener's frame would always limit his NBA potential. 

[JD]

I'm not saying Vander will be drafted, but comparing him vs Diener isn't a great example.  Diener output was against Conference USA, and Diener's frame would always limit his NBA potential. 

Valid point, i didn't think about Conference USA. I always saw Diener as a Jason Kidd type.

[Avenue Commons]

Valid point, i didn't think about Conference USA. I always saw Diener as a Jason Kidd type.

Teal? Jason Kidd is 6'4" or 6'5" and over 200 pounds.

[Marqevans]

Hope he makes it to the "show".

[Silkk the Shaka]

Teal? Jason Kidd is 6'4" or 6'5" and over 200 pounds.

Haha, this has to be.  Kidd is also one of the best rebounding PGs ever and was a terrible outside shooter until later in his career.

[Silkk the Shaka]

DJO and Crowder stayed.  DJO graduated and Jae commuted to and fro Florida while finishing the semester.  Butler also stayed and graduated.  Believe Hayward stuck around but was short of graduation.

Alright, thanks for the info.  Regardless, Vander is not a senior, and he is not close to graduating.  His job now is to get drafted.  We don't even know if he's staying out there for an extended period or what, but if he is, it's the right thing to do.

[GGGG]

Yeah...gotta be all in.  I don't blame him.

[Rockmic87]

Probably chump-change to the agent. Laughing to the bank unless Blue gets injured.

Agents don't get that much money unless the player is in the 1st Round, and with the new CBA, agents still don't see the money until the player has played 4 years in the league and can see some real money.

So yeah, it's definitely is a risk to front that moneys for Vander who is likely to go undrafted, if not 2nd round at best, where there are no guarantees.

[Rockmic87]

Travis Diener doesn't have Vander Blue's body. I think Vander gets picked in second round. So does Draft Express, for whatever that is worth. http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2013/

DJO, who is better than Vander, got picked in the 2nd. Didn't last a full 2 months in the NBA. Where is he now?

[nyg]

Travis didn't have Vander's build, but he was a much better shooter and ballhandler. 

Vander probably goes in round 2 and fights for a roster spot, but thats a long shot.  NBDL where he works at it and gives it a few years. 

[MU82]

I just hope if JJJ goes early it is when he is ready. Jereme Richmond went after his first year, how'd that work out? Right now I'm not sure if he's playing for the Sauk Valley Predators or for an inmate league (went into jail back in October, not sure if he is out).

Yes, and few would have debated back then that Richmond had an NBA body. Also had some real athletic ability and basketball talent. But he was a prima donna -- spoiled his entire youth career -- and also had some anger issues.

As for Diener vs. Blue ... it's apples and oranges. Completely different players. If a team drafts Vander (or signs him after he goes undrafted), it will be because of his potential.

Some guys, like Diener, peak as collegians. I'm still amazed that skinny, little kid got as many years in the NBA as he did. Even some starts, for cripe's sake! NBAers will be hoping Blue is nowhere near as good as he will be down the line.

[buckchuckler]

Like so many of us, Vander went to Marquette to help him prepare for his career.  He has made his choice to pursue his career as a professional basketball player and leave MU.  Since that is the case, Marquette has done all it can to help him prepare for his chosen career.  Sitting in classes for another semester isn't going to help him one bit right now.  He is focusing on basketball, as he should be.  No college degree is required, nor will it help in any fashion in that career.  If Vander wants to pursue some other form of employment when his basketball career is over, maybe then he can finish his coursework.  Hopefully he will never need any other employment as his profession offers great compensation for those that can achieve.  So right now he doesn't need class, he needs practice.  Good luck Vander!

