SK - pro possibilities

[Hicks' Guns]

On this board, I continually read references to the possibility of SK going pro. I love the guy and have loved watching his development over the last few seasons. His work ethic and drive are fantatic. He used to seem like just a 3 point shooter. Then he even improved that shot, and his ability to finish around the basket. Now we are seeing a bit better handles from him, and the rebounds are starting to come in large numbers. He also doesn't play selfish to me at all. He lets the shots come from him, or he'll take a dribble to get a 3 off. I don't see him forcing too many, and he's even working on the pump fake and pull up for 2.

That said, I still don't know if he has the handles or lateral quickness to be a first round pro this year. Despite the rebounds, he really doesn't show too much leaping ability. I think all of this something that he can work on and get into the first round over the next two seasons.

Looking at ESPN.com though, they rank him 81 out of 100 on their top 100 for the 2013 class saying that he has an NBA body, great range but needs to work on D. I think he's a little short for the limited ball handling skills he currently has.

So I wonder what his true pro possibilities are: (1) Can he get drafted in the first round, and (2) If drafted, will he stick on a roster and get playing time? If either of those questions are No, I don't see why he would go pro when he would have a better chance at (1) and (2) by staying next year.

Sure, I worry about this selfishly for the program next year. But more importantly, for Sean, I really don't want to see SK leave early and then not ultimately not spend meaningful time in the NBA (i.e. Kenny Satterfield, Dontonio Wingfield) or get drafted and not catch on with the team (i.e., Steve Logan). To me, his best chance is to do what he's doing...really sharpen those skills as much as possible this year and next and be the most complete player he can when he's done with his college career.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I think this weekend is big for Sean. At some point over the next couple days somebody is going to have to step up and take big shots for the Bearcats to stop runs, or in a clutch situation. Will SK settle for jumpers or get in the lane and score or go to the line? These are the type of games that show if he is willing to be the go to guy and if he can deliver.

 

[mplebanon]

I think if he keeps his 3 pt percentage around 40% or better, and continues to do all the other little things like play defense, rebound, and attack the basket...........I think he'll atleast be a 2nd round nba pick.

 

[JackBauer151]

Barring just a phenomenal year from SK I just dont see him going pro. He is a player that doesnt get his praise from having an elite skill set. He gets it from his ability to improve the good skill sets that he currently has. One more year of improving those skills would be beneficial for his draft stock since he is clearly not going to be a lottery pick this year. Also heard Cronin talk about it last week when it was mentioned that SK was picked on a few player of the year lists. Cronin said something to the effect that SK just needs to keep improving and will have next year to worry about being player of the year. However if he were to go pro that probably means he had a awesome year and that would mean big things for the bearcats. Win win in my estimation...

 

[UCalum08]

Barring just a phenomenal year from SK I just dont see him going pro. He is a player that doesnt get his praise from having an elite skill set. He gets it from his ability to improve the good skill sets that he currently has. One more year of improving those skills would be beneficial for his draft stock since he is clearly not going to be a lottery pick this year. Also heard Cronin talk about it last week when it was mentioned that SK was picked on a few player of the year lists. Cronin said something to the effect that SK just needs to keep improving and will have next year to worry about being player of the year. However if he were to go pro that probably means he had a awesome year and that would mean big things for the bearcats. Win win in my estimation...

I agree here. I have nothing bad to say about him because I think he is an amazing student athlete and will make it. With that being said I truly think he needs to work on his ball handling and creating his shot. His dribbling is somewhat weak and def. his biggest area of improvement. Just imagine if SK had the handles of UCONN's Boatwright or Napier he would be a 1st round for sure.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

The older SK gets the less attractive he becomes to the NBA. I think if he has a good chance to get drafted, either round, after this year he leaves. I think the only way he returns is if he gets hurt or is certain his playing days will be in Europe. Players want to play in the NBA, any good chance to get drafted and signed and he is gone. People worry too much about if a player is ready or what his game lacks. NBA drafts on potential. If he has the chance to get onboard somewhere, he will leave and would be foolish to not do so. If my dream was to play in the NBA I would not turn down an opportunity no matter what. It's one thing if you are a certain lock to land somewhere and you can wait another year to greatly improve your draft stock and thus your paycheck. SK does not fall into this category. I think SK will be just about all improved out after this year. Sticking around for his senior year won't change much of his draft stock just make him another year older.

 

[PakMan]

I love SK, one of my favorite all time Bearcats...and I also watch the NBA more than any grown man probably should...I just don't see him as an NBA player right now. He's basically a less athletic, slower version of Jodie Meeks (Lakers), although he's a much more natural scorer as opposed to just a shooter. But I do think with his work ethic, he can find a niche.

His areas of weakness:
1. questionable left hand and he can't get all the way to the hoop with his left, which boggles my mind.

2. Tries to finish around the hoop with layups, which will not fly in the NBA....although his strong build will help.

3. Defense. I know he had 5 steals last night, but I don't see any way he'd be able to guard an NBA 2 right now. And he's too short to guard 3's.

Anyway, point is, he needs to stay.

 

[#BearcatNation]

He reminds me of a poor man's JJ Redick. JJ is finally starting to come on, but it has taken forever. I just can't see SK coming into the NBA and lighting it up. Could eventually be a good backup, but I don't think he's athletic and quick enough to start.

 

[Hicks' Guns]

The older SK gets the less attractive he becomes to the NBA. I think if he has a good chance to get drafted, either round, after this year he leaves. I think the only way he returns is if he gets hurt or is certain his playing days will be in Europe. Players want to play in the NBA, any good chance to get drafted and signed and he is gone. People worry too much about if a player is ready or what his game lacks. NBA drafts on potential. If he has the chance to get onboard somewhere, he will leave and would be foolish to not do so. If my dream was to play in the NBA I would not turn down an opportunity no matter what. It's one thing if you are a certain lock to land somewhere and you can wait another year to greatly improve your draft stock and thus your paycheck. SK does not fall into this category. I think SK will be just about all improved out after this year. Sticking around for his senior year won't change much of his draft stock just make him another year older.

I'm not saying it's not true...I just don't understand what one more year in age will do. If SK leaves, he'll be 23 next year. If he doesn't, he'll be 24 when drafted. Many of the leagues best players are in their late 20s to mid 30s. Even if he's 24, it's reasonable for him to play 4-11 years in the pros if he's good enough. I just don't see what 1 years difference does...especially if he dedicates the next offseason to working the left hand and explosiveness around the basket and is a more complete player as a result. Is the thought that if he's 24, he's basically at his peak and can't be developed much more?

 

[JumpinJack5]

He reminds me of a poor man's JJ Redick. JJ is finally starting to come on, but it has taken forever. I just can't see SK coming into the NBA and lighting it up. Could eventually be a good backup, but I don't think he's athletic and quick enough to start.

Nah, that's Brad Redford. SK isn't a little white guy who can only shoot 3s. Better comparison would be like a Jamal Crawford or Jason Terry, except slower.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

I'm not saying it's not true...I just don't understand what one more year in age will do. If SK leaves, he'll be 23 next year. If he doesn't, he'll be 24 when drafted. Many of the leagues best players are in their late 20s to mid 30s. Even if he's 24, it's reasonable for him to play 4-11 years in the pros if he's good enough. I just don't see what 1 years difference does...especially if he dedicates the next offseason to working the left hand and explosiveness around the basket and is a more complete player as a result. Is the thought that if he's 24, he's basically at his peak and can't be developed much more?

Pretty much, the longer you're in college, the less potential you have to get better. There's a reason why most players drafted are very young. I think some of the thought, too, is if you have to stay in college four years then you're not good enough to play in the NBA.