[PaintTouches]Why Vander Blue made the wrong decision

[PaintTouchesSays]

Why Vander Blue made the wrong decision
      

Written by: Andrei Greska
            

For a differing perspective, be sure to read Mark's portion of this two-part column on Vander Blue's decision. Say it ain't so, Van. That was my first reaction when it became official that Vander Blue was entering the NBA draft ... Continue reading →


            

http://painttouches.com/2013/04/16/why-vander-blue-made-the-wrong-decision/
      

[Marqus Howard]

This article pretty much sums up how I feel. Nicely written.

[Sunbelt15]

It's the right decision for Blue. It's his pursuit of happiness.

[Groin_pull]

It's the wrong decision, but it's his decision. I can't help but feel he got some horrible advice. The weaknesses in his game are just too glaring. Could have continued working on his shot and cracked the first round next year.

[bilsu]

Who really knows what leads to a decision, but some how I can see all the criticism he received the first two years playing into this. He played very well this year and people were jumping on his band wagon and of course wanted him to stay. I can easily see him seeing this as a way to get back at those fans (including myself) who were so critical of him. Basically, now you like me, forget you I am going.

[frozena pizza]

Who really knows what leads to a decision, but some how I can see all the criticism he received the first two years playing into this. He played very well this year and people were jumping on his band wagon and of course wanted him to stay. I can easily see him seeing this as a way to get back at those fans (including myself) who were so critical of him. Basically, now you like me, forget you I am going.

That would be a poor basis for making such an important decision.  But even if he does find his way onto an NBA roster he will never get the love or exposure he would have received at MU next year.

[connie]

Who really knows what leads to a decision, but some how I can see all the criticism he received the first two years playing into this. He played very well this year and people were jumping on his band wagon and of course wanted him to stay. I can easily see him seeing this as a way to get back at those fans (including myself) who were so critical of him. Basically, now you like me, forget you I am going.

I hope that more went into the decision that that, but admit that to succeed at the highest level you have to be a bit cocky.  If he feels slighted by those that doubt his game maybe it gives him some motivation.  At 20 you can afford to take the risk and have plenty of time to recover in life.  I just hope he doesn't get lost in the shuffle and harm his career.  In any event, Best of luck Vander.  Thanks for three great years.

[ATWizJr]

Any concern on the board that the relationship between Blue and Buzz was a problem and part of the decision making process for Blue?  There have been rumors of a shouting match.

[Goose]

I do not care who says Buzz was surprised by this news because I say it is bull sxxt. Buzz knew this possibility a year ago and he should embrace this and not act like jilted lover. Vander has been going pro for three years and if Buzz was shocked I would be disappointed in his leadership skills.

[radome]

Let's see, I'm in my early 20s, I have a chance to make big bucks doing something that I love. If I don't make the big bucks I'll still make good money for a 20 something. The group that I will compete with for the $ is projected to be tougher to get into next year. The good earning years end when I am 30 or so.

Reasonable reasons to leave. Could it be better next year, maybe ... see Dominic James.

It just seems that the board, understandably, thinks that it a bad decision but it may be the right one for him.

I wish Vander well and I hope that he finishes his degree for life after basketball.

[LAZER]

I do not care who says Buzz was surprised by this news because I say it is bull sxxt. Buzz knew this possibility a year ago and he should embrace this and not act like jilted lover. Vander has been going pro for three years and if Buzz was shocked I would be disappointed in his leadership skills.

We have no idea what discussions Buzz and Vander have had and we have no idea what type of feddback they got from the NBA.

[keefe]

Who really knows what leads to a decision, but some how I can see all the criticism he received the first two years playing into this. He played very well this year and people were jumping on his band wagon and of course wanted him to stay. I can easily see him seeing this as a way to get back at those fans (including myself) who were so critical of him. Basically, now you like me, forget you I am going.

I am sure Vander Blue factored the ill-informed opinions of fans on this board who really have no expertise on basketball in making his most significant life decision to date. Showing up people on Scoop certainly gave him tremendous satisfaction.

[Niv Berkowitz]

"easonable reasons to leave. Could it be better next year, maybe ... see Dominic James."

That's the rub, though. Say he came back and disappointed next year. He'd STILL be in the same boat he is this year. His stock wouldn't go "down" because it's really not that high.

[willie warrior]

Never was a huge Vander fan, but this year he really upped his game so great praise to him for that. Just hope that it was the right decision, but it is definitely risky. His ball handle and shooting will need to improve from where it currently is at, but good luck to him. Hope he makes it.

[Goose]

Lazar

We have been talking Blue going pro for months and now Buzz is surprised? Come on! It is funny Goodman or Hunt says Buzz is candidate for job opening they are idiots. Blue goes pro and they question it and they become experts. Time for guys to be consistent in their comments or beliefs.

[keefe]

Vander Blue gave everyone on this board some of the best memories any of us will have of Marquette basketball. His feats this past year stand among the most thrilling ever. How dare people have anything but gracious feelings as he writes the next chapter of his life.

[MUCam]

I think it is too early to say whether this decision was right or wrong, but there is lots of room for debate.

I am not sure how I feel about the situation, other than to say I hope he gets drafted and sticks. Let's for a moment say that he does not get drafted and goes to Europe or the NBDL. Is that a bad thing? Maybe, maybe not. It all depends on his situation. That is why we should not fall into the trap of calling this a black and white decision.

