Friday News and Notes: Still Playing the NBA Draft Waiting Game
After learning yesterday that Dominique Archie plans to return to play out his eligibility next year, the Devan Downey watch continues. Other than that, there's not a whole lot going on today. Here are a few links that might interest you.
- Gamecocks pickup up commitment from DE Brandon Golson from Calhoun County. Golston projects to play linebacker in college.
- Tyler Smith will return to the Vols next season. That's good news for Bruce Pearl, bad news for Darrin Horn and the rest of the SEC.
- Wondering why Sam Dyson dropped in the MLB draft? Apparently Dyson has unrealistically high expectations for his signing bonus, which caused some teams to shy away.
- USC athletics posts high academic marks.
I hope to have thoughts about the Florida Atlantic game up later today or tomorrow. And, of course, if I hear anything about Downey, I'll weigh in on that.
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i hope Devan
follows Archie….not sure though on this one; as part of me feels he will come back but he has already been in school 4 years and money does talk but I will continue to hope and cross my toes on this one as we would be a different club with him…what is your gut telling you?
http://www.leftoverhotdog.blogspot.com
by Flounder on Jun 12, 2009 3:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I honestly am kind of expecting him to leave for Greece right now. Some of the things he has said make it seem like he's ready to move on.
But it’s anyone’s guess right now. He did say he’s still 50-50, so who knows.
Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog by and for Gamecocks Fans. http://www.garnetandblackattack.com
by Gamecock Man on Jun 12, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My gut is telling me he's gone to Europe.
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.
by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 12, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Career-ending injuries are incredibly unlikely for 22 year olds playing basketball.
For a football player, especially a linemen, a linebacker, or a running back, it’s not an unreasonable fear. But not for a basketball player.
However, I can see why he would leave. A degree is great insurance, but the European leagues pay good money, and Devan could conceivably set himself up for many years by playing for a few years over there. He’d definitely make enough to pay his way through his final credits of college and set himself up with a career later in life. Therefore, I don’t really think the issue of getting a degree is what will bring him back. If he comes back, it’s to (1) try to leave a bigger mark on the college game. He can go down as one of our best players in the history of Gamecocks hoops and can help us compete for March glory. (2), for whatever reason, it’s difficult for players, even deserving ones that significantly improve their game, from Europe or the U. S. developmental leagues to break into the NBA. If Devan wants to play with the big boys, he needs to come back to Columbia, work on the true-PG skills that the NBA will want a short player like him to have, and have a huge senior season. If he’s willing to give up a chance to cement his legacy at USC and will be happy with a financially lucrative career in Europe that may hamper his chance to achieve his dreams of playing in the NBA, then Europe will be a good option for him.
Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog by and for Gamecocks Fans. http://www.garnetandblackattack.com
by Gamecock Man on Jun 12, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree completely.
All I am saying is Europe will be there next year too. It’s not like he has to strike while the iron is hot.
by The Feathered Warrior on Jun 12, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True, true...
BTW, doesn’t really matter who the question was directed towards; we’re all about community and discussion here, so keep the comments coming.
At any rate, I just hope Downey comes back. If he feels like he needs to leave, I wish him the best, but we could be great next year if he returns.
Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog by and for Gamecocks Fans. http://www.garnetandblackattack.com
by Gamecock Man on Jun 12, 2009 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Always good to hear from you
TFW…you know I want to hear from you too on this one…I agree too that he could use one more yr of college…would help his NBA draft stock too but money talks I guess.
USC Blog - http://www.leftoverhotdog.blogspot.com
Twitter - http://twitter.com/LOHDgamecocks
by Flounder on Jun 12, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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