As it turns out, all the Oden vs. Durant arguments weren't total wastes. ESPN's Andy Katz is reporting that Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr., and Daequan Cook are all leaving Ohio State and entering the NBA draft. An official news release is coming out tomorrow.There's really not a ton to say about it that hasn't already been said. Everyone's been operating on the assumption that he would go pro, and rightfully so. I certainly wouldn't expected either of them to turn down the opportunity to be a guaranteed top-2 pick.
One thing that strikes me, though, is that in the case of Durant and now Oden, too, both of them talked about how much they liked college and wanted to stay ... and both are now officially in the draft. Not that I'm going to shed any tears for anyone in those particular shoes, but ... is that a little bit sad?
I know it's not like a depression-era 9-year-old who has to quit school to work on the farm with pa, but ... they both expressed a desire to be a student for a while longer, and neither of them will get to fulfill that desire. The way of the world, I guess. Some people have to become bazillionaires before they want to.
Something tells me we'll hear more about Oden and Conley here in the FanHouse.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-20-2007 @ 12:15AM
George B Vieto said...
I don't blame the college basketball players leaving college for NBA if they are going to be in the top five picks. Get the money play in the NBA and with the money they can go back to school and get their degrees later.
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4-20-2007 @ 12:25AM
Matt said...
Well, you can go back for the education, but that certainly isn't what I remember enjoying most about college. I think the Florida guys had it right; they came back for each other.
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4-20-2007 @ 12:28AM
P. Noland said...
*does the "Thank God the Grizzlies did the smart thing and tanked even though they really didn't have another option" dance.*
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4-20-2007 @ 12:30AM
Nathan said...
I truly think that Conley leaving Ohio State hurts them more than Oden leaving does. Mike Conley is perhaps the best freshman point guard and leader to set foot on a college court in a long time. Had Mike played for Savannah State this year, they would have won at least 5 more games simply off his excellent play and decision making.
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4-20-2007 @ 7:55AM
Jim said...
Thankfully, this mess was not around when Bill Russell and Oscar Robertson was their age...and society has benefitted because of what they learned while staying in college and getting their degrees.
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4-20-2007 @ 9:11AM
March On A Road Of Bones said...
Problem 2 gone for the Celtics. Problem 1 was Durant declaring, #3 is us getting one of the top 2 picks, and #4 is AInge not trading that pick for a lower draft choice and a tweeener guard.
I won't feel really happy until I see Oden or Durant wearing a nice, green hat.
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4-20-2007 @ 10:43AM
Budo said...
Who cares!!! Why do these clowns even waste the scholl's effort and resources by taking up space that someone who TRULY wants to be in school could use. These guys are JOKES. This kid coming out of West Virginia and calling the coach at USC to announce he will deem them lucky enough for him to grace their team for one year while waiting for offers is even more of a joke. The USC coach should be ashamed of himself.
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4-20-2007 @ 10:38AM
MMcmahan said...
Oh so right, college days are the best and they are missing so much. But sure the "bucks" will benefit them and their families........just not in the same way an education would. Hope that later on in life some of they guys give back and really show what they should have during their college days. Its wrong in any sport, let them be kids longer, learn and be albe to face life. Not just with $$ in the mind. Rules need to be in place, once you accept college, you are there for 4 years at least or pay it all back out of the bonus........Go Bucks, you can win without the "big" names.
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4-20-2007 @ 11:06AM
brianhutchison said...
You bashers are really out of line here. The only person I would get on is O.J. Mayo, someone needs to put him back in his place. If I were the coach at USC I would have told him to take his side show somewhere else.
As for college players going pro or not, no one would complain if someone dropped out of school after winning the lottery would they? Or if a piano player could make millions of dollars instead of going to school. They can buy an education. These players lose out on a lot of money by not going into the draft when their stock is high. Noah is a great example of that. Scouts had a full year to pick his game apart and realize he wasn't that good, remember last year he was considered the top draft prospect. If Conley stayed in school that's what would happen, his weaknesses maginified, his great clutch performances forgotten. Can't blame anyone for wanting to make a living. I can feel for them because they don't get to enjoy college like I did.
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4-27-2007 @ 11:26AM
Reese said...
Have any of you guys ever spent any time at the University of Florida?
Yeah, it sounds great to say, "I came back for my teammates."
But, since a couple of those guys, Noah included, come from some pretty decent money already, it would not shock me at all to hear one of the Gators say, "Well, I love the guys I play with. And I do love the Gatorade. But what I really love... is the Tang."
Not that there ain't tons o' tang awaiting them the day they sign those monster contracts with the NBA.
The difference is, and you can ask MJ all about it.
Yeah, his his little fling with Karla Knaffel may not have cost him directly. You may recall she sued the Airman in order to get a judge to compel the legendary great to take a paternity test.
Only problem with that strategy?
The DNA test proved it wasn't Michael's kid. OOPS!
However, bringing all that into the public arena did a real number on MJ's longtime sweetheart, wife and mother of his children. Surely Juanita knew her husband well enough to realize he was more like Magic Johnson than AC Green when it came to the ladies.
Only now her pain was out there for all the world to see.
Pair of Vintage Air Jordan sneakers: $500
Losing a round of golf to Sir Charles: $25,000
Getting divorced from your devoted wife: $150 million
Hot babes wanting to jump your bones before you get the big signing bonus: P R I C E L E S S
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4-20-2007 @ 3:01PM
Ant said...
Two words: Vince Carter.
Discussion over.
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4-20-2007 @ 8:31PM
stu said...
Good luck Greg Oden, Kevin Durant and others to come in the years to come. I am upset but I should not be as they taking advantage of a lifetime opportunity, as I wish I could do the same. Unfortunately in the world of war, terror on college campuses, a healthcare system that needs help and so on we shun young people wanting to chase a dream. We need to learn a better way in taking care of other things like what these young men and that is taking care of there own matters and hoping they will also give back a little to the world they came from there college, there family, there community etc. Hope so and that is all I ask each one of these new millionaires don't forget how you got there and give a little back so the next Greg Oden, Kevin Durant or whomever can maybe have an opportunity like they have, provided that person puts forward the effort these young men did, when they had the chance to do so.
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4-30-2007 @ 5:56PM
Sue said...
Regarding Oden entering the draft! I am an Ohio State fan and, quite frankly, I don't think Oden is ready for the NBA. Not mentally or in overall attitude. He just lacks enthusiasm and agression. Compared to how LeBron ( I am from Cleveland) was ready in all aspects right out of high school. Oden will shock me if he doesn't get knocked around mentally and physically! He should have stayed at the college level at least another year and matured physically and perhaps mentally; gaining some positive attitude, passion, and agression. ... and how about looking like you ENJOY what you're doing!? I wish him the best. Obviously MONEY talks. Who can blame him! Sue from Cleveland
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