;D
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/nba_experts/post/Marquette-s-James-to-enter-draft;_ylt=Aj3LEVqkIqlSZUTJGHMIoZw5nYcB?urn=nba,30015
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Marquette's James to enter draft
By Adrian Wojnarowski
Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 5:05 pm EDT
CHICAGO -- Marquette sophomore guard Dominic James is expected to enter his name onto the NBA draft's early entry list, a source close to the process said Saturday.
James has plans to meet with his coach, Tom Crean, this week on campus in Milwaukee to finalize his decision, but he seems determined to judge his draft status between now and the June 28 draft.
A 5-foot-11 guard, James is a fleet, end-to-end player, but his shooting percentages last season are cause for concern with NBA teams. His performance declined over the course of the Golden Eagles' 24-10 campaign, dipping to a 38-percent field-goal percentage, including 27 percent on three-pointers.
To keep his name in the draft, James wants to hear that he'll be chosen in the first round, but unless he makes a dramatic impression at the Orlando pre-draft camp in May and private workouts, that prospect appears to be unlikely.
One Eastern Conference NBA scout who watched James courtside several times last season said, "He started off well, but he really struggled in the second half of the season. The kid is a prospect down the line, but I think he really needs to stay in school."
James has a chance to return to an excellent Marquette team, a potential preseason top-20 club with serious NCAA tournament possibilities. Underclassmen have until April 29 to submit their names to the league office. James could withdraw his name anytime up until the draft on June 18.
It is incomprehensible that those closest to James have not given him better counsel. James is in no way ready for the NBA, even if he makes improvements to his outside and free-throw shooting over the off-season.
While he has until June 18 to withdraw his name from the draft's early entry list, James should heed the advice of the NBA scout quoted in the Yahoo story above.
For James to enter the NBA draft this year, he must believe sincerely that he is one of the best at his position. In reality, he is a terrific athlete who is still developing as a basketball player. College is the only place for him.
I think it is a smart move.
#1, NBA scouts will tell him what he needs to work on and he'll be better for it (and so will the MU team - if he returns).
#2, if he has a strong outing and great workouts, the kid will be a first round draftee...and guaranteed money...and an NBA player.
So #1 is great for MU fans and #2 is great for DJ.
It's a solid move.
... to tell him where he must improve?
Anyone who has seen James play knows what James must do much better. One would hope James already knows what he does well and not well on the basketball court.
Also, James risks looking foolish by declaring himself for the NBA draft given the season he has just had.
QuoteAlso, James risks looking foolish by declaring himself for the NBA draft given the season he has just had
.
He was a first-team Big East selection. I think MU fans are far more critical of him than those in the national media and NBA. There are at least a dozen guys entering the draft that are less than prepared for the NBA than James.
And, yes, some sportswriters, commentators, ESPN announcers and coaches who have rarely or never seen James play like to heap praise and awards on him -- based mostly on James' reputation, on highlights shown on TV and on his having OK statistics in some categories.
But even some of those who have hardly or never seen James play now concede that while he certainly has strengths and great athleticism, James' deficiencies are palpable and demand significant improvement before he will be ready for the NBA.
The applause, awards and distinctions that James has received will mean nothing when he is wearing an NBA jersey and expected to play big against the best in the business. He is not yet ready to play at that level.
As an side, I would ask MarquetteVol to name some of the dozen or more players who are "entering the draft that are less than (sic) prepared for the NBA than James."
I'll start the list
--Kemp and Sessions from Nevada
--Dwight Brewington from Liberty
--Aaron Bruce from Baylor
--Josh McRoberts from Duke
--Marcel Jones from Oregon State
By the way, there were 93 early-entry candidates last season--61 from the NCAA.
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1285
I dare say that there are at least a dozen on this list that were less prepared than Dominic James is now.
Thank Marquette84 for giving me a head start.
