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Topic: 2021 ESPN NBA Mock Draft: Preston
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Donuts
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Posted: 12/2/2020 12:33 AM
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JSF wrote:expand_more
I'd question him for declaring as a projected second round pick. Might not get drafted at all, or in the second round, you might not get a guaranteed contract. Second round picks aren't given too many chances to prove themselves. If second round is his ceiling this year, that's tough.
Guys leave early all the time and don't get drafted in the NBA. Preston will make good money playing basketball somewhere, and I believe the speculation is he will graduate this year anyway. Wasn't there concern that he'd be a grad transfer?

If he stays healthy and continues playing well this year, it would be in his best interest to leave school. He's already old. Time to make as much money in a sport as possible.
Last Edited: 12/2/2020 12:33:25 AM by Donuts
MonroeClassmate
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Posted: 12/2/2020 10:14 AM
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Young man should research Walter Luckett before he makes any decisions.
Donuts
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Posted: 12/2/2020 3:39 PM
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MonroeClassmate wrote:expand_more
Young man should research Walter Luckett before he makes any decisions.
Because of when he injured his leg in high school, or when he injured his leg on an escalator?

Luckett would have been best off leaving college as early as possible to get a payday. If Harry Giles stayed around in college until his junior or senior year, he would not have been a 1st rounder. Luckett could have still capitalized on his high school highlights and showing enough his freshman (and especially his sophomore) year to get a better shot.
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 12/2/2020 3:55 PM
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Donuts wrote:expand_more
Young man should research Walter Luckett before he makes any decisions.
Because of when he injured his leg in high school, or when he injured his leg on an escalator?

Luckett would have been best off leaving college as early as possible to get a payday. If Harry Giles stayed around in college until his junior or senior year, he would not have been a 1st rounder. Luckett could have still capitalized on his high school highlights and showing enough his freshman (and especially his sophomore) year to get a better shot.
You seem to have a one-shoe fits all approach here. I know a man who knows Walter very well. From what he tells me you don’t know Luckett’s priorities at all.
Last Edited: 12/2/2020 3:56:08 PM by OhioCatFan
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
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Posted: 12/2/2020 3:57 PM
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MonroeClassmate wrote:expand_more
Young man should research Walter Luckett before he makes any decisions.
I've never understood this thought process.

Does anybody really think an additional year against MAC competition is what's going to make or break Preston's NBA career?

He either has the work ethic and gets drafted into the right situation, or he doesn't. Luck has as much to do with it as 'staying in school.'

And the dudes that leave early and bust? A whole lot of them made much more money that way than they would have staying in school. They got through rookie deals sooner, were younger at the end, and therefore more likely to get a team to take a flier on them on a second deal.

Put it this way -- would you rather have been underwhelming during your first three years in the league as a 21 year old free agent, or underwhelming during your first three years in the league as a 24 year old free agent? One allows teams to see much more upside.
GoCats105
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Posted: 12/2/2020 4:24 PM
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Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame wrote:expand_more
Young man should research Walter Luckett before he makes any decisions.
I've never understood this thought process.

Does anybody really think an additional year against MAC competition is what's going to make or break Preston's NBA career?

He either has the work ethic and gets drafted into the right situation, or he doesn't. Luck has as much to do with it as 'staying in school.'

And the dudes that leave early and bust? A whole lot of them made much more money that way than they would have staying in school. They got through rookie deals sooner, were younger at the end, and therefore more likely to get a team to take a flier on them on a second deal.

Put it this way -- would you rather have been underwhelming during your first three years in the league as a 21 year old free agent, or underwhelming during your first three years in the league as a 24 year old free agent? One allows teams to see much more upside.
Here's the question I have: what's the downside to staying in school and polishing your game and possibly raising your draft stock? As JSF pointed out, 2nd round guys have a tough go of it at the next level and aren't guaranteed anything. Not only the that, the NBA is a lot different than the NFL in that it takes a while for rookies and young players to get significant playing minutes unless they're a lottery pick and superstar from Day 1, which is extremely rare outside of the Top 5 picks, maybe Top 3.

Ok, one downside you could point out is the possibility of injury. But the NBA and Europe aren't going anywhere. Preston has plenty of time. I think he's a great player, but let's not let one game and borderline NBA prospect turn into "oh yeah you gotta just let him go."

I'll never blast a young man for wanting to improve his life, but IMO I just don't think he's there yet. He has the potential, which is way more than we can say about some of Ohio's players in the past.
shabamon
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Posted: 12/2/2020 4:37 PM
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I think he should absolutely declare for the 2021 draft and go through the workouts regardless of what happens this season. Go through the workouts and weigh whether it's the right time to hire an agent and stay in, much like Brandon Hunter did.

