Can 1st Round Pick stay in College

blackham9258 · Post #1 » by **blackham9258** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 4:42 am

I remember back when we drafted CJ, that because he was a second round pick that didn't sign with an agent he had the opportunity to go to college and play for Texas. In retrospect I think the Jazz should have insisted on sending him to school for two years. I think it would have added some serious maturity and maturity to his game before coming to the pro's and sitting.

That being said, can the same thing happen this year with a first round pick? Say we draft Perry Jones or Harrison Barnes, and they haven't signed with an agent could we ask them to stay one more year in college.

I think that would be a great route to take especially in a possible lockout year. They get an extra year of maturing on a college campus, an extra year to learn to be the man on a college team, gain confidence etc. and then they come in.

Thoughts?

Post #2 » by **DelaneyRudd** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 4:59 am

The player can if they have no agent, but a team can't insist they go back. They either have to pay their player or renounce their rights. CJ held out on getting an agent in case he was undrafted or got an injury.

blackham9258 · Post #3 » by **blackham9258** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 5:13 am

If that is the case I could see the Jazz and other teams looking into their draft picks willingness to do this. It would be a great situation for the Jazz because we have a lot of young guys to develop next year anyway so I would kind of like it.

Dwayne Wade and Deron Williams both became leaders of their respective teams in their Jr years of college. If either had come out earlier they may have not learned how to use their talent to lead, to hit that last second shot (like deron did multiple times during the tourney), and then to trust themselves in those clutch situations. All those pre-season tournaments, post season tournaments and conference play ad up to help a player learn how to lead and play.

Also, being in college and on their own helps a young man become a man, and makes him more mature.

If we are in a position to draft Harrison Barnes, wouldn't we love for him to play one more year under Roy Williams? Harrison has just started to take end of game shots, and make them. He has just started to trust his talent and play well. I would love to see him next year take a team on his shoulders and learn how to be a dominant player. If he comes to the NBA he will likely split time with Hayward and CJ.

Just my opinion.

Post #4 » by **DelaneyRudd** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 5:44 am

If a player wants to get better for free they will just wait and get a higher draft position. If they are top 10 like Barnes it's a difference of millions not, hundreds of thousands; not to mention you are demanding these kids make these complicated decisions without the aid of a professional. If a company told me I'd make make career money without spending a bunch of time in college I would have done it too.

Ming Kong! · Post #5 » by **Ming Kong!** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 8:05 am

Meh, he's 23, and doing pretty well for someone who made the jump from HS. How many second rounders last this long in the NBA? Also he's putting up good numbers when he gets big minutes, especially as a starter.