--Kemp and Sessions from Nevada
--Dwight Brewington from Liberty
--Aaron Bruce from Baylor
--Josh McRoberts from Duke (I think McRoberts and James are actually close)
--Marcel Jones from Oregon State
--Taurean Green, Florida (Good college point guard but his deficencies were masked by a great team)
--Daequan Cook, Ohio State
--Wilson Chandler, DePaul
--Maureece Rice, George Washington
--Shaun Pruitt, Illinois
--Charles Rhodes, Mississippi State
--Chris Daniels, Texas A&M Corpus Christi
--Roy Bright, Delaware State (I certainly didn't notice an NBA-caliber player on DSU when we dismantled them in December).
--
Marquette84 and MarquetteVol: You have listed several players whom you say are entering the NBA draft despite their being "less prepared" than James for professional basketball. While I know of some of these players, I will take your words for it that none of the players on your lists is as qualified -- or better qualified -- than James for the NBA.
James is a good player who has major deficiencies that could be improved by staying in college another year or two. If James heads to the pros later this year, fine. I would wish him great success and a long career.
It is unlikely, however, that James would thrive in the face of NBA competition. He is still missing some essential tools.
As the NBA scout said in the Yahoo article shown above, it would be in James' best interest to stay at MU. Does anyone disagree?
Has it dawned on any of you that maybe DJ and Tom Crean have consulted NBA personnel and received positive feedback and based on that DJ made this decision? You're all making the assumption that the only thing DJ would have heard would have been negative.
Quote from: Avenue Commons on April 22, 2007, 04:46:07 PM
Has it dawned on any of you that maybe DJ and Tom Crean have consulted NBA personnel and received positive feedback and based on that DJ made this decision? You're all making the assumption that the only thing DJ would have heard would have been negative.
That is one very valid element of the argument. Outside of one anonymous scout on the Yahoo story, most of the comments about James not being ready have been from college coaches (Majerus) and sports journalists.
And you have to question scouts who use anonymous quotes in the press to downplay potential draftees--there's every bit as much chance that this guy is trying to steal James in the 2nd round, and hoping to scare off the compeititon. Its not very nice, but it happens. If this scout is so certain that James isn't ready, why won't he reveal himself? Because he'd look two-faced when he drafts James!
The second is that James wants to see what the camps are like, what the competition is like, and what skills and abilities are valued by NBA scouts in the real-life setting of the pre-draft camps and workouts. This is a growing trend--as I detailed on the blog--where over 60 college underclassmen have tested the waters in each of the last two years--from the likes of Nick Fazekas and Aaron Afflalo to dropouts and never-weres like Clarence Holloway. Under this
The third is that he knows he's not ready now, but the competition will be greater next season, and he's trying to get a jump on it. A guarnteed first round pick in this year's draft is worth more than a non-guarnteed 2nd round pick next year--even if you ARE better prepared.
really wish he would come back, would benefit for himself and the team... with him MU is a top 10 team next year, without him, I don't know so much. However him leaving would free up a scholarship correct?
Quote from: Mayor McCheese on April 22, 2007, 06:53:45 PM
really wish he would come back, would benefit for himself and the team... with him MU is a top 10 team next year, without him, I don't know so much. However him leaving would free up a scholarship correct?
I think so since MU does have more recruits than schollies available.
Let's not forget that Trend is leaving...leaving one more open scholly.
Quote from: 77ncaachamps on April 22, 2007, 07:30:50 PM
Quote from: Mayor McCheese on April 22, 2007, 06:53:45 PM
really wish he would come back, would benefit for himself and the team... with him MU is a top 10 team next year, without him, I don't know so much. However him leaving would free up a scholarship correct?
I think so since MU does have more recruits than schollies available.
Let's not forget that Trend is leaving...leaving one more open scholly.
Did I miss some news on Trend?
HE GONE!!!! This is awesome for Marquette. By all accounts Mo Acker is much better than D James in terms of a shooter and the way he manages the offense. I am thrilled that the prima dona pompadour is gone.
Quote from: MarquetteBallin on April 22, 2007, 11:04:50 PM
HE GONE!!!! This is awesome for Marquette. By all accounts Mo Acker is much better than D James in terms of a shooter and the way he manages the offense. I am thrilled that the prima dona pompadour is gone.
speak for yourself jr.