What I think will help his stock the most is whether we get to the NCAA Tournament this year or next with him. Coming from a one-bid league, having a showcase like he did against Illinois is key, especially for a guard.
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Posted: 12/2/2020 5:37 PM
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OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
Young man should research Walter Luckett before he makes any decisions.
Because of when he injured his leg in high school, or when he injured his leg on an escalator?

Luckett would have been best off leaving college as early as possible to get a payday. If Harry Giles stayed around in college until his junior or senior year, he would not have been a 1st rounder. Luckett could have still capitalized on his high school highlights and showing enough his freshman (and especially his sophomore) year to get a better shot.
You seem to have a one-shoe fits all approach here. I know a man who knows Walter very well. From what he tells me you don’t know Luckett’s priorities at all.
...and acting like how a person would make a decision in the 1970s is how they would make a decision in 2021 show you are just flat out old.

But please tell me more about your friend who knows Luckett. I want to know how his priorities that led to him leaving school as a junior (when it was far less common) means he definitely wouldn't stray from his priorities you (wait, I mean your friend) know so well in today's world.
Last Edited: 12/2/2020 5:58:20 PM by Donuts
Donuts
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Posted: 12/2/2020 5:44 PM
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GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
Here's the question I have: what's the downside to staying in school and polishing your game and possibly raising your draft stock?
It doesn't really work that way any longer. He's playing in the MAC. He'd be much better off polishing his game after he capitalizes on the hype he has now, finds a great pro opportunity and he's a year younger.


GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
Not only the that, the NBA is a lot different than the NFL in that it takes a while for rookies and young players to get significant playing minutes unless they're a lottery pick and superstar from Day 1, which is extremely rare outside of the Top 5 picks, maybe Top 3.
He's never going to be drafted in a position where he should expect playing time or any minutes really in the NBA.


GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
Ok, one downside you could point out is the possibility of injury.
Pretty big downside when you're 22, maybe on pace to graduate(?) after three years, and have nothing left to prove in a one-bid college league.


GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
But the NBA and Europe aren't going anywhere. Preston has plenty of time.
No, he doesn't. He's old.
Last Edited: 12/2/2020 5:46:13 PM by Donuts
El Gato Roberto
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Posted: 12/2/2020 6:03 PM
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I liked his answer from one of the interviews where when asked about getting drafted - his answer was perfect! To paraphrase...’let’s see what happens this year and consider next steps after the season.’
This young man is giving Ohio his all. Great basketball and free, outstanding, publicity!

This has the makings of a special year - I plan to enjoy every moment.
Last Edited: 12/2/2020 6:03:51 PM by El Gato Roberto
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
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Posted: 12/2/2020 6:28 PM
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GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
Young man should research Walter Luckett before he makes any decisions.
I've never understood this thought process.

Does anybody really think an additional year against MAC competition is what's going to make or break Preston's NBA career?

He either has the work ethic and gets drafted into the right situation, or he doesn't. Luck has as much to do with it as 'staying in school.'

And the dudes that leave early and bust? A whole lot of them made much more money that way than they would have staying in school. They got through rookie deals sooner, were younger at the end, and therefore more likely to get a team to take a flier on them on a second deal.

Put it this way -- would you rather have been underwhelming during your first three years in the league as a 21 year old free agent, or underwhelming during your first three years in the league as a 24 year old free agent? One allows teams to see much more upside.
Here's the question I have: what's the downside to staying in school and polishing your game and possibly raising your draft stock? As JSF pointed out, 2nd round guys have a tough go of it at the next level and aren't guaranteed anything. Not only the that, the NBA is a lot different than the NFL in that it takes a while for rookies and young players to get significant playing minutes unless they're a lottery pick and superstar from Day 1, which is extremely rare outside of the Top 5 picks, maybe Top 3.

Ok, one downside you could point out is the possibility of injury. But the NBA and Europe aren't going anywhere. Preston has plenty of time. I think he's a great player, but let's not let one game and borderline NBA prospect turn into "oh yeah you gotta just let him go."

I'll never blast a young man for wanting to improve his life, but IMO I just don't think he's there yet. He has the potential, which is way more than we can say about some of Ohio's players in the past.
Youth will push you up the draft board. When's the last time a 4 year senior was drafted in the lottery?

So, the downside is literally millions of dollars in fully guaranteed money.
JSF
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Posted: 12/2/2020 6:36 PM
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Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame wrote:expand_more
Youth will push you up the draft board. When's the last time a 4 year senior was drafted in the lottery?
2019.

All I was saying was, if the scouts tell him he'd be a marginal choice this year but possibly a lottery pick in 2022, if I were he, I'd try to get into the lottery. That's all. It's an unlikely scenario.
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 12/2/2020 7:49 PM
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Donuts wrote:expand_more
Young man should research Walter Luckett before he makes any decisions.
Because of when he injured his leg in high school, or when he injured his leg on an escalator?

Luckett would have been best off leaving college as early as possible to get a payday. If Harry Giles stayed around in college until his junior or senior year, he would not have been a 1st rounder. Luckett could have still capitalized on his high school highlights and showing enough his freshman (and especially his sophomore) year to get a better shot.
You seem to have a one-shoe fits all approach here. I know a man who knows Walter very well. From what he tells me you don’t know Luckett’s priorities at all.
...and acting like how a person would make a decision in the 1970s is how they would make a decision in 2021 show you are just flat out old.

But please tell me more about your friend who knows Luckett. I want to know how his priorities that led to him leaving school as a junior (when it was far less common) means he definitely wouldn't stray from his priorities you (wait, I mean your friend) know so well in today's world.
The question is not my friend, or how old I'm, but the fact that you are a one trick pony. People's priorities change all the time. Sometimes in retrospect they look different than they did at time. You seem to want to fit everyone into some preconceived notion about what they should do. I would prefer not tell anyone what they should do in this type of situation and realize that they will make their own decision based on their own priorities at that time. Sometimes it'll be a good decision and sometime it won't. And, in the end, after an appropriate amount of time, the person himself, not some wag on a message board, will be able to decide if he or she made the best choice. I respect your right to disagree, but your mantra gets a little tiring after awhile.

Luckett says that he would do the same thing today and has no regrets, but there's nothing in anything he's said publicly or privately that would indicate he would have come out earlier, as you seem to suggest he would have, or should have. He's very happy with his life now, and is still a very loyal Bobcat!
Last Edited: 12/2/2020 8:10:10 PM by OhioCatFan
BuddyLee
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Posted: 12/2/2020 8:27 PM
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Probably a similar decision to Justin Turner last year at BG as a borderline draft pick. Good thing is now guys like Preston can declare and get pre draft scouts opinions and can always pull out and come back to school if he doesn't like what he's hearing.
bobcatsquared
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Posted: 12/2/2020 9:58 PM
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Turner, I believe, entered the transfer portal before returning to BG, as did El Amin at Ball St. UB's Jayvon Graves declared for the NBA draft before deciding to return for 1 more year.
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Posted: 12/2/2020 11:19 PM
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I think Jason is in a unique position considering his late bloom as it were. Has he finished improving and will plateau soon? Recent history might suggest that he still is improving by larger steps than most players his age. I can’t imagine he fits the progression model of most NBA prospects.
Donuts
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Posted: 12/3/2020 12:16 AM
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OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
Young man should research Walter Luckett before he makes any decisions.
Because of when he injured his leg in high school, or when he injured his leg on an escalator?

Luckett would have been best off leaving college as early as possible to get a payday. If Harry Giles stayed around in college until his junior or senior year, he would not have been a 1st rounder. Luckett could have still capitalized on his high school highlights and showing enough his freshman (and especially his sophomore) year to get a better shot.
You seem to have a one-shoe fits all approach here. I know a man who knows Walter very well. From what he tells me you don’t know Luckett’s priorities at all.
...and acting like how a person would make a decision in the 1970s is how they would make a decision in 2021 show you are just flat out old.

But please tell me more about your friend who knows Luckett. I want to know how his priorities that led to him leaving school as a junior (when it was far less common) means he definitely wouldn't stray from his priorities you (wait, I mean your friend) know so well in today's world.
The question is not my friend, or how old I'm, but the fact that you are a one trick pony. People's priorities change all the time. Sometimes in retrospect they look different than they did at time. You seem to want to fit everyone into some preconceived notion about what they should do. I would prefer not tell anyone what they should do in this type of situation and realize that they will make their own decision based on their own priorities at that time. Sometimes it'll be a good decision and sometime it won't. And, in the end, after an appropriate amount of time, the person himself, not some wag on a message board, will be able to decide if he or she made the best choice. I respect your right to disagree, but your mantra gets a little tiring after awhile.

Luckett says that he would do the same thing today and has no regrets, but there's nothing in anything he's said publicly or privately that would indicate he would have come out earlier, as you seem to suggest he would have, or should have. He's very happy with his life now, and is still a very loyal Bobcat!
Mr. History Lesson himself calling someone a one-trick pony and tiring is rich.

I commented on what I believe is his best move. I don't need to put a disclaimer on a message board that it is my opinion and the person in question doesn't have to listen, read, or even acknowledge anything I've said.
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Posted: 12/3/2020 7:49 AM
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El Gato Roberto wrote:expand_more
I liked his answer from one of the interviews where when asked about getting drafted - his answer was perfect! To paraphrase...’let’s see what happens this year and consider next steps after the season.’
This young man is giving Ohio his all. Great basketball and free, outstanding, publicity!

