Feb. 15, 2006
So many kids who opt to go to the NBA early end up out in the cold. They simply weren't good enough to play in the NBA, despite hearing positive words from supporters, which led to visions of grandeur. Now these kids bounce around and many are in the NBDL, playing before small crowds. Those can't compare to the exciting venues on college campuses. I recently called the Kentucky-Florida game in Gainesville, and names like Matt Walsh, Anthony Roberson and Kelenna Azubuike were not there. They were in the NBDL, missing out on the energy of the Rowdy Reptiles and the incredible environment. It was rocking and rolling, people going bananas and a place where players feel like a million bucks whe they are a part of it.
You wonder why some kids go into the draft early and get burned. I get it when a player is going to be a high first-round draft pick with the guaranteed dollars being thrown at them. Others who rolled the dice and took the journey that led to disappointment on draft day, where did they get their advice?
It was great to see other kids who came back to school and pulled out of the NBA draft. I saw Carl Krauser of Pittsburgh, Chris Hernandez of Stanford, Kevin Pittsnogle of West Virginia and George Washington's duo of Mike Hall and Pops Mensah-Bonsu all enjoying college life and the competition. These are guys who were wise enough to withdraw from the NBA draft and are having fun. Krauser has had an outstanding year as a vital part of the Panthers' program. Look at the success of George Washington as a top 10 team. Illinois got Dee Brown back, and he has been a key to their success.
Other players have had success after pulling out of the draft. Look at guys like Georgetown's Brandon Bowman, Steven Smith of LaSalle, Jemario Davidson of Alabama, Tim Smith of East Tennessee State and James White of Cincinnati. I hope kids who are thinking of coming out early this season get true evaluations and understand where they will be drafted (if they are drafted). Hopefully they will learn from some of the decisions made a year ago. You hope some look at those who came out early and are bouncing around the developmental league hanging on.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