[moomoo]

Like so many of us, Vander went to Marquette to help him prepare for his career.  He has made his choice to pursue his career as a professional basketball player and leave MU.  Since that is the case, Marquette has done all it can to help him prepare for his chosen career.  Sitting in classes for another semester isn't going to help him one bit right now.  He is focusing on basketball, as he should be.  No college degree is required, nor will it help in any fashion in that career.  If Vander wants to pursue some other form of employment when his basketball career is over, maybe then he can finish his coursework.  Hopefully he will never need any other employment as his profession offers great compensation for those that can achieve.  So right now he doesn't need class, he needs practice.  Good luck Vander!

Practice????  We sittin here, I'm suppose to be franchise player, and we in here talking about practice.

[Golden Avalanche]

Valid point, i didn't think about Conference USA. I always saw Diener as a Jason Kidd type.

Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha.

[BM1090]

DJO, who is better than Vander, got picked in the 2nd. Didn't last a full 2 months in the NBA. Where is he now?

Vander is 3 inches taller and a much better defender.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Chico's

I know you are pulling for Blue and wish your confidence in him returning a few weeks ago would have panned out. No doubt Vander Blue has NBA confidence, now we will see if game matches.

Correct....I hope he makes it.  I sincerely hope he didn't make a big mistake, but when pursuing your dreams sometimes mistakes happen along the way.  If the do, pick yourself up and keep pushing.  I do hope he makes it, his confidence will not be what holds him back (I mean that as a compliment).

[madtownwarrior]

lots of guys in the NBA without stellar numbers in college...

lots of guys with stellar college numbers not int he NBA...

Yeah, his athleticism really helped him with his stellar numbers the past 3 years too......

[GGGG]

DJO, who is better than Vander, got picked in the 2nd. Didn't last a full 2 months in the NBA. Where is he now?

DJO is a better shooter than Vander...but that's about it.

[Lennys Tap]

DJO is a better shooter than Vander...but that's about it.

I'd go one step further. DJO is only a better 3 point shooter than Van, not from mid range or the foul line.

[Silkk the Shaka]

Travis didn't have Vander's build, but he was a much better shooter and ballhandler. 

Vander probably goes in round 2 and fights for a roster spot, but thats a long shot.  NBDL where he works at it and gives it a few years. 

Vander is also 20, while Diener was 23 when he got drafted.  That matters.  Not sure why people don't even consider that.

[avid1010]

I'd go one step further. DJO is only a better 3 point shooter than Van, not from mid range or the foul line.

DJO was and played much stronger than vander as well...vander finished around the rim much better this year than in his first two, but not at an nba level.

he felt like his stock was as high as it would get, so i get him wanting to make some $$$ next year.  i also think if he's realistic about his abilities, and figures he'll end up overseas, then an extra year of salary in his career means something. 

i don't understand the overseas deal well...i'm always surprised more guys don't do it.  i get that it's a lot for a young man to take on, but would be interested to know how someone like trent weighed the pro's and con's after 3 years of college and a degree.  i would think his mu experience cost him good $$$, and depending on what his earning potential is, it could be needed $$$ as basketball players obviously don't work till 65???

[MarquetteDano]

i don't understand the overseas deal well...i'm always surprised more guys don't do it.  i get that it's a lot for a young man to take on, but would be interested to know how someone like trent weighed the pro's and con's after 3 years of college and a degree.  i would think his mu experience cost him good $$$, and depending on what his earning potential is, it could be needed $$$ as basketball players obviously don't work till 65???

Keep in mind Trent's mom was sick so he probably was being truthful about playing close to home.  Any profeesional playing would probably mean another continent.  He got the added bonus of playing an Elite Eight.  Did he even make the dance playing at ASU?.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Unneccesary shots at Chicos work better if they're funny and make sense.

He's been on ignore for years with me...wish you hadn't quoted him.   

[Avenue Commons]

he felt like his stock was as high as it would get, so i get him wanting to make some $$$ next year.  i also think if he's realistic about his abilities, and figures he'll end up overseas, then an extra year of salary in his career means something. 

I think Vander's stock would be highest after continuing his tourney performance. Plus if he could show he can play some 1.