Quote from: MarquetteBallin on April 22, 2007, 11:04:50 PM
HE GONE!!!! This is awesome for Marquette. By all accounts Mo Acker is much better than D James in terms of a shooter and the way he manages the offense. I am thrilled that the prima dona pompadour is gone.
By all accounts? Name ONE account that is valid. I, for one, would love to have the kid back. He's a gamer and you can never have enough gamers on your team.
Quote from: MarquetteVol on April 22, 2007, 08:55:01 PM
Quote from: 77ncaachamps on April 22, 2007, 07:30:50 PM
Quote from: Mayor McCheese on April 22, 2007, 06:53:45 PM
really wish he would come back, would benefit for himself and the team... with him MU is a top 10 team next year, without him, I don't know so much. However him leaving would free up a scholarship correct?
I think so since MU does have more recruits than schollies available.
Let's not forget that Trend is leaving...leaving one more open scholly.
Did I miss some news on Trend?
I am presuming that due to Trend's end of the year lack of minutes and "not with the team" at the moment statements from the athletic dept. that he will no longer be with us.
3 names for you....
Darius Washington
Omar Cook
William Avery
All made horrible decisions in declaring early. It's one thing for a guys who is 6'10" or 7' to go early. Teams can keep those types of players at the end of their bench...but there's not much room or time to develop a 5'10" point guard.
The Darius Washington decision to jump is still soooooo painful for me.
He was a first-team Big East selection. I think MU fans are far more critical of him than those in the national media and NBA. There are at least a dozen guys entering the draft that are less than prepared for the NBA than James.
[/quote]
I guess I never realized it until I looked at his stats....but, DJ has dropped in almost every statistical category from his freshman year production.
http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&playerId=19033&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnbadraft%2fdraft%2ftracker%2fplayer%3fdraftyear%3d2007%26playerId%3d19033 (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&playerId=19033&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnbadraft%2fdraft%2ftracker%2fplayer%3fdraftyear%3d2007%26playerId%3d19033)
this report is completely fabricated..the "source close to the process," dont know anything more than anyone else obviously...honestly where do they get this stuff?..a kid back in richmond that was dj's neighbor for a year when they were 10?..everyone thinks they are in the knowing crowd but in honesty id say theres 3-4 people in the world that actually know what dj is thinking ...and im sure as of yesterday he was undecided
this article was in yesterdays "palladium item"...a richmond newspaper... want to know whats going on..thats a good place to keep watch..i read the sports section online everday
http://www.pal-item.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007704220333
Quote from: DAtruth on April 23, 2007, 08:24:43 AM
this article was in yesterdays "palladium item"...a richmond newspaper... want to know whats going on..thats a good place to keep watch..i read the sports section online everday
http://www.pal-item.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007704220333
Thanks for the link! ;D
QuoteHe was a first-team Big East selection. I think MU fans are far more critical of him than those in the national media and NBA.
Big deal. There's like 15 guys from the Big East that can say they were 1st team All Big East!
Quote from: marqfan22 on April 23, 2007, 10:17:56 AM
QuoteHe was a first-team Big East selection. I think MU fans are far more critical of him than those in the national media and NBA.
Big deal. There's like 15 guys from the Big East that can say they were 1st team All Big East!
Thank you for proving my point.
Quote from: marqfan22 on April 23, 2007, 10:17:56 AM
QuoteHe was a first-team Big East selection. I think MU fans are far more critical of him than those in the national media and NBA.
Big deal. There's like 15 guys from the Big East that can say they were 1st team All Big East!
It's almost like a best player from member institution 'X' award. There are only 11 players selected but your point is relevant.
Then again, considering there are over 200 players in the Big East to be included in the Best XI is still quite an accomplishment.
Multiple reasons why I want James to stay:
1. Would like all MU players that go to the NBA to be ready and make an impact, him leaving now, I don't see that happening
2. Although people are crowning Acker as just as good/if not better than James, lets not forget that Acker was freshman of the year in the MAC, not the strongest basketball conference, and has sat out a year, something that never helps, practice is one thing, a game is completely different.
