So what does an NBA GM make of Newman's will to win...

[Son_Of_Saul]

if and when he picks Mississippi State? Can GMs gauge a level of nonchalance from a young man who picks an inferior team merely to get more shot opportunities and dominate the ball? One would think this type of mentality might cause a GM to show restraint when selecting a potential franchise player.

Thoughts?

 

[ukfan041]

I think it will show that he truly only cares about shots and dominating the ball, like you said! Even with him, what is state gonna accomplish next year? An NIT at best! In the end, I do think it will effect his draft status negatively....because he will be more exposed because he will have zero help,with the burden of carrying that team. This will lead to way more forced shots and bad decisions than he would have in a more balanced lineup.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

The whole thing is bizarre. It would make more sense for Newman to play overseas. Go dominate the ball on a bad foreign pro team, make your $700,000 after taxes, and try to lock in on being a top 10 pick a year later.

Going to Miss State is like conceding that marketing a brand in the states is important (while also playing in front of NBA scouts weekly), so college becomes the choice; but while seemingly conceding that point, he's choosing a school that is on the bottom end of the food chain in every imaginable way - even opting to play for a coach who historically runs one of the most apathetic paces in the college game.

Just a strange decision all the way around. I still wouldn't be shocked if he picks LSU Friday, but a Miss State decision comes with a very bizarre undercurrent, and one that will undoubtedly lead many to a week or two of speculation.

 

[mj2k10]

I think if you tried to stretch any further, you'd pull something.

His best bet for an NBA future is as a PG. I know it, he knows it, pretty much everyone knows it. When UK signed Briscoe, there was ALWAYS a possibility that it would push Newman away. And now his home school is coached by the same guy who coached Russell Westbrook, and Arron Afflalo, and J'rue Holiday. Is the NBA going to punish D'Angelo Russell because he went somewhere where he could dominate the ball and run the offense?

If UK loses out on Newman, which now seems likely, stop with the passive-aggressive demeaning of him, at least until he shows that he deserves the condemnation for some reason other than not picking UK. UK is a great, great place to prepare for the NBA, but it's not the only place, and it's not always the best situation for every player.

And if Newman not picking UK means that UK sort of stumbles into Jamal Murray, UK could end up with the better end of the deal.

 

[TT Cat]

That don't make no sence. Their must be
another explanation

 

[BostonCat2001]

rondo is in the league....what will to win does he have? guy is nothing but a cancer his whole career...but he has made 10s of millions of dollars being a punk.

 

[kats23]

I don't think you know how the NBA works. They don't care where you go or where you are from, just that you can play the game and play it well. Every athlete has the will to win. The wanting to win a college championship just isn't important to every player.

 

[AGEE11]

Ben Simmions vs Malik Newman. Two of the best prospects in America, coming to a NIT near you...

 

[OHIO COLONEL]

Would make sense in the old days. In-state player goes to state school...stays 3 to 4 years....helps build up the program...gets other hi quality players to join him...turns losing program into a winner....leaves for NBA and becomes a Mississippi b'ball legend. But OAD makes little sense unless he just wants to stay home, has always been a MSU fan, and family/friends can come watch him play. Not every H.S. kid is a huge UK fan like we are.

 

[BostonCat2001]

Ben Simmions vs Malik Newman. Two of the best prospects in America, coming to a NIT near you...

as well as a Ferrari dealership when they turn pro and make millions of dollars.

 

[reignof cats]

Ben Simmions vs Malik Newman. Two of the best prospects in America, coming to a NIT near you...

LSU will be in the ncaa next year. MSU will not.

 

[Chuckinden]

Staying home might mean a lot to him. If he can play, it really doesn't matter where he goes for just one year. He will still be drafted in the NBA.