[Jay Bee]

APR

[Dawson Rental]

DJO is a better shooter than Vander...but that's about it.

Faster on the break, too.

[MUHoopsFan2]

DJO was and played much stronger than vander as well...vander finished around the rim much better this year than in his first two, but not at an nba level.

he felt like his stock was as high as it would get, so i get him wanting to make some $$$ next year.  i also think if he's realistic about his abilities, and figures he'll end up overseas, then an extra year of salary in his career means something. 

i don't understand the overseas deal well...i'm always surprised more guys don't do it.  i get that it's a lot for a young man to take on, but would be interested to know how someone like trent weighed the pro's and con's after 3 years of college and a degree.  i would think his mu experience cost him good $$$, and depending on what his earning potential is, it could be needed $$$ as basketball players obviously don't work till 65???

That is not why he left. It probably really had nothing to do with his stock in the NBA draft if you ask me.

Of course I am speculating heavily here but I don't think he wanted to go through the negative energy he has gotten at MU the last two years and having to go through having to answer and war with his critics and haters in his own home state. Why not leave he thought? 

Well, actually that is not entirely true but I am sure that is not the main reason he left...was that his stock couldn't get any higher. It was something else or a number of things that factored into it.

I am sure he really wanted to come and win it all next year, but did not want to go through the hassle and risk getting caught up again in an incident again and lose everything.

I am sure he was on a 'last strike' basis he probably did not want to have the every day pressure of anymore. Plus his support Junior and Juan were taking off too.

It was a smart choice for him, but not the best choice. The best choice would have been to stay and grow and mature further, but we are lucky he stayed as long as he did.

One thing for sure is, I think Vander is the ONLY MU PLAYER to move on to the NBA draft and not have stayed all 4 years. That in and of itself tells you something...   

[ATL MU Warrior]

One thing for sure is, I think Vander is the ONLY MU PLAYER to move on to the NBA draft and not have stayed all 4 years. That in and of itself tells you something...

Seriously?

[reinko]

One thing for sure is, I think Vander is the ONLY MU PLAYER to move on to the NBA draft and not have stayed all 4 years. That in and of itself tells you something...   

Hmmm...

[jesmu84]

That is not why he left. It probably really had nothing to do with his stock in the NBA draft if you ask me.

Of course I am speculating heavily here but I don't think he wanted to go through the negative energy he has gotten at MU the last two years and having to go through having to answer and war with his critics and haters in his own home state. Why not leave he thought? 

Well, actually that is not entirely true but I am sure that is not the main reason he left...was that his stock couldn't get any higher. It was something else or a number of things that factored into it.

I am sure he really wanted to come and win it all next year, but did not want to go through the hassle and risk getting caught up again in an incident again and lose everything.

I am sure he was on a 'last strike' basis he probably did not want to have the every day pressure of anymore. Plus his support Junior and Juan were taking off too.

It was a smart choice for him, but not the best choice. The best choice would have been to stay and grow and mature further, but we are lucky he stayed as long as he did.

One thing for sure is, I think Vander is the ONLY MU PLAYER to move on to the NBA draft and not have stayed all 4 years. That in and of itself tells you something...   

"What you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it....

[ronald dragon]

Hmmm...

that bottom picture is a pretty cool friggin picture

[GGGG]

I am sure he was on a 'last strike' basis he probably did not want to have the every day pressure of anymore. Plus his support Junior and Juan were taking off too.

Not sure why you think that.  He has pretty much been a model citizen since the first semester of his freshman year.

[Spotcheck Billy]

He got the added bonus of playing an Elite Eight.  Did he even make the dance playing at ASU?.

I don't think so

[JWags85]

that bottom picture is a pretty cool friggin picture

Cause of the dude in the lower right about to get stiffed for his attempted slap of five?

[MarsupialMadness]

Cause of the dude in the lower right about to get stiffed for his attempted slap of five?

Totally about to get stiffed.

