There were celebrations and sighs of relief on several campuses across America when several college basketball stars opted to pull out of the draft and return to school. Maybe some of their coaches went to church and said a little prayer.
Do you think that Dave Leitao is happy that Sean Singletary will have the rock in his hands at Virginia? I know most of the other ACC coaches wished he went bye-bye because this guy could be the best guard in the league. He is that talented and a terrific college player.
The news was mixed for coach Mark Fox of Nevada. Ramon Sessions decided to remain in the draft, while Marcellus Kemp decided to come back to college. That is good news considering Nick Fazekas completed his eligibility. Fazekas had a great college career and he could be a surprise pick. There are some questioning his athleticism but he has great touch and size with the flexibility to play inside or outside.
Out at California, there were media reports that Golden Bears big man DeVon Hardin was going to the NBA. Those reports were not true and Ben Braun is happy to have Hardin back. He showed a lot of potential but only played 11 games. Now he will get a chance to show America how good he is if he stays healthy. Hardin is Mr. Potential and people go bananas when talking about his athleticism for a big man.
I know at George Washington coach Karl Hobbs was happy with Maureece Rice's decision to return. He has great scoring ability, can attack the basket and is aggressive on the offensive end.
Illini fans are thrilled to see Shaun Pruitt back on the frontline. That will bring a smile to Bruce Webber's face.
There are coaches that are excited to have players coming back after leaving the draft.
On the flip side, Lorenzo Romar loses Spencer Hawes, who opted to stay in the draft. Paul Hewitt suffered a pair of losses with Thaddeus Young and Javaris Crittenton staying out of college and in the draft. The folks making a lot of cash have moved on. Hewitt doesn't just sit back and sulk; he has done a great job recruiting.
It has to hurt when you lose talent like Young and Crittenton.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.
