M2N to the Draft?

[onepost]

I talked about it with REALwrk but it's more than just basketball with Markus.

Between the mission trips, his role on the Oversight Committee, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes he leads, I don't think it's as simple as some of you are making it out to be.  Players talk about legacy and their place within university history etc., but in all of my years as a college hoops fan I personally can't point to one other player who's done more with and for his school than Markus has (off the court).  I don't mean to open Pandora's Box with player payment talk (they definitely should), but he is the absolute embodiment of the "student-athlete."

He's not a lottery pick and won't ever be a lottery pick.  So then yeah the conversation is "would he leave if he's projected to go in the 2019 1st Round?"  As of now there is no mock stating such, and while his scoring ability is otherworldly at this level, most of us believe his chance at sustained success in the League is at PG.  Coming back another year WOULD do him some good on showing the ability to continue to grow as a PG, to cut down on the TO's and continue to improve his passing and facilitating, in terms of draft position.  Again just my opinion, but it's not as easy as "he'll only focus on basketball and improve with a year in the G League over college": he still wants to get drafted as high as possible.

Lastly, I look to his support system.  Us twitter users all see the #LeagueMe posts his brother has on any and every Markus tweet, but it's an intelligent family who sees the big picture.  While Vander was just looking for ANYONE to tell him he was a 1st round pick, and the Henry uses us-we use Henry relationship was clear early on, I think the Howards will actually take everything into account.  We make a Sweet Sixten run?  Maybe Markus wants a Final Four.  We make a Final Four run?  Maybe Markus wants a shot at a title.  The ability to shatter every Marquette record known to man.  The ability to continue his work with Marquette volunteer groups, the NCAA committees, the Marquette FCA.  He's as humble and special a guy as it gets so don't think they're not important in this.

I can confidently see a scenario where he declares, gets professional feedback, sees there are still areas of improvement that another year could help his stock yet (contrary to what some of you think), and comes back for one more.  He knows what next season could be, and I don't think he nor his family are narrow-minded in not considering everything else he does at MU.

[Silkk the Shaka]

I talked about it with REALwrk but it's more than just basketball with Markus.

Between the mission trips, his role on the Oversight Committee, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes he leads, I don't think it's as simple as some of you are making it out to be.  Players talk about legacy and their place within university history etc., but in all of my years as a college hoops fan I personally can't point to one other player who's done more with and for his school than Markus has (off the court).  I don't mean to open Pandora's Box with player payment talk (they definitely should), but he is the absolute embodiment of the "student-athlete."

He's not a lottery pick and won't ever be a lottery pick.  So then yeah the conversation is "would he leave if he's projected to go in the 2019 1st Round?"  As of now there is no mock stating such, and while his scoring ability is otherworldly at this level, most of us believe his chance at sustained success in the League is at PG.  Coming back another year WOULD do him some good on showing the ability to continue to grow as a PG, to cut down on the TO's and continue to improve his passing and facilitating, in terms of draft position.  Again just my opinion, but it's not as easy as "he'll only focus on basketball and improve with a year in the G League over college": he still wants to get drafted as high as possible.

Lastly, I look to his support system.  Us twitter users all see the #LeagueMe posts his brother has on any and every Markus tweet, but it's an intelligent family who sees the big picture.  While Vander was just looking for ANYONE to tell him he was a 1st round pick, and the Henry uses us-we use Henry relationship was clear early on, I think the Howards will actually take everything into account.  We make a Sweet Sixten run?  Maybe Markus wants a Final Four.  We make a Final Four run?  Maybe Markus wants a shot at a title.  The ability to shatter every Marquette record known to man.  The ability to continue his work with Marquette volunteer groups, the NCAA committees, the Marquette FCA.  He's as humble and special a guy as it gets so don't think they're not important in this.

I can confidently see a scenario where he declares, gets professional feedback, sees there are still areas of improvement that another year could help his stock yet (contrary to what some of you think), and comes back for one more.  He knows what next season could be, and I don't think he nor his family are narrow-minded in not considering everything else he does at MU.

All true things. But just because he's a great guy, overachiever off the court, and has a great support system doesn't mean he won't go to the NBA if he keeps torching the college game like he currently is. Leaving early doesn't preclude one from being a great, smart guy from a great family. Plenty of those guys leave early.

I could just as easily see a scenario where a late first round team (meaning a currently successful team/likely first-class organization) says they love his game & character, show him where he fits as a long term piece in their puzzle, and will guarantee to pick him at say #27 if he's still there. All it takes is one. If that's the case, why wouldn't he go?

[MomofMUltiples]

Maybe he will!  Nobody is saying for sure that his character and commitments will make him come back for another year. What I was suggesting, and I believe others as well, is that Markus is sure to take a reasoned approach and a thorough examination of his options and decide what's right for him, with the help of his family and other advisors in his life.  It won't be a knee-jerk "I'm sick of going to school" decision or some random agent suggesting he "knows" Howard will go in the first round.

