[PaintTouches]Why Vander Blue made the wrong decision

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Reading the newspaper over lunch I read something and thought of the Vander declaring question.  Yale just won the NCAA men's hockey title.  One of the stars of team, Kenny Agostino, is a junior and he just announced he's coming back next year.  He apparently can unquestionably sign an NHL contract today if he wanted, but declined.  He said "A Yale degree is something I want to pursue and it's only 11 months away."  

[LAZER]

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

Every scenario you presented would be available to him next year, with the added ability to improve his stock and get a degree.  And he most likely won't be making 300k in Europe.

[ATWizJr]

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?

Sure do wish Vander the best.  I think we're gonna miss him.  Luckily, the RI Wizzy's were not in BOS for the marathon.  We have attended many times, but usually staked out our position around the start of Heartbreak Hill near Wellesley-Newton hospital.  You good?

[Spotcheck Billy]

We'd never had these discussions if Vander had played for Bucky.

[Groin_pull]

Reading the newspaper over lunch I read something and thought of the Vander declaring question.  Yale just won the NCAA men's hockey title.  One of the stars of team, Kenny Agostino, is a junior and he just announced he's coming back next year.  He apparently can unquestionably sign an NHL contract today if he wanted, but declined.  He said "A Yale degree is something I want to pursue and it's only 11 months away."  

MU is not close to Yale.

[Niv Berkowitz]

Reading the newspaper over lunch I read something and thought of the Vander declaring question.  Yale just won the NCAA men's hockey title.  One of the stars of team, Kenny Agostino, is a junior and he just announced he's coming back next year.  He apparently can unquestionably sign an NHL contract today if he wanted, but declined.  He said "A Yale degree is something I want to pursue and it's only 11 months away."  

Two thoughts:

1) MU does not anyway shape or form come close to Yale and the perceived-value of that degree.
2) you cannot compare college hockey or baseball players to college basketball players. Both hockey and baseball have built-in minorleague systems that begin as young as 17 years old. You have tons of options in those sports to set yourself apart. Not so much in college hoops.

As for Vander making a "ton" of cash if he makes a team as second round pick? Sure, I guess compared to the average person it's a "ton" of cash. But, he could very well gain short term wealth at the expense of longer term, GUARANTEED wealth. There in lies the rub.   

(WOO HOOO....POST #1,000!! I'd like to thank Chicos and PRN)

[keefe]

 

Sure do wish Vander the best.  I think we're gonna miss him.  Luckily, the RI Wizzy's were not in BOS for the marathon.  We have attended many times, but usually staked out our position around the start of Heartbreak Hill near Wellesley-Newton hospital.  You good?

Glad to hear, Tom. Lot of Marquette people from New England so I am hoping everyone is safe. I have a lot of fond memories from Boston; it's a unique place.

Had a spinal tap last week as part of a clinical study U Dub is doing on combat related brain trauma. A lot of us lose our sense of taste from time to time so they draw spinal fluid as part of the investigation. I volunteered to be a guinea pig in order to advance the understanding of PTSD. Can't wait to get back to Nepal, though.

I agree we shall miss Vander Blue next season. He would have made us much better. A lot of the anger towards him on this board. Kid made a choice on how to live his life and people want to say it is wrong?

[keefe]

MU is not close to Yale.

You are right. It's about 954 miles.

[Groin_pull]

You are right. It's about 954 miles.

And a lot further than that in prestige and quality.

[96warrior]

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.

Honest question, Goose, not trying to be a jerk: has Buzz been acting like a jilted lover? I have seen conjecture that he "was surprised", said conjecture based on a one liner about how "obviously things have changed in the past few hours".

I cannot imagine there was any surprise on Buzz's part, other than perhaps Vander at one point indicating he was going to come back for his senior year and then changing his mind. I also cannot imagine any strife between them. All I've heard is that Buzz was very much the father figure that had otherwise been missing for Vander during his time at Marquette.