What we’re hearing about future of Adebayo, Diallo, Gabriel, Killeya-Jones
- Thread starter preacher_tom
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Bam Adebayo
Don’t get your hopes up for an encore from the 6-foot-10 forward who averaged a double-double over the final 13 games of his freshman season. One source close to the program told SEC Country this week he is surprised Adebayo hasn’t made it official, hired an agent and cashed in on the autograph-tour money the other departing Wildcats are enjoying.
In other words, Kentucky does not expect him back. That makes the recruitment of 5-star big man Mohamed Bamba even more important, and the Cats remain the favorite to land him. ESPN projects Adebayo as a top-20 pick in this year’s draft and Bamba as a top-5 pick in 2018.
If Adebayo doesn’t hire an agent, he has until May 24 to return to school. We don’t think that’s happening.
While I'd like him to return, if he's not I'd like to hear he's leaving so Bamba knows it's final.
Don’t get your hopes up for an encore from the 6-foot-10 forward who averaged a double-double over the final 13 games of his freshman season. One source close to the program told SEC Country this week he is surprised Adebayo hasn’t made it official, hired an agent and cashed in on the autograph-tour money the other departing Wildcats are enjoying.
In other words, Kentucky does not expect him back. That makes the recruitment of 5-star big man Mohamed Bamba even more important, and the Cats remain the favorite to land him. ESPN projects Adebayo as a top-20 pick in this year’s draft and Bamba as a top-5 pick in 2018.
If Adebayo doesn’t hire an agent, he has until May 24 to return to school. We don’t think that’s happening.
While I'd like him to return, if he's not I'd like to hear he's leaving so Bamba knows it's final.
Coach was on here the other day saying he heard from someone close to Bam the plan is for him to return unless his stock changes soon.
So basically, no one knows anything. Especially Kyle Tucker
So basically, no one knows anything. Especially Kyle Tucker
Seems to be multiple "sources" saying opposite things. Flip a coin.
I'm hearing that Bam will in fact be playing basketball next year. Big news
So...all of that is basically as expected.
Bam is likely gone
UK has a good chance with Bamba
Gabriel and SKJ should come back barring a crazy decision
Bam is likely gone
UK has a good chance with Bamba
Gabriel and SKJ should come back barring a crazy decision
I have to disagree that Bam is "likely gone". I think he could leave, put it at close to 50/50. But the mock drafts and draft "experts" have him anywhere from high teens to low 30's (so 2nd round). This year's draft is deeper and just better than next year's is expected to be. So it could be financially to his advantage to wait one more year, and maybe go top 10, certainly top 15.
Here is roughly what picks will make in their first 3 years:
#5 - $10M
#10 - $7M
#15 - $5M
#20 - $4M
#25 - $3M
#30 - $3M
#31, no scale or guaranteed contract
That is a big difference between 20-30 vs #10.
Didn't want to overrule coach, but I posted similar on that thread yesterday....bam very likely gone. Look solid for bamba and very good for Cam.
Cal really wants the kid. Florida has bowed out. Michigan remains.
Also... one other departure possible.
Not that I want to throw out there right now, but it wouldn't be a shocker if he leaves.
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anon_9qtxg60vqzy0y
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IMO I think Bam is about 50/50 . If he wows at the camps he will be back but if he is a borderline 1st rounder he comes back . If I was putting money down I would say he wows at the camps and gets drafted around 20 . bamba and Johnson finish out our class.
When Bam put his name in the draft I thought he would not be back & I still think he will leave. If he can show the scouts at the combine that he has an outside shot (around 15 feet) I think he is gone. JMO
Anyone that thinks Bam is for sure gone or leaning heavily in that direction is just trying to buffer their emotions and expectation in the event he does in fact leave. No teenager is going to give up making a couple grand a day doing autograph tours, appearances, interviews, endorsements and so forth. Fox and Monk are already close to netting over 100,000 each off of this type of stuff. Bam is definitely not that close to leaving and just passing up that type of cash. That's not even mentioning what he would get instantly from signing with an agent. While he could always hear what he wants and bounce, I can assure he is far closer to the 50/50 range than gone. Honestly, with each passing day it is more and more likely he returns.
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I could see that I really like him but it'll be hard for him to crack the rotation.
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anon_9qtxg60vqzy0y
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Why do you think Mikes Bridges decided to come back? He was a lock Top 15-25 pick. Why do so many think it's crazy for Bam to come back when someone like Bridges says thanks but no thanks. I wait another year. Come on back, Bam!!
I tired and it landed on its side so, we are still in the dark.
If I had to put a number on it, I'd say it is this:
Bamba to UK - 70%
Bam comes back/leaves - 50/50 - really depends on what he hears in mid-May I think
Diallo stays - 90%
Gabriel stays - 100%
Jones stays - 100%
Bamba to UK - 70%
Bam comes back/leaves - 50/50 - really depends on what he hears in mid-May I think
Diallo stays - 90%
Gabriel stays - 100%
Jones stays - 100%
I think Bams coming back if he was going to go I believe he would've already committed. I guess the final nail in the coffin is after the combine correct?
Here is the one thing I will say about this decision that I do not normally believe, Bam could stand to make a lot more money by coming back. I do not normally believe that coming back is a good idea if you are a first round pick. But with this class of incoming freshman generally considered to be less talented than previous classes, most people believe next year's draft will be weak, and it might be based on that. However, I think next year's draft will be weak for another reason, the fact that so many borderline players are declaring and hiring an agent. With that happening, those are all players Bam won't be competing with next year. Because in the end, they are going to hold a draft in June every year, 60 players will be selected. It's really not about how good you are overall (caveat is that I'm considