Haven't posted in awhile, but thought I'd touch on SK staying or leaving. I did skim though a few of the pages so if I'm repeating anything already said, my apologies.
For those that think it's a given that SK stays to improve his stock, I wouldn't be so sure. Now, I'm not guaranteeing he leaves. I'm not even saying it's more likely to happen than not. But I do think there's a decent chance he decides to go. Here's why:
The kid played a year at prep school prior to coming here. He then redshirted. So he's already about the age of what a 5th year senior would be had he come out at the age of 18. He's 23 years old. If he stays another year that obviously puts him at 24 (and a 1/2) heading into the draft.
So you say he stays to improve his game? I'm not sure there's much improvement to be had in terms of him improving draft stock. Physically, he's about as good as he's going to get. There's no significant added muscle or added speed to be gained by another year at this level. The only thing he could do would be to work on his shot, but how much better is that going to be after one more year here than it is after 15+ years of playing ball, and 4 years in a major D1 program? And I have to ask, if you're an NBA scout, couldn't he work on his shot just as easily at the next level?
I really think for him to improve his stock he'd have to come out and average something crazy like 25 a game. He's as good as he's going to get in terms of scouting. Maybe he gets a little better, but that could easily be countered by the fact he's another year older. Guys hitting the league at 22 are often considered "old" nowadays. A lot of teams pass on those guys because 1.) They are older, and 2.) If they had a better skillset they would have come on a year or two earlier. The NBA generally drafts based on potential. Imagine what a 24 year old will look like to many GM's. I don't see him ever breaking into the first round.
Does he stay for the degree? Well, he'll earn that this year. I don't know him personally, but I somehow doubt that going into a graduate program is at the top of his list of priorities.
And yeah, there is a very good chance he ends up playing overseas. And that's probably the case whether he leaves this year or next. But a lot of guys that go that route only end up playing into their late 20's. Many are back home before they hit 30. He's running out of time. The 100k or whatever he could see is good money, but if you only get 5, 6, 7 years over there is obviously not nearly enough to retire with or anything like that. Delaying another year may be something that he can't afford to do.
Fwiw, I've also heard him discussing his kid and talking about wanting to provide for her. That could play a role in all of this. It's at least something else to consider.
So really think about it. If you're SK why do stay? Degree? Nope, it'll be done. Improve your game, better stock? It's probably as good as it's going to get? Win a BE title or NC? The BE, by all accounts, will be done after this season, and let's be realistic, the chances of us competing for a NC next year are slim to none.
He might stay just because he likes it here and wants another year. Maybe he really does think he can develop into a better pro prospect than he already is. But I wouldn't be so quick to jump all over people who think that there is a decent to good chance he may leave. It's a definite possibility. I think both sides have an equal case to make. Therefore, I'd personally put the odds of him staying at 50-50.
PS I see Ralph is still around. That's got to be cool for everyone.
