[GoMarquette.com] MU's Jerel McNeal Declares For 2008 NBA Draft

[GoMarquetteSays]

MU's Jerel McNeal Declares For 2008 NBA Draft
         

Marquette University junior Jerel McNeal has declared himself eligible for the 2008 NBA Draft, he announced Friday afternoon.
         

http://onlyfans.cstv.com/schools/marq/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/042508aaa.html
         

[MUCrew]

At least he didn't hire an agent.

[Daniel]

It's the logical move for him - and if he returns with some great pointers for improvement, even better.  He deserves the chance.  He has a great attitude.

Of course, we'd love to have you back Jerel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MKEblue]

This is to bad...I can only hope that he comes back for his senior year. I dont think he understands how special of a year it could be. O well, his loss.

[MU in Miami]

Jerel:

Best of luck at camp, and make us proud!
(Hope we see you in a MU uniform next year, though)

[ChicosBailBonds]

He is an idiot.OK that was really harsh, but honestly not a good decision..I can only hope that he comes back for his senior year. I dont think he understands how special of a year it could be. O well, his loss.

It's a win win for him.  He explodes during camp and is drafted.  Or he doesn't and he comes back.  He's not an idiot at all, smart move actually.

[ChicosBailBonds]

He's not listed on any draftboard sites right now, though that could change in the coming days.

Though I did see Kyle Weaver mentioned in the first round on one site and the second round on another....I guess Bennett did have some NBA calibre players.   

[nyg]

I definitely see him returning.  The list of guards declaring this year is insane.  Hope he picks up some important tips and returns even better.  Also be interesting as to what his actual height is. 

[Skatastrophy]

He is an idiot.OK that was really harsh, but honestly not a good decision..I can only hope that he comes back for his senior year. I dont think he understands how special of a year it could be. O well, his loss.

He's far from an idiot.

He would be an idiot if he didn't utilize the one freebie the NCAA gives you to declare for the draft without hiring an agent and still being allowed to come back to his teams.

He can get his name out there, workout with a couple teams and get some good contacts.

I think that with the number of guards and the caliber of players in this draft he'd be smart to come back next year and go pro after his senior year.  He gets 1 freebie declaration though, and I think that everyone here was expecting him to use that freebie.  It will be another thing altogether if he hires an agent and doesn't come back though

[mosarsour]

He is an idiot.OK that was really harsh, but honestly not a good decision..I can only hope that he comes back for his senior year. I dont think he understands how special of a year it could be. O well, his loss.

Why wouldn't he test the NBA waters while he still has the chance to come back? Not doing so would make him an idiot. He get's a chance to see what NBA execs and scouts think of his play and give him pointers on how to improve. It's pretty much a sure thing that he's not getting drafted in 2008, so why not find out what your game is lacking while you have the chance. It's a win/win situation for both Jerel and Marquette. He'll come back next season better prepared for his senior year.

He's going to be tough next season. Also look for him or James to give George Thompson a run for his money as the team's all time leading scorer. If I'm correct McNeal may have to average about 17-18 a game while James needs about a 13 ppg average to surpass Thompson.

[mugrack]

Anyone that spells Oh well... o well is an idiot.

[79Warrior]

He is an idiot.OK that was really harsh, but honestly not a good decision..I can only hope that he comes back for his senior year. I dont think he understands how special of a year it could be. O well, his loss.

Why is it not a good decision? What does he lose? He understands alot more than you do about his decision.

[ecompt]

Best of luck, Jerel. Hopefully he'll go to camps, see what he needs to make himself an NBA player, and come back and have a terrific season.

[muwarrior87]

he's very intelligent and far from an idiot. I'll tell you why come draft day...

[Pardner]

Good luck...great decision.  JM has the strength to make it...improve his ball handling, decision making and trey shooting and he can have a long career in the NBA.  Nothing to lose by not trying (except $$).

So, does Tayurley still think we have a logjam in the backcourt?

[pbiflyer]

He is an idiot.OK that was really harsh, but honestly not a good decision..I can only hope that he comes back for his senior year. I dont think he understands how special of a year it could be. O well, his loss.

Well, someone here is an idiot. But not Jerel. They changed the rules this year and the teams can pick up the dime for the travels. If he gets invited to the Orlando camp, it is a free evaluation.
Could you imagine if, in your junior year, the elite companies in your soon to be profession said "Come on down for an interview. If we like you, we'll give you a boatload of money. If not, we'll tell you what you have to work on to get that money. Oh yeah, and we'll pick up the tab for the entire deal."
I am thinking your friends would call you an idiot for not taking up that offer.

[mufan924]

He is an idiot.OK that was really harsh, but honestly not a good decision..I can only hope that he comes back for his senior year. I dont think he understands how special of a year it could be. O well, his loss.

i think we all know who the idiot is here.

[Niv Berkowitz]

This isn't a surprise move and as long as he doesn't hire an agent, it's a great move for him.

He gets exposure. Plays with the best in teh country. And if he plays lights out, he'll go pro. If not, he's back here with Matthews and James and a ginormous chip on his shoulder. Should be a fun year.

[Dienerfor3]

By the way... Why do you say he will be missing out on a special season?

What will make this year different from the last or one prior to it?

[Coobeys Oil Depot]

By the way... Why do you say he will be missing out on a special season?

What will make this year different from the last or one prior to it?

It's Buzz!! It's Buzz!!

[bilsu]

I cannot see him being a first round draft choice, which receives a guaranteed contract. The tough decision for him is if he is told he is an early second round draftee. Deiner and Novak have done okay being drafted here. Besides that I think seniors are basically discounted in the draft. The younger you are the more the NBA sees potential. He already had one serious hand injury. My gut feeling is if he does reasonably well in camps he will not be back. I am not saying this is a good decision, but he was playing well at year end and this could very well carry over into these camps. I hope Jerel makes the decision that is best for him.

[Avenue Commons]

It's a win win for him.  He explodes during camp and is drafted.  Or he doesn't and he comes back.  He's not an idiot at all, smart move actually.

Exactly, he has nothing to lose. He'll play well in the camps, and if it goes really well he gets drafted. If it doesn't go great he returns to MU for his senior year. I wouldn't be surprised to see him picked in the 2nd round because of his defenseive prowess and the offensive skills he showed in the Big East tourney and the NCAA tourney.

[MKEblue]

OK OK dont cut my throat just yet. I agree with all of the stuff you guys said I just hope that he makes the best possible decision. And I really hope that means he comes back to school. That is all I really wanted to say

[wadesworld]

OK OK dont cut my throat just yet. I agree with all of the stuff you guys said I just hope that he makes the best possible decision. And I really hope that means he comes back to school. That is all I really wanted to say

So say that, don't come out and say, "He's an idiot."  I would've been shocked if he had not entered his name into the draft.  There is absolutely nothing to lose by entering it and he can find out what people at the next level want him doing/working on so he is better prepared come the end of his senior season if he returns.  If he doesn't return then he played well and gets drafted, making him a millionaire, so I don't think that's very idiotic.  I think he'll look for the help of reliable people, not just look for an opportunity to bolt, and be back if he's not going at best early 2nd round.  Best of luck to him (selfishly hope he's back next year, though).