[rocky_warrior]

Lastly, I look to his support system.  Us twitter users all see the #LeagueMe posts his brother has on any and every Markus tweet, but it's an intelligent family who sees the big picture.

League-Me is the basketball skills training camp that his older brother Desmond runs
http://league-me.com/index.php/about-us-v2/

[GoldenEagle323]

If he goes to the draft, the new rule allows players to return if they don't get drafted

[We R Final Four]

Does that include the 2nd round?
If he gets drafted in the 2nd round, I assume there is no going back?

[The Sultan]

If he goes to the draft, the new rule allows players to return if they don't get drafted

I don't think so.  They have 10 days after the draft combine to remove their name and retain eligibility.  That deadline is May 29 this year.  The draft takes place mid-June.

[onepost]

League-Me is the basketball skills training camp that his older brother Desmond runs
http://league-me.com/index.php/about-us-v2/

Yep, I know.

[Lennys Tap]

They have strength programs in the pros, too.
The truth is that there's nothing holding Markus back from the NBA that's going to get better with another year at Marquette (i.e. he's not getting taller or more explosive/athletic). Any other weaknesses, i.e. strength, ballhandling, PG skills, he can work on just as easily as a pro as he can at Marquette ... probably moreso since he won't have to deal with pesky classes and whatnot.
Realistically, the only thing that should keep Markus at MU is a strong desire not to play in the G league or Europe. If he has reason to believe he'll be on an NBA roster, he should go pro.

This is pretty accurate IMO. Markus is an elite shooter/scorer - that's a constant and hopefully his "golden ticket". But he is small and by NBA standards not especially athletic - and those are constants also. This is his first season handling the point. Perhaps some NBA teams will overlook the fact that he is a little loose with the ball. If he comes back next year and drastically improves his ball handling/passing skills his stock will go up some (limited due to size and athleticism). If he comes back and pretty much looks like the same ball handler/passer his stock would (IMO) tumble.

[onepost]

All true things. But just because he's a great guy, overachiever off the court, and has a great support system doesn't mean he won't go to the NBA if he keeps torching the college game like he currently is. Leaving early doesn't preclude one from being a great, smart guy from a great family. Plenty of those guys leave early.

I could just as easily see a scenario where a late first round team (meaning a currently successful team/likely first-class organization) says they love his game & character, show him where he fits as a long term piece in their puzzle, and will guarantee to pick him at say #27 if he's still there. All it takes is one. If that's the case, why wouldn't he go?

Absolutely!  I'm not saying he's beholden to all those things alone in terms of keeping him here for a year.
I'm just saying it's not like MU cases in the past (Vander and Henry) where those guys were 100% focused on getting themselves to the NBA and that alone (in Henry's case, you could argue to the detriment of our team at the time).  Markus's decision is more nuanced for a guy who's likely not projected to be a 1st rounder.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Absolutely!  I'm not saying he's beholden to all those things alone in terms of keeping him here for a year.
I'm just saying it's not like MU cases in the past (Vander and Henry) where those guys were 100% focused on getting themselves to the NBA and that alone (in Henry's case, you could argue to the detriment of our team at the time).  Markus's decision is more nuanced for a guy who's likely not projected to be a 1st rounder.

This seems like speculation.  Also if Markus has the same oppty as Henry (on the bubble for lottery) I expect him to be gone.  But that's my opinion and I'm not going to try to make him a saint or a devil based on his potential decision. 

[Vander Blue Man Group]

This seems like speculation.  Also if Markus has the same oppty as Henry (on the bubble for lottery) I expect him to be gone.  But that's my opinion and I'm not going to try to make him a saint or a devil based on his potential decision.

Love Markus obviously and even if he has an amazing tourney run and leads us to the Elite 8 or Final 4 I don't see any way he moves up that far on draft boards for potential lottery consideration. 

[MU82]

This is pretty accurate IMO. Markus is an elite shooter/scorer - that's a constant and hopefully his "golden ticket". But he is small and by NBA standards not especially athletic - and those are constants also. This is his first season handling the point. Perhaps some NBA teams will overlook the fact that he is a little loose with the ball. If he comes back next year and drastically improves his ball handling/passing skills his stock will go up some (limited due to size and athleticism). If he comes back and pretty much looks like the same ball handler/passer his stock would (IMO) tumble.

If he can show he can really handle the ball and have great court awareness, he could be a pretty high pick. Size did not stop the likes of D.J. Augustine, Jimmer Fredette, Tyus Jones, Chris Jackson, Kemba Walker, etc. He has dramatically improved his ability to get his shot off despite tight defense, and he has gotten better at finding a path to the hoop, so I think he can improve his handle. Just not sure he can improve his ability to locate teammates on the fly - that seems to be a skill PGs are born with. But I wouldn't totally dismiss this kid's ability to do anything he really sets his mind to; he seems to be an extraordinary young man.

