They don't talk about the draft until about the 40 minute mark if that is all you are interested in. David Stern has drawn the line in the sand recently, saying that players are going to have to give up a significant share of the revenues in the new economic climate. There is no telling how the new agreement will affect incoming players pay scale. This might not be good news for those hoping to see some of our freshman become sophomores, or Patterson play a fourth season. There has been some speculation that Demarcus Cousins might take the Blake Griffin route and turn down a top five selection, return to school, and strive to become the top pick in the 2011 draft. That might have always have been wishful thinking, but the NBA labor situation might force Cousins, and Bledsoe for that matter, to make a business decision and leave school early.
There is a silver lining, as hinted above. The uncertain nature of the NBA contract talks will (according to Morey) scare a lot of players from leaving school early next year. If we have a mass exodus this year, you have to think Calipari will reload. This time around we might actually get to watch them for more than one season. Also, Daniel Orton should have some draft buzz this time next year, only to be turned off by the uncertain future in the NBA. So, get to recruiting Coach, you might get to coach the next group a couple years before they chase the riches of the NBA.
Good post, Austin. If this plays out as described, I think our players will depart, including Bledsoe.
ReplyDeleteLike you said though, that might work out okay in the long run. We just need to pin down some of these prized recruits still ripe for the picking.
Bledsoe would be silly to enter the NBA draft he isn't assured of a first round selection. I don't think he's there yet. Just because he may be ready doesn't mean the NBA is ready for him. I think Bledsoe comes back. Maybe I am wrong, but I don't see Bledsoe getting a first round pick unless he has a stellar March and UK wins the national championship.
ReplyDeleteI don't think a team would be able to help themselves with Bledsoe. He is just one big game in the late stages of the tourney away from having that kind of recognition. I think he would get taken in the first round if he made the jump, and he could still become a lottery pick with a big March. In the past you might be right, but if Bledsoe looks at the NBA landscape he might decide his best bet is to take the money now. Bledsoe is an absolute freak athletically. Possibly more so than Wall, only a little bit shorter.
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