Vander to the NBA draft

[ChicosBailBonds]

So I guess we can put to rest the nonsense that "we can put to rest the Vander to the NBA nonsense", no?

Has he made the NBA?  People make bad decisions all the time.  Let's hope this isn't one of them.  Considering what Goodman just wrote, I'm guessing Buzz thinks its a bad decision as well...though he will never come out publicly and say it.

[4th and State]

But your assumption is that he will improve.

I'm really putting myself out there I know.

[Goose]

He knew this year was make or break year from him and he delivered the goods. IMO his self imposed pressure to play high level makes his performance more impressive. He knew what needed to be done and did it. Aside from great athletic ability he showed what type of competitor he is. He carried the team much of the season but always put winning first.

[APieperFan3]

As I tweeted, Van getting drafted is my new prediction. My guess is late first round, but I definitely no doubt believe he will be drafted.

I hope he's banking on "making a team" and not just "getting drafted".

If he doesn't make a roster - is it fair to say that leaving early was a mistake?

[Lennys Tap]

I hope all those who have made sport of Goose, called him a tin foiler and laughed at him (and his source) for saying Vander was done after this year months ago will apologize, but I won't hold my breath.

[Dish]

Good luck to Vander, I personally think it's a mistake, but it's his call, not mine. Can't begrudge him at all for pursuing this.

From a MU fan standpoint, will miss his defensive intensity. Possible "Ewing Theory" potential here though for MU, especially on the offensive end. I'm intrigued.

[NavinRJohnson]

So is it safe to assume that Todd Mayo will now become the new whipping boy for next year's regular season as Blue has been most of the last three years?

[nyg]

Has he made the NBA?  People make bad decisions all the time.  Let's hope this isn't one of them.  Considering what Goodman just wrote, I'm guessing Buzz thinks its a bad decision as well...though he will never come out publicly and say it.

Should have read his "attempt" to make the NBA. 

[Lennys Tap]

Has he made the NBA?  People make bad decisions all the time.  Let's hope this isn't one of them.  Considering what Goodman just wrote, I'm guessing Buzz thinks its a bad decision as well...though he will never come out publicly and say it.

No, he hasn't, but I think that saying any talk of him going is "nonsense" and calling for people to "officially stop this Vander to the NBA stuff" and deal with reality goes well beyond questioning the efficacy of his declaring.

[madtownwarrior]

Selfish reason I did not want Vander to go pro this year - I wanted to see him have the opportunity to throw down a bunch of dunks and light up Bucky in his senior season at the Kohlhole...  how sweet that would have been...

[MUfan12]

From a MU fan standpoint, will miss his defensive intensity. Possible "Ewing Theory" potential here though for MU, especially on the offensive end. I'm intrigued.

I'm right there with you.

[🏀]

Good luck to Vander, I personally think it's a mistake, but it's his call, not mine. Can't begrudge him at all for pursuing this.

From a MU fan standpoint, will miss his defensive intensity. Possible "Ewing Theory" potential here though for MU, especially on the offensive end. I'm intrigued.

Ewing Theory was one of the first things I thought of.

[ceh]

Boy, there I look over mock drafts, the smarter this decision becomes. When you see names like, Russ Smith, Phil Pressey, DeShaun Thomas...even guys like Gieng and Withey despite their size, who generally fall in that late first/early second area, do not appear to me at least be very good NBA prospects, which is what this is about. Those saying he has "no chance" are probably paying more attention to his flaws than his strengths. That's natural given the familiarity we all have, but not the way it works.

+1

[brewcity77]

Did you get your beer yet?  It's on its way.  Would you like to have a bet whether he is first round or not?  I hope you are right and definitely willing to reward you again for another great pick if it happens.  I don't see it.  I'm having great trouble seeing 2nd rounder.

I am trying to interview one of the DraftExpress guys today and will post to CrackedSidewalks if able.

No beer yet, but looking forward to it. I would definitely bet on second round...still feel about 55/45 on first round.

I hope he's banking on "making a team" and not just "getting drafted".

If he doesn't make a roster - is it fair to say that leaving early was a mistake?

Not necessarily. Guys get injured, guys have bad or plateau years (see Young, BJ), if he ends up in the NBDL and into the NBA in 2-3 years, that may be better than going undrafted in a deep year and not being able to catch on with the right team. WesMat got one-in-a-million lucky to land where he did, most players can't count on that happening.

And I feel it's all about taking things one step at a time. Before making a team you have to get drafted. Go kick ass at the scouting events you can now and get your name called. Then focus on the next step. I've said all along that I hoped he'd be back and felt it was probably better for him, but that I don't think he's making a mistake to declare now.