As for the leaving early decision itself, him being smart and his family valuing education might enter into it, but as EFR said (and others have acknowledged), that alone probably doesn't mean much. For example, Elton Brand, Jay Williams, Domantas Sabonis ... actually dozens and dozens (probably hundreds) fit that exact profile yet left college early.

It's interesting to read the speculation of those who have no idea what Markus is thinking or what the people around him are telling him. (Not talking about you, Lenny.)

[warriorchick]

If I were Markus, I would go to the combine even if I am 100% sure I am not entering the 2019 draft.

He will get some great feedback on exactly what he he can do to enhance his draft desirability.

[MUBigDance]

I've totally changed my opinion...his stock is pretty close to the top now. He's short and might not even be 1st round. But when he gets somewhere he will make a niche.  I don't think the money is any better a year from now...and his youth is a real plus...another year in College might even cause his worth to take a hit.

I heard something from a commentator I hadn't heard before...he mentioned Markus' "strength" after a tough drive. I had seen that as a difference between Markus and the other NBA shorts...he's no Mugsy Bogues or Kemba Walker...no thickness...but maybe he's stronger than I think.

Anyway He's ready to "graduate" and pursue his Profession.

[goldeneagle91114]

so lets play this scenario out. IF he leaves. Whats your expectations for next year?

[BCHoopster]

so lets play this scenario out. IF he leaves. Whats your expectations for next year?

They will be Top 3 still in the Big East as McEwen and Elliott will be pretty good, and the balance of the team is a year older.  Offense will have to be changed a little bit
but the D will be better as both of those guards are big.   McEwen, Sacar, Hausers and Theo, still pretty good.   Elliott, Morrow and could use a back-up forward, could
that be Cain, sure or Bailey, expect both to improve.  So have depth.

[Silkk the Shaka]

Agreed, plus Symir would join too which adds another huge guard (6'3" w/ 6'8" wingspan). The Hausers would make The Leap and split a heavy scoring load. It wouldn't be the same ceiling as with a senior Markus on board, especially come tourney time, but it would still be a damn good team loaded with talent, experience, and length. The defensive potential of that squad would be: suffocation from every angle. Wojo's got this covered!

[GoldenEagle323]

On espn's top 100 draft prospects howard isnt on the top 100..sam at #95

Howard is ranked #41 on the draft board for 2020 draft

[onepost]

It's interesting to read the speculation of those who have no idea what Markus is thinking or what the people around him are telling him. (Not talking about you, Lenny.)

If you're referring to me (can only assume so), I can assure you it's not "random speculation" in knowing the value of these in his decision.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Love Markus obviously and even if he has an amazing tourney run and leads us to the Elite 8 or Final 4 I don't see any way he moves up that far on draft boards for potential lottery consideration.

I tend to agree with you on where Markus would potentially slot.  My point was Henry was a bubble lottery pick.  It had nothing to do with his motivation or character.  I wouldnt fault anyone for leaving for that. 

[MU82]

If you're referring to me (can only assume so), I can assure you it's not "random speculation" in knowing the value of these in his decision.

I was not referring specifically to you over any of the others, but if you see yourself in it ...

So, you are suggesting that you have inside knowledge into what is going through Markus' mind? Do tell, and keep us posted every step of the way.

[Eldon]

If he can show he can really handle the ball and have great court awareness, he could be a pretty high pick. Size did not stop the likes of D.J. Augustine, Jimmer Fredette, Tyus Jones, Chris Jackson, Kemba Walker, etc. He has dramatically improved his ability to get his shot off despite tight defense, and he has gotten better at finding a path to the hoop, so I think he can improve his handle. Just not sure he can improve his ability to locate teammates on the fly - that seems to be a skill PGs are born with. But I wouldn't totally dismiss this kid's ability to do anything he really sets his mind to; he seems to be an extraordinary young man.

As for the leaving early decision itself, him being smart and his family valuing education might enter into it, but as EFR said (and others have acknowledged), that alone probably doesn't mean much. For example, Elton Brand, Jay Williams, Domantas Sabonis ... actually dozens and dozens (probably hundreds) fit that exact profile yet left college early.

It's interesting to read the speculation of those who have no idea what Markus is thinking or what the people around him are telling him. (Not talking about you, Lenny.)

That's exactly right.  It years of running the point to have the handle and court vision that guys like Iverson, Nash, etc. had.  One does not simply become a point guard.

[The Thing]

I just continue to wonder what may happen if Markus has one or two of those amazing Markus-like games against some good teams in the NCAA tourney.

He is starting to get more publicity now but imagine if he goes off for 45 in a sweet 16 or elite 8 matchup.

I think in a scenario like that his stock may never be higher and it might not be a bad idea for him to jump.

[Heisenberg]

so lets play this scenario out. IF he leaves. Whats your expectations for next year?

and to this ... suppose this team goes to the FF this year.  With the heightened publicity, does Sam also come out early this year?