This has the makings of a special year - I plan to enjoy every moment.
I am right there. I really enjoyed seeing Danny Manning and the crew with the Green background and OHIO writ large on in the background. Unlike Jay Bilas from DukeU all of them referred to Ohio. No one felt like they had to add the U. Great and humble young man.
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
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Posted: 12/3/2020 8:18 AM
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JSF wrote:expand_more
Youth will push you up the draft board. When's the last time a 4 year senior was drafted in the lottery?
2019.

All I was saying was, if the scouts tell him he'd be a marginal choice this year but possibly a lottery pick in 2022, if I were he, I'd try to get into the lottery. That's all. It's an unlikely scenario.
I agree the lottery's probably a stretch, but if he gets to that level, or even feels confident he's a guaranteed first round slot, he should leave.
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 12/3/2020 7:52 PM
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Donuts wrote:expand_more
Young man should research Walter Luckett before he makes any decisions.
Because of when he injured his leg in high school, or when he injured his leg on an escalator?

Luckett would have been best off leaving college as early as possible to get a payday. If Harry Giles stayed around in college until his junior or senior year, he would not have been a 1st rounder. Luckett could have still capitalized on his high school highlights and showing enough his freshman (and especially his sophomore) year to get a better shot.
You seem to have a one-shoe fits all approach here. I know a man who knows Walter very well. From what he tells me you don’t know Luckett’s priorities at all.
...and acting like how a person would make a decision in the 1970s is how they would make a decision in 2021 show you are just flat out old.

But please tell me more about your friend who knows Luckett. I want to know how his priorities that led to him leaving school as a junior (when it was far less common) means he definitely wouldn't stray from his priorities you (wait, I mean your friend) know so well in today's world.
The question is not my friend, or how old I'm, but the fact that you are a one trick pony. People's priorities change all the time. Sometimes in retrospect they look different than they did at time. You seem to want to fit everyone into some preconceived notion about what they should do. I would prefer not tell anyone what they should do in this type of situation and realize that they will make their own decision based on their own priorities at that time. Sometimes it'll be a good decision and sometime it won't. And, in the end, after an appropriate amount of time, the person himself, not some wag on a message board, will be able to decide if he or she made the best choice. I respect your right to disagree, but your mantra gets a little tiring after awhile.

Luckett says that he would do the same thing today and has no regrets, but there's nothing in anything he's said publicly or privately that would indicate he would have come out earlier, as you seem to suggest he would have, or should have. He's very happy with his life now, and is still a very loyal Bobcat!
Mr. History Lesson himself calling someone a one-trick pony and tiring is rich.

I commented on what I believe is his best move. I don't need to put a disclaimer on a message board that it is my opinion and the person in question doesn't have to listen, read, or even acknowledge anything I've said.
OK, I'll admit that I was having a bad hair day (which is hard for someone as follicle impaired as I) and my rhetoric was over the top. I apologize for it. Sometimes the banter on BA about what players should do if they knew what was in their own best interest gets too me.
Kevin Finnegan
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Posted: 12/3/2020 8:09 PM
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Donuts wrote:expand_more
If Preston is a second round pick and comes out...nobody can blame the kid. However, another year with this loaded team could very well push Preston into lottery discussion in 2022. Hell, maybe he can be a lottery pick in 2021...don't know.
There's been two players in the last decade to go in the lottery and be 23 when their rookie year starts.
Out of curiosity, who are they?
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
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Posted: 12/3/2020 8:33 PM
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Kevin Finnegan wrote:expand_more
If Preston is a second round pick and comes out...nobody can blame the kid. However, another year with this loaded team could very well push Preston into lottery discussion in 2022. Hell, maybe he can be a lottery pick in 2021...don't know.
There's been two players in the last decade to go in the lottery and be 23 when their rookie year starts.
Out of curiosity, who are they?
There's more than two.

Buddy Hield was #6 overall and was 24 in his rookie year. Cam Johnson was drafted 11th and was 23 last year. I think Denzel Valentine may have been in the lottery, too (he was #14, not sure where the lottery technically ends). Doug McDermott was 11th.

I think that's it by my count.
Donuts
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Posted: 12/4/2020 9:02 AM
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Doug McDermott was 22
Denzel Valentine was 22
GoCats105
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Posted: 12/4/2020 10:47 AM
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Arkley's take:

https://suacbobcats.com/2020/12/03/the-week-everyone-lear... /

"...a fan base that saw the addition of a non-recruited prep school player who averaged 2.1 ppg his last year in high school as an indictment on the current coaching staff."

I'm not really sure why he brought this up, but facts were facts at the time. People were skeptical.
Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame
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Posted: 12/4/2020 11:06 AM
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Donuts wrote:expand_more
Doug McDermott was 22
Denzel Valentine was 22
According to basketball reference, their rookie seasons were their age 23 seasons:

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/valende01....

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mcderdo01....
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