Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

That's what some of the Big Ten's best players are asking themselves right now. They have until April 26 to declare for the draft, but can withdraw until they officially hire an agent. So what are the chances some of these guys go?

B.J. Mullens (Ohio State)
ESPN's Chad Ford says Mullens is going to declare for the draft because of financial hardships. He came off the bench this year and won the Big Ten's Sixth Man of the Year award. He's got tremendous size and potential.
Chances: 100%.

Evan Turner (Ohio State)
Turner had a breakout season this year for the Buckeyes and looks to be a tweener guard/forward in the NBA with his 6'6", 225 lb. frame. He's got to develop a jump shot, but he said he will return for his junior season next year. He's got the potential to be an All-American candidate. There's still potential for Turner to participate in pre-draft workouts that could change his mind.
Chances: 10%.

DeShawn Sims (Michigan)
After Michigan's loss to Oklahoma two weeks ago, Sims told reporters he would return for his senior season. But head coach John Beilein isn't so sure anymore and didn't give a definitive answer on the radio last week. Sims had a breakout season as well and looks like a good all-around player, but he could use one more season to really solidify himself in the eyes of draft scouts. Ford says he's 50-50 right now, but after Beilein's comments were published, it might be smart to increase those odds.
Chances: 55-60%.

Manny Harris (Michigan)
Harris probably has a better draft status than Sims and has filled up the stat sheet in each of his first two seasons as a Wolverine. He's a complete player but could bulk up a little bit.
Chances: 33%.

JaJuan Johnson (Purdue)
Johnson said he's coming back for his junior season after having a breakout season as a sophomore. He was named first team all-Big Ten this year.
Chances: 0%.

E'Twaun Moore (Purdue)
As I mentioned earlier this week, there's been rumors floating around that Moore is going to pull a European vacation (a la Brandon Jennings) to play professionally overseas. Personally, I think that would be a mistake for Moore and I see him coming back next year.
Chances: 5%.

Kalin Lucas (Michigan State)
The Big Ten Player of the Year earned his award this NCAA Tournament with a brilliant tournament. He's got great speed and court savvy, which are probably his biggest strengths, but he needs to further develop his jumpshot. There hasn't been much talk around Lucas, so all signs point to him coming back to East Lansing next year.
Chances: 5%.

Talor Battle (Penn State)
Battle proved that he can take a game over all by his lonesome this year, putting the Nittany Lions on his back multiple times this year. Pro scouts are still undecided about his potential in the NBA, but his stock can only go up if he stays and progresses another season in Happy Valley.
Chances: 5%.

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