Maybe Vander was not weighing whether or not the NBA was better than his senior year. Maybe Vander was weighing whether Europe or NBDL were better options than returning for his senior year. Maybe Vander thought he'd be better off personally, professionally or financially by going to Europe or toughing it out in the NBDL, in a worst case scenario, and so he was willing to take that risk and that route. We can opine as to our perspective on that opinion, but there is no definitive black or white right answer.

By the way, I am not sold on the idea that if he comes back he magically improves his status enough to become a better prospect. What he is now, he'll be in a year, in my baseless opinion. It would be interesting to see how draft status's change for juniors that opt to return for their senior year. Anyone have plenty of free time on their hands?

The main issue I disagree with is the contention that, for some reason, being an all-time great would somehow outweigh other financial or professional growth considerations. Not everyone is driven by the same motivations. NCAA basketball is a business and college ball is a vehicle, not truly for glory, but for professional growth.

In life, you have to go against the grains and reach for the stars. The most successful people in life are those willing to take the biggest risks. They don't fear failure. In fact, most of them never fail, because even when they fail, they don't see it as a failure. They see it as another stone on the path to success. I can't fault anyone for that. I can't fault anyone for taking that risk. That is why I say, to Vander, good for you. Go big.

[LAZER]

Lazar

We have been talking Blue going pro for months and now Buzz is surprised? Come on! It is funny Goodman or Hunt says Buzz is candidate for job opening they are idiots. Blue goes pro and they question it and they become experts. Time for guys to be consistent in their comments or beliefs.

I'm talking abour more recent events, the time from the Elite 8 until now.  We have no idea what type of discussion they've had.  Maybe Blue told Buzz he was gonna stay and that's what they both thought was best, until Vander changed his mind...or something like that

Obviously that's 100% speculation, but I don't think Buzz is just going to lie to the media to prove a point.

[keefe]

Any concern on the board that the relationship between Blue and Buzz was a problem and part of the decision making process for Blue?  There have been rumors of a shouting match.

Tom

Al got into fist fights with Delsman and Toone. How many times would Walton argue with Al while dribbling the ball up court? They would be swearing at each other in the middle of a game! Neary and Brell both had to be restrained from going after Al in practices.

If Buzz and Van got into it we have no idea why but remember that motivation takes many forms. Al and Toone threw punches at each other at half time against Cincinnati in the 1st Round of the NCAA Tournament and we ended up running the table. 

[Mike Deane]

I think it is too early to say whether this decision was right or wrong, but there is lots of room for debate.

I think we will find out on June 27, unless Blue hopes to go the Wes route.

[Classof83]

Ho fatto per l'elite otto, ma non mi sono arruolato. Io ora gioco con Prima Veroli con Scottie Reynolds da Villanova. Dove sono i saloni di tatoo qui intorno?

[Groin_pull]

Who really knows what leads to a decision, but some how I can see all the criticism he received the first two years playing into this. He played very well this year and people were jumping on his band wagon and of course wanted him to stay. I can easily see him seeing this as a way to get back at those fans (including myself) who were so critical of him. Basically, now you like me, forget you I am going.

If it did, newsflash for Vander: Welcome to the real world. Do you think it's any different at any other school? Of course not. At every school, they love you when you've doing well, and criticize you when you struggle. That's life. If he's really that thin-skinned, he's in trouble. He'll need to toughen up or he'll have no shot at making the NBA.

[KenoshaWarrior]

Let's see, I'm in my early 20s, I have a chance to make big bucks doing something that I love. If I don't make the big bucks I'll still make good money for a 20 something. The group that I will compete with for the $ is projected to be tougher to get into next year. The good earning years end when I am 30 or so.

Reasonable reasons to leave. Could it be better next year, maybe ... see Dominic James.

It just seems that the board, understandably, thinks that it a bad decision but it may be the right one for him.

I wish Vander well and I hope that he finishes his degree for life after basketball.

It really is a no lose for Vander.

If he gets to be a first round pick  He gets instant cash!!

If is a 2nd rounder and makes a roster.  He gets paid huge

If neither happens he goes over to Europe and makes a good 300,000 playing in the Spanish, Russian, or Israeli League

[ATWizJr]

Tom

Al got into fist fights with Delsman and Toone. How many times would Walton argue with Al while dribbling the ball up court? They would be swearing at each other in the middle of a game! Neary and Brell both had to be restrained from going after Al in practices.

If Buzz and Van got into it we have no idea why but remember that motivation takes many forms. Al and Toone threw punches at each other at half time against Cincinnati in the 1st Round of the NCAA Tournament and we ended up running the table. 

Hi Crash,  yeah, I was aware of Al's fiery encounters with Delsman and Toone.  And, I do see some similarities between Buzz and Al and I approve!  However, I didn't think that any of these tiffs with Al and his players caused any of them to leave and declare for the draft and I was wondering if the relationship between Buzz and Blue was a contributing factor to Blue's leaving? 

[keefe]

 

Hi Crash,  yeah, I was aware of Al's fiery encounters with Delsman and Toone.  And, I do see some similarities between Buzz and Al and I approve!  However, I didn't think that any of these tiffs with Al and his players caused any of them to leave and declare for the draft and I was wondering if the relationship between Buzz and Blue was a contributing factor to Blue's leaving? 

I wasn't aware of any friction between the two but then I have no insider knowledge. It may be but at the end of the day Vander has made the choice to turn pro and I really hope it works out for him. He added a lot to Marquette basketball and we are better for his being a part of the team for three years.

How are things on that coast? Hopefully you were at home and not in Boston?