But it’s anyone’s guess right now. He did say he’s still 50-50, so who knows.

Granted, though, I’m a bit of a fatalist – it lessens the blow on things like this. Downey has been in college a while, and could finish his degree by December, from what I understand. Plus, look at his buddy, OJ Mayo, who is already playing professionally. It’s hard to stay in one place when all of your friends are moving on.

What I think he should do is stay. I can’t possibly know the circumstances around Devan Downey, but the only downside to staying that I see is sustaining a possible career-ending injury. That, in my opinion, a hugely over blown in terms of likelihood whenever this discussion comes up. I just don’t think it’s that likely to happen. Having a degree from a 4 year university is the best insurance in life that a person can have. I think the benefit far outweighs the minute possibility of a career-ending injury. If Devan were a sure-fire pick in the NBA, I would say go with blessings. However, he isn’t. I would guess, though I don’t know, that the NBA is a more appealing a final destination for him than Europe. I think he could benefit from one more year in the college ranks learning from coach Horn (who I believe Downey has called a good coach). If after next year he is still not a NBA pick, he could still go to Europe having exhausted all of his options to the fullest (and with a degree in hand, no less).

BTW, I realize you were probably talking to Gamecock Man about this, but I thought I would throw in my two cents all the same.