I have a question as it pertains to Shumpert and the idea that he'd be our point guard next year.
What was it about DJ's experience this past off-season that leads anybody to believe he's going to get drafted after this season?
To review...he declared despite advice that he was a marginal second round pick at best. He was then left off the initial pre-draft camp invite list and only got invited when other players declined. Once he got there, by almost all accounts, he performed horribly and actually hurt his stock.
He'd have to make some MAJOR strides to be considered after this year. Why are there so many people on both boards acting as if it's a forgone conclusion that he won't be back? It makes zero sense.
As a matter of fact, his frame of mind is what concerns me most about this season.
If he has an so-so season, an alright camp, and someone says he'll go in the second... he's gone.
He can't test the waters again and come back, so if he enters the camps, he's gone.
I have a feeling we may see DJ back for his Senior year...but clearly I have no idea. However, I would say that if he has a solid season (with similar ppg and apg) with a higher shooting %, shows better decision making/shot selection and the team wins a game or two (or three or four or five) in the NCAA he'd probably give it another shot.
I agree that his mindset could be a concern based on potential disappiontment from his NBA dream being placed on hold for another year or two but he seems to be a strong willed kid with a level head on his shoulders....I'm not worried about him. If anything, I think he'll use it is a motivator.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on October 18, 2007, 09:35:35 AM
I have a question as it regards to Shumpert and the idea that he'd be our point guard next year.
What was it about DJ's experience this past off-season that leads anybody to believe he's going to get drafted after this season?
To review...he declared despite advice that he was a marginal second round pick at best. He was then left off the initial pre-draft camp invite list and only got invited when other players declined. Once he got there, by almost all accounts, he performed horribly and actually hurt his stock.
He'd have to make some MAJOR strides to be considered after this year. Why are there so many people on both boards acting as if it's a forgone conclusion that he won't be back? It makes zero sense.
As a matter of fact, his frame of mind is what concerns me most about this season.
I think you actually make some good points here... DJ is not a sure fire lotto pick, so it isn't a sure thing that he leaves.
But here is how I see it (not that I know anymore then anybody else):
#1 Although a lot of people here were highly critical of DJ's game, he is still a top 5 PG in the country, and when he shoots well (always a gamble) he is probably in the top 2. There are few guards that have his mix of speed, strength, vision and athleticism.
#2 If DJ has a good year (improved shooting percentage, assists go up, and MU makes some noise in the tourney), then I think he has a shot to go late first but realistically second round. I think it is realistic to believe that he will improve his game and make better decisions this season... he is more mature and will have more weapons on offense.
#3 DJ tested very high in the athletic tests at the camp last year, so we know he has the physical ability to play in the league
#4 I'm sure DJ and Coach Crean are very aware of what DJ needs to do to get ready... so I'm guessing they have a plan
So, I guess the "net net" is that I think DJ is probably gone after this year if he plays well, which I certainly think he is capable of doing. Obviously its not a sure thing, but its what I'm expecting.
Who says that DJ needs to get drafted in order for him to leave. Maybe he goes overseas next year and works on his game there full time. It sounds like he is going to graduate way ahead of schedule so that won't be holding him back. He goes overseas, works on his game full time while making some good money and than hopefully signs as a free agent if he doesn't get drafted.
And his frame of mind doesn't concern me. He seems determined to make it to the NBA one way or another and he knows what he needs to improve on and that will make him a better player this year and make us a better team.
The fact that Luke Winn has him rated as the 5th best PG is about as meaningful as that Mexican politician's marathon time. NBA scouts determined he wasn't one of 60 players they wanted a better look at after last season. That same list also had Paulus on it and I'd take Acker over him in a heartbeat.
I hope he has a great season, I just don't think he's on the NBA radar screen at all.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on October 18, 2007, 10:48:09 AM
The fact that Luke Winn has him rated as the 5th best PG is about as meaningful as that Mexican politician's marathon time. NBA scouts determined he wasn't one of 60 players they wanted a better look at after last season. That same list also had Paulus on it and I'd take Acker over him in a heartbeat.
I hope he has a great season, I just don't think he's on the NBA radar screen at all.
Yea, you might be right. I mean, DJ's ranking as a PG is debatable... but when he is "on" there are only few players out there that can change a game like he can. That is simply fact.
The key for DJ is to find ways to be more consistent in his play, and I think that will come with maturity.
You might not like his socks, and you might think he is too flashy because he wears an arm brace, but the kid is good and a good season will probably land him a spot in the draft.
Quote from: 2002mualum on October 18, 2007, 10:14:20 AM
So, I guess the "net net" is that I think DJ is probably gone after this year if he plays well
I think I'd only add - his future may depend on how well MU does in the Tourney this year. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself - MU
better be in the Tourney this year :o
The Best college preseason yerarbook -- Blue Ribbon has James first team All American. He'as on schedule to graduate in three years is another thing.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on October 18, 2007, 11:24:46 AM
Quote from: 2002mualum on October 18, 2007, 10:14:20 AM
So, I guess the "net net" is that I think DJ is probably gone after this year if he plays well
I think I'd only add - his future may depend on how well MU does in the Tourney this year. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself - MU better be in the Tourney this year :o
Yea, I agree that a deep tourney run would help a great deal. But, if James shows improved decision making and shooting throughout the whole year, I still think he will have a shot at getting drafted.
(but, a tourney run would improve his stock like it did for Wade)
When the draft actually took place, Aaron Brooks, PG of Oregon was selected 26th in the first round. Jared Jordan PG of Marist was picked 45th overall in the 2nd round. I imagine that despite all of the negatives brought up here about James, he still would have been picked somewhere between these two.