3. James brings a spark to the team that I don't think anyone else on the team has
4. Provides more depth to our backcourt, would allow us to press way more easily
5. First team All Big East
6. We quickly forget the games he took over, Duke, Valparaiso,
And at the end of the year, I think James became a much better PG, passing the ball, seeing the court, managing the team, tournament aside, you forget that he led the team to beat Pitt without his "Robin" in McNeal, and you could easily say McNeal was the "Batman".
I definately want James to come back. We may not "like" some of his weaknesses, but the kid is freakin' great. 1st team all Big East!
I love Cooby's 3pt shooting, and I think he is one tough SOB, but he is not anywhere near James.
I really like the sounds of Acker, but I'd rather have him come off the bench... I think he could provide some nice energy, and/or help MU when teams decide to double up on DJ.
It would be tough defensively, but an offensive line-up of Acker, James, McNeal, Matthews, and ooze (or one of the other bigs) is pretty tough. Lot's of ballhandlers, lots of scorerers... and Acker would be the primarly ballhandler in this set which should allow DJ to get onto the wing a little bit and use his athleticism and quickness.
Also, with this line-up if Acker can hit a couple of 3's... they would be VERY tough on offense because kick-out treys would be plentiful.
I know people have been debating if MU will press this year... I believe they will. There is a good amount of depth on this team (maybe more than ever) and I think MU might try and wear teams out.
Matthews and McNeal went coast to coast a number of times last year attacking the rim and I expect that again this year... the only difference is that fatigue shouldn't be an issue for MU and it WILL be an issue for opposing teams.
James, Acker, Cooby, McNeal, Matthews, Fitz, Christophersen (if he doesn't redshirt) are a pretty tough collection of perimeter players.
I think MU will play uptempo at every chance they get (inlcuding pressing). Their personnel is perfect for it. Lots of guards who can handle the ball, and bigs who can run and finish (I don't think ooze is a great finisher, but he does beat guys done the floor and get postion)
Question .. I thought it you don't pick an agent, you can still go in the draft .. then, regardless if you get drafted or not, you can decide to stay in college? (Of course, the team that drafted you would be pissed, but perhaps retain your rights until you decide you're done with school.)
So .. say, DJ doesn't get an agent but gets drafted late in the 2nd round. Chances are, he'd still make the roster and a nice league minimum ($400k or so?). Regardless of millions promised if you wait a year and get a 1st round spot, $400k is tough to turn down.
Or am I wrong about the no agent=you can still go back?
Quote from: mu_hilltopper on April 23, 2007, 01:59:26 PM
Question .. I thought it you don't pick an agent, you can still go in the draft .. then, regardless if you get drafted or not, you can decide to stay in college? (Of course, the team that drafted you would be pissed, but perhaps retain your rights until you decide you're done with school.)
So .. say, DJ doesn't get an agent but gets drafted late in the 2nd round. Chances are, he'd still make the roster and a nice league minimum ($400k or so?). Regardless of millions promised if you wait a year and get a 1st round spot, $400k is tough to turn down.
Or am I wrong about the no agent=you can still go back?
That used to be the case. I think now players have to decide before the draft (June 29th is sticking in my head for reason) if they want to return to school. This was done so you don't penalize teams for drafting someone and then having them head back to school.
What this allows the players to do is to go to the predraft camps to see where they will fit in.
The draft is June 28th, so James has until the 18th (10 days before draft) to withdraw and retain his college eligibility.
Other rules of note are... Players drafted in the first round are guaranteed at least a one year contract. Players drafted in the second round are not required to sign, but are "owned" for three years by the team that drafted them.
I think some people here are in for a rude awakening if they think Mo Acker is going to do the things that James does already. Mo will be a nice player, but he will never be in the conversation to be drafted in the NBA, and likely will never be a first team all Big East selection, etc, etc.
Quote from: Mayor McCheese on April 23, 2007, 12:57:35 PM
2. Although people are crowning Acker as just as good/if not better than James, lets not forget that Acker was freshman of the year in the MAC, not the strongest basketball conference, and has sat out a year, something that never helps, practice is one thing, a game is completely different.