[avid1010]

Keep in mind Trent's mom was sick so he probably was being truthful about playing close to home.  Any profeesional playing would probably mean another continent.  He got the added bonus of playing an Elite Eight.  Did he even make the dance playing at ASU?.

i'm sure there was some truth to the family thing, but then again how much does any serious D1 player get to see their parents unless they're in the backyard.

my interest is more general.  if i had a son playing D1 ball, and he had his degree (and maybe even if he didn't), and we knew the NBA wasn't realistic for him, but a decent salary overseas was...i'd have a hard time advising him not to go overseas as soon as i felt he could handle it, and had maximized his value.  i did college a year faster than most because i wanted to maximize my earnings prior to retirement.  i loved everything about college, but 3 years was enough with no real source of income. 

[Strokin 3s]

Cause of the dude in the lower right about to get stiffed for his attempted slap of five?

Guy in the lower left is not impressed at all...

[forgetful]

i'm sure there was some truth to the family thing, but then again how much does any serious D1 player get to see their parents unless they're in the backyard.

my interest is more general.  if i had a son playing D1 ball, and he had his degree (and maybe even if he didn't), and we knew the NBA wasn't realistic for him, but a decent salary overseas was...i'd have a hard time advising him not to go overseas as soon as i felt he could handle it, and had maximized his value.  i did college a year faster than most because i wanted to maximize my earnings prior to retirement.  i loved everything about college, but 3 years was enough with no real source of income. 

While I respect your decision and it certainly a reasonable and prudent decision.  It is also reasonable to view the flip side and what you are doing is sacrificing a year of fun when you are in your 20's for a year or two of fun when you are in your 60's.  To each their own, but I would think it is as wise or even wiser to enjoy a year in your 20's.

Remember, they are not going overseas and making a huge salary.

[insidetheleague]

Agents don't get that much money unless the player is in the 1st Round, and with the new CBA, agents still don't see the money until the player has played 4 years in the league and can see some real money.

So yeah, it's definitely is a risk to front that moneys for Vander who is likely to go undrafted, if not 2nd round at best, where there are no guarantees.

Agents who send kids overseas make instant money, 10% right away from the team itself as opposed to 2% of a rookie contract in the NBA that gets billed at the end of the season. And a lot less work dealing with kids who are overseas too as housing and travel accommodations are all covered by the team.

[Eldon]

While I respect your decision and it certainly a reasonable and prudent decision.  It is also reasonable to view the flip side and what you are doing is sacrificing a year of fun when you are in your 20's for a year or two of fun when you are in your 60's.  To each their own, but I would think it is as wise or even wiser to enjoy a year in your 20's.

Remember, they are not going overseas and making a huge salary.

I can't tell you how many times I've told this to people.  Great comment overall, couldn't have said it better myself.

[avid1010]

While I respect your decision and it certainly a reasonable and prudent decision.  It is also reasonable to view the flip side and what you are doing is sacrificing a year of fun when you are in your 20's for a year or two of fun when you are in your 60's.  To each their own, but I would think it is as wise or even wiser to enjoy a year in your 20's.

Remember, they are not going overseas and making a huge salary.

i get what you're saying, but 3 years was enough for me...to each their own.  the dollars turn out to more than a year or two in my 60's and there was some moral/ethical reasons as well.  not to mention i figured it was much cheaper to take a bunch of courses during the summer, rather than work a near minimum wage job.  i'm not a gov. walker fan, but definitely support him in trying to enact a law similar to MN in getting students through college in 4 years...makes so much sense, and i hate the games universities play to try and get 5 years out of under grads. 

the last sentence of your response is probably what intrigues me most.  someone like trent, and especially otule, has a limited amount of years to play ball, and they're not going to be making big $$$.  when you can only play to your mid 30's, and when career ending injuries are a very possible reality (especially for chris) i would think putting some savings in the bank at a young age is a huge deal.  that said, i'm thrilled they both chose to max out their time at MU.