I stongly suspect before draft day Williams will come out and what he said before was to keep team harmony. He would be a fool not to, his stock can't get much higher and mainly only bad things can happen: e.g., injury, poorer shooting season, etc. Besides, go out on top, the odds are only against you in the NCAA's. Arizona couldn't repeat with all their major players from a championship returning and Duke will at least lose 1 of the 2 main cogs, it is not worth trying against those odds. If Mike K. says he should stay in school he should lose all credibility in terms of puting his players' futures first.
I agree with the "go out on top" theory, but not in terms of college players. I have always been a proponent of staying in school as the key to a solid future. He may change his mind and declare eligible for the draft, but Duke will be OK with or without him. Duhon will be a great guard at the NCAA level when Coach K gives him the reigns. Why do you think Coach K should lose credibility if he says Williams should stay in school? If anything, that should lend him more credibility about the concern for his kids and their future. ------------------ There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Because Williams would be taking a huge risk. If he comes out now he is guaranteed big money for a long time (as a top 4 pick), not much could change under the best of circumstances next year because he is already so highly regarded. Thus there is really only one place for him to go in the college ranks, downward, because he is at the top. Even more importantly, since the NCAA severely restricts the ability to get injury insurance policies, it is just too risky a move. Coach K I believe did support Elton Brand's decision to leave early, the only reason he wouldn't support Williams's decision to leave is because he puts his team's success over lifetime security for Williams, IMHO. Just my prediction, but I think Williams will declare and Coach K. will essentially back him up saying he will be a fine pro player after he does so, but we will see.
ESPN is reporting that, according to his mother, Jason Williams is returning to Duke next year. ------------------ Don't EVER underestimate the Heart of a CHAMPION!
Yeah, Terrence Morris did a good job by staying as well. ------------------ www.swirve.com I think my w**** is dead.
what does Morris have to do with it? I dont see the point youre trying to make ------------------ Don't EVER underestimate the Heart of a CHAMPION!
The point is a the is really only one place to go for Williams, down. OK, maybe he can improve from a 4 pick to a 3 pick next year, or from 2 to 1. He should turn pro while his stock his this high, I think only Duke fans would disagree if they weigh all the factors. Plus, as a PG, a major injury that might effect his quickness would be a huge, huge blow. I guess we will see what his decision is.
Not to mention this draft seems to be saturated with 3's 4's and 5's, so a stud point guard would really stick out in the fray (not that William's game doesn't already cause him to stick out). Hey, I am just hoping he comes out because it would push all the other good players one more spot down... keep coming out, everyone! ------------------ President of the Anal Retentive School for Jerks Hey, I wanted to be president of something, and I swear everyone took every other presidential position already. [This message has been edited by RunninRaven (edited April 13, 2001).]
Sarcasm. Morris' stock spiraled downward the season after he decided to stay at Maryland. I think Williams can be - believe it or not - better than this year. Duke develops players. ------------------ Chris Webber at the July 28, 2001 3:00 PM news conference when he announces where he will go: "It seemed tough, but with guidance from Steve Francis, I learned my true destiny. That destiny is to play for the Houston Rockets, to bring them back to championship glory. One big man is all they need, and I believe I can fill that void. Thanks to the loyal fans in Sacramento, but Houston, Texas is where I belong."
