2008 Woodie Awards
Stay In College Or Go Pro: That Is The Question
NCAA Basketball
Rajiv Leventhal
Issue date: 4/15/08 Section: Sports
The college basketball season might be over, but that doesn't mean the stress on players has gone away. In fact, a number of athletes will have to make the most important decision of their young lives- whether to stay in school or declare for the NBA Draft. Several big-time players have already declared, including a quartet of terrific freshmen - Eric Gordon, O.J. Mayo, Michael Beasley and Jerryd Bayless. But even more great underclassmen have yet to decide. While these players have until April 27 to make a decision, here are a few words of advice for some of the most prestigious underclassmen who have yet to declare:
D.J. Augustin, Texas: Stay - The sophomore point guard had a terrific season, averaging 19 points and six assists per game for an Elite Eight team. But Augustin got shut down in the tournament by Memphis and certainly has room to improve his draft stock. Already the best point guard in the country, Augustin is well in range of becoming the best player in the nation with one more year in school. Plus, Texas is a serious contender to compete for a title next year, making this decision a no-brainer.
Darrell Arthur, Kansas: Stay - Arthur had a pretty inconsistent sophomore season and could really improve his stock by staying one more year. Scouts say Arthur plays too passively at times, but if he is the main man in Lawrence he could dominate. His 20-point, 13-rebound championship game shows how much potential he has. The 6-foot-9 forward has an NBA body and skill set, so the tools are already there. With a deep draft class this year, Arthur would be wise to wait.
Mario Chalmers, Kansas: Go - He will always be remembered for his heroic shot in the national championship to send the game into overtime and an eventual win. He is also known, though, for his toughness and smart play - attributes that could make him a great role-player at the next level. Chalmers might improve a few spots in the draft by staying one more year, but scouts already know what they are getting out of the junior, who is also one of the best defenders around. Chalmers should be living the phrase, "go out on top."
D.J. Augustin, Texas: Stay - The sophomore point guard had a terrific season, averaging 19 points and six assists per game for an Elite Eight team. But Augustin got shut down in the tournament by Memphis and certainly has room to improve his draft stock. Already the best point guard in the country, Augustin is well in range of becoming the best player in the nation with one more year in school. Plus, Texas is a serious contender to compete for a title next year, making this decision a no-brainer.
Darrell Arthur, Kansas: Stay - Arthur had a pretty inconsistent sophomore season and could really improve his stock by staying one more year. Scouts say Arthur plays too passively at times, but if he is the main man in Lawrence he could dominate. His 20-point, 13-rebound championship game shows how much potential he has. The 6-foot-9 forward has an NBA body and skill set, so the tools are already there. With a deep draft class this year, Arthur would be wise to wait.
Mario Chalmers, Kansas: Go - He will always be remembered for his heroic shot in the national championship to send the game into overtime and an eventual win. He is also known, though, for his toughness and smart play - attributes that could make him a great role-player at the next level. Chalmers might improve a few spots in the draft by staying one more year, but scouts already know what they are getting out of the junior, who is also one of the best defenders around. Chalmers should be living the phrase, "go out on top."
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