Not to draw any unfair comparisons, but how would that mentality apply to Wade when he had NO D-I experience and only practices to rely upon?
3. James brings a spark to the team that I don't think anyone else on the team has.
Wrong. The motor of this MU team is and always will be Jerel McNeal.
6. We quickly forget the games he took over, Duke, Valparaiso,
How about the games he performed poorly?
North Dakota State, 8 points on 3 for 11 shooting
Providence, 12 points on 3 for 11 shooting, 1 for 8 from 3
Syracuse, 6 points on 3 for 12 shooting, 0 for 7 from 3
Georgetown, 6 points on 2 for 17 shooting, 0 for 6 on 3, ONLY 2 free throws!!!
Louisville, 9 pts on 3 for 6 shooting, 3 assists, 4 turnovers
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on April 23, 2007, 02:29:08 PM
I think some people here are in for a rude awakening if they think Mo Acker is going to do the things that James does already. Mo will be a nice player, but he will never be in the conversation to be drafted in the NBA, and likely will never be a first team all Big East selection, etc, etc.
Agreed, all these fools who actually think we'll be a better team without James better be careful of what they wish for.
77NCAAchamps...your own examples and others should prove to everyone just how valuable he is.
When DJ plays well, MU usually wins. When DJ plays poorly, MU almost always loses.
I don't know how that can be stated any clearer....and the results speak for themselves.
PS Jerel may be the motor but the motor doesn't go anywhere or do what you want without a driver. The driver steers the direction and applies the throttle up or down...same as a PG. I love Jerel, but his motor sometimes is stuck on 150mph when it at times needs to cruise at 65.
A James loss would be a big loss.
Quote from: 77ncaachamps on April 23, 2007, 03:04:41 PM
Quote from: Mayor McCheese on April 23, 2007, 12:57:35 PM
2. Although people are crowning Acker as just as good/if not better than James, lets not forget that Acker was freshman of the year in the MAC, not the strongest basketball conference, and has sat out a year, something that never helps, practice is one thing, a game is completely different.
Not to draw any unfair comparisons, but how would that mentality apply to Wade when he had NO D-I experience and only practices to rely upon?
3. James brings a spark to the team that I don't think anyone else on the team has.
Wrong. The motor of this MU team is and always will be Jerel McNeal.
6. We quickly forget the games he took over, Duke, Valparaiso,
How about the games he performed poorly?
North Dakota State, 8 points on 3 for 11 shooting
Providence, 12 points on 3 for 11 shooting, 1 for 8 from 3
Syracuse, 6 points on 3 for 12 shooting, 0 for 7 from 3
Georgetown, 6 points on 2 for 17 shooting, 0 for 6 on 3, ONLY 2 free throws!!!
Louisville, 9 pts on 3 for 6 shooting, 3 assists, 4 turnovers
I love McNeal too... but MU is better with James. He is a talented player who does a lot of things well. If he can become more consistant in his shooting and shot selection, he could be 1st team all american.
I will take 10 DJ's on my team every year.
Look, I'm one of the guys who cringes every time DJ goes up for a long-range jumper. I also think he's nowhere near ready for the NBA and would be making a big mistake by leaving. But I do think that if he leaves some of the people who are ripping him now will be wanting him back next February. He is a warrior, as well as a Warrior.
Quote from: ecompt on April 23, 2007, 04:00:32 PM
Look, I'm one of the guys who cringes every time DJ goes up for a long-range jumper. I also think he's nowhere near ready for the NBA and would be making a big mistake by leaving. But I do think that if he leaves some of the people who are ripping him now will be wanting him back next February. He is a warrior, as well as a Warrior.
James loses NOTHING by entering his name for the draft and not signing with an agent. He gains millions is he finds himself a first round draft pick. I suppose you could argue that he might end up embarassed or hurt his pride, but who cares? I say he should give it a shot.
