Thats similar to what they said about Jay Williams. Unfortunately, Jay Will had a shot in college and somehow lost it in the pros, leading him to a very disappointing season. If the shot isnt there, the game wont be there either. TJ has incredible play making abilities. However, if he cant hit the shot, defenses will make him pay.
The same could be said of Kwame Brown and Eddie Griffin. Sure, they can still develop their games. But, when Kwame's contract expires and its time for him to sign another one, how much will he actually get paid? Not much. Now, had he developed his game in college, he would still have probably been a top pick in the draft. Thus, the millions would be there, and at the same time, the following contract would also be more luxurious. Depends on the player. The "come out early and develop in the NBA" strategy worked pretty damn well for Jermaine O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. As for Brown, it depends on how much he develops - rookie contracts are 4 or 5 years now including restricted free agency, so he has a long way to go. Sure, Kwame Brown's contract may be slightly less as a result of coming out early - <I>but he'll be $10 million richer than he would have been had he gone to 4 years of college</I>. So even if his next contract is smaller, he'll net 4 extra years of wages as a result. And what if he didn't develop in college? Then his draft status would go down because the "potential" wouldn't be there and his first contract would be smaller. Look at Simms - he would have been a higher pick last year; since he didn't develop, he fell fast even though his senior season was similar to this junior one.
Regardless if TJ makes the money or not, he isnt ready for the NBA. In fact, if he doesnt develop a shot, he never will be. As for Simms, he wasnt going to be a top quarterback regardless of if he went pro after his junior year or senior year. During his junior year, he basically lost the game against Colorado, forcing Applewhite to come in and clean the mess. He was always 3rd round material.
Regardless if TJ makes the money or not, he isnt ready for the NBA. In fact, if he doesnt develop a shot, he never will be. Even more of a reason to go now when his stock is sky-high. If he stays and still has no jumpshot next year, his stock will fall as people stop believing that he'll ever develop it. As for Simms, he wasnt going to be a top quarterback regardless of if he went pro after his junior year or senior year. During his junior year, he basically lost the game against Colorado, forcing Applewhite to come in and clean the mess. He was always 3rd round material. Last year, I think the consensus was low first-round or high-second round, even given the disasters at OU and CU. Again, it was on potential which wasn't fulfilled this year.
TJ's case is different. He has enough talent to actually develop a more balanced game in college. This is something that cant be rushed. When he goes pro, the whole process will be rushed. He will be thrown into the fire immediately. Im not blaming him for taking the money now and going pro. Thats fine. But, he shouldnt be bitter if he looks back in 3 years and realizes he is the next B.J. Tyler. TJ's got a lot of work to do, but I hope he does well.
Too bad B.J. Tyler and T.J. Ford are nothing alike, except that B.J. sounds like T.J. BJ was never a true PG. None of the guards from the Penders days were ever NBA prospects for that matter.
Kidrock, instead of refuting every comment I make, why dont you give your opinion as to why TJ Ford will be a successful NBA player. You seem to be pointing out everything I say without adding much to the discussion. So, I ask you this: How will TJ Ford fare in the NBA and why?
At UT: Paintball wars in the hallways in Jester East. Easy access to college hotties. Hookups for housing in lofts on 6th street. The joy of sleeping through classes. Living the college lifestyle-many people actually would like that for another year instead of making millions immediately...but IMO, the risk or injury is not worth it.
Nope. Still hate to see him go, although the argument has been made that early draft enrties help the UT program in the long-run by boosting recruiting.
That national title won't buy you a house in Westlake Hills. Jason Kidd couldn't shoot. And if T. J. could shoot well, he wouldn't move any higher in the draft. And James is not a good shooter
Sure, a national title wont buy you a house. But, TJ was going to get millions anyways, unless a freak accident occurred. There are some things in life that dont have a price tag, such as winning titles, awards, etc... If you go through life equating everything with money, you are missing out on a bunch of other things that life has to offer. And James may not be a good shooter, but he is leagues ahead of TJ.
I'm with you but it's a losing argument. Ultimately it comes down to a personal decision and it looks like TJ has made his. However, it is my understanding that an insurance policy against injury next college season is easily attainable and would guarantee future lost wages. And I bet TJ wouldn't even have to pay for the policy.
As Ford goes, so does any hopes Horns fans had of winning the National Championship at San Antonio next year. Damn, I know Aggie fans have gotta be lovin' this. (Not that I am one)
Suck isn't the right word. That is reserved for Nebraska, Iowa State, etc. Maybe "mediocre" or "slightly above average" though?
TJ will be an All-Star PG. He won't be an A-S every year, but he'll be a very good player. He has a 6th sense that only a handful of PGs in the NBA have. If Rod Strickland or Mark Jackson can have a decent NBA career without a jumper, then surely TJ Ford can. Personally, I think TJ, if he improves his jumper a little, is the next Kevin Johnson. I don't think size will be much of an issue with him, because I don't think there are that many good PGs in the NBA who can exploit his small size. IMO, Luke Ridnour is the best PG prospect in the Draft.
TJ's success in the NBA will be decided by his jumper. If he develops a consistent jumper, he has all-star potential. On the other hand, if he doesn't have a jumper, he may be the next Avery Johnson. And I guess some would say that isn't too bad.