[willie warrior]

Hoo Boy: Giving a walk on Garrett Swanson a scholarship replacing the one Blue had really brims us with confidence.

From two over to two under in two weeks sure is astounding. Best of luck to Vander.

[ChuckyChip]

Hoo Boy: Giving a walk on Garrett Swanson a scholarship replacing the one Blue had really brims us with confidence.

From two over to two under in two weeks sure is astounding. Best of luck to Vander.

We were never two over...only one.  Still astounding though.

[willie warrior]

Wow--we just went from a top 10 pre-season team for next year to be scarmling to make the top 25. Somehow, a potential starting lineup at Guard of De. Wilson and Todd Mayo is not awe inspiring.

Du. Wilson and Triple J better be getting many minutes next year, because the Guard spot will be needing lots of help.

Four guys gone from the team in two weeks does take your breath away. Likely 3 of them would not have seen many minutes, and now there is not much talent still available to recruit for next season. Hopefully Buzz can still attract one stud.

[Niv Berkowitz]

This.  No first round money, no guarentee contract, NBDL.  No way he beats out the other prospects to the first round. 

Gonna all come down to how Vander does in the pre-draft camps. He's going to have to shine.

I hope nothing best for the kid. As one who, honestly, came down on him too hard at times he really, really improved this year and I think in one more season - with all the talent coming back which would allow his assists to flourish - he really could have at least guaranteed a spot on NBA draft night.

I guess there's a chance he could get drafted in the first round this year, but there's also just as much of a chance he doesn't get drafted at all. Having a solid senior season would have at least guaranteed him getting drafted (I think). And I understand injuries and all, but that's what insurance is for. Get it for one year if you have too.

[jesmu84]

Ewing Theory was one of the first things I thought of.

I don't think you can place a Ewing Theory unless we had the same roster minus Blue. The incoming class definitely changes things. Otherwise, you'd have to ask about Ewing Theory nearly every year (after Lazar, after DJO/Jae, etc.)

[Niv Berkowitz]

Ewing Theory was one of the first things I thought of.

+2

If there's one thing a stud, underclassman PG needs to succeed and take the load off it's solid big men. MU has that next year. Between Otule, Gardner and Wilson, they should be able to take a load off the PGs...barring some of them can hit an open J. God...I forgot about Steve Taylor too. I mean...if you are the freshman, it's all about paint touches even more so now.

Get it down low, kick it out and penetrate or hit the open J.

I definitely see Ewing Theory opportunity here.

Side thought - wonder how much the lessened-Big East played a role too. Wonder if Vander figured, "I'm not going to be on ESPN 15 times/year anymore".

[denverMU]

Vander will not be announcing anything tomorrow.

Really???

[Pakuni]

ESPN's Jason King:

Marquette's Vander Blue jumps into first place on my "Most Baffling NBA draft decisions" list.

[Dish]

+2

If there's one thing a stud, underclassman PG needs to succeed and take the load off it's solid big men. MU has that next year. Between Otule, Gardner and Wilson, they should be able to take a load off the PGs...barring some of them can hit an open J. God...I forgot about Steve Taylor too. I mean...if you are the freshman, it's all about paint touches even more so now.

Get it down low, kick it out and penetrate or hit the open J.

I definitely see Ewing Theory opportunity here.

This is well put. Potentially, MU's offense next season could have turned into Vander trying to make himself shine, boost his draft stock, not get teammates involved. Now everyone will have to be involved more, much more organic than it may have been.

[MileHigh]

ESPN's Jason King:

Marquette's Vander Blue jumps into first place on my "Most Baffling NBA draft decisions" list.

If you are Vander, what do you think when you see CBS and ESPN writers saying that stuff?  Or just ignore the media all together?

[MUMonster03]

Wow--we just went from a top 10 pre-season team for next year to be scarmling to make the top 25. Somehow, a potential starting lineup at Guard of De. Wilson and Todd Mayo is not awe inspiring.

Du. Wilson and Triple J better be getting many minutes next year, because the Guard spot will be needing lots of help.

Four guys gone from the team in two weeks does take your breath away. Likely 3 of them would not have seen many minutes, and now there is not much talent still available to recruit for next season. Hopefully Buzz can still attract one stud.

I haven't given up on Mayo completely yet this is an if, and a big if, but if he has gotten his act together finally and can spend the entire summer working on his game and go through Buzz's boot camp he could finally start to use some of the potential we all saw in flashes during his freshman year. If he can stay out of Buzz's doghouse maybe this is the playing time chance he needed.