Quote from: Avenue Commons on April 23, 2007, 04:38:01 PM
Quote from: ecompt on April 23, 2007, 04:00:32 PM
Look, I'm one of the guys who cringes every time DJ goes up for a long-range jumper. I also think he's nowhere near ready for the NBA and would be making a big mistake by leaving. But I do think that if he leaves some of the people who are ripping him now will be wanting him back next February. He is a warrior, as well as a Warrior.
James loses NOTHING by entering his name for the draft and not signing with an agent. He gains millions is he finds himself a first round draft pick. I suppose you could argue that he might end up embarassed or hurt his pride, but who cares? I say he should give it a shot.
I agree with you... and as weird as it sounds... I almost hope it hurts his pride a little bit. I don't think DJ is cocky as some have said, I just think that most people work harder when somebody tells them they "can't" do something.
Quote from: Avenue Commons on April 23, 2007, 04:38:01 PM
Quote from: ecompt on April 23, 2007, 04:00:32 PM
Look, I'm one of the guys who cringes every time DJ goes up for a long-range jumper. I also think he's nowhere near ready for the NBA and would be making a big mistake by leaving. But I do think that if he leaves some of the people who are ripping him now will be wanting him back next February. He is a warrior, as well as a Warrior.
James loses NOTHING by entering his name for the draft and not signing with an agent. He gains millions is he finds himself a first round draft pick. I suppose you could argue that he might end up embarassed or hurt his pride, but who cares? I say he should give it a shot.
I don't think anyone is saying he shouldn't do what he's doing. The danger comes when it's true decision time and the deadline approaches...does he stay in or come back. I wish him luck because this is not an open or shut case. Could be a late first rounder, likely a second rounder which means no guarantees and he could be in the NBDL which I really doubt he wants. Could come back and improve stock or could come back and not improve it. Tough choice.
He has to pull out ten days before the draft which is an eternity for the NBA decision makers. Many times they will be changing their minds up until the instant Stern asks for their pick. So really, what people are telling James' camp ten days before the draft is not very credible. With that said, there is no question in my mind that he is a second round pick. Because of that, NBA GMs want him to come out, so they're not going to say anything along the lines of, "go back to school for another year." Might as well give him positive signals so they have more options and can sign him on the cheap. This is where the danger of losing James lies.
I bashed on Dom a ton in the B.East conference play. But, I agree with his decision to at least declare, get some valuable face-time w/coaches, GMs, and other personnel...as long as he doesn't sign with an agent. Unless he blows people's socks off, he's gonna come back. I have to believe that.
I don't think Crean is giving him bad advice, but realistic advice this day and age.
Unrealistic comparison, but...if you were a 4.0 student as a junior and some huge company hired you as an unpaid intern, and you did a great job and they offered to hire you without your degree, would you turn it down? Most likely, no. But, if you worked there, got awesome experience, found out your strengths and weaknesses while competing/working-with the best, you'd be better off in the long run.
I'm confident he'll be back...and it's the right more for him.
If James was a senior, he probalby would go undrafted after the year he just had. NBA gambles on young players. He would have been drafted higher last year than he will be this year. If he stays another year and does not improve he has hurt himself. There is a real risk that he will not be drafted in the first round, so he is really gambling if he stays in the draft. Based on how he finished this year, I believe MU will be better without him. I would move Matthews to point and Hayward to small forward. Aker is too small to be a starter. Culliban can handle the ball and shoot from the outside, but he cannot drive to the hoop without getting his shot blocked.
If james goes I hope he does well because you'd hate to see an MU guy fade into obscurity. Regardless, i don't think MU would be better without him. Even though he made some bad decisions at times he still brought nearly 15 points a game as well as valuable game-time experience on a team that had just lost it's best player the year before. If I had the choice to keep him or let him go I'd keep him because not only is he a tenacious defender and ball handler he is the guy who can take it to the rack and create either his own shot or get Ooze or somebody else an easy look. I think a lot of his poor shots was just him trying to get something started when nothing else was materializing. I much preferred him trying to create something than McNeal or Mathews trying to do the same. Those two are great but not nearly as good of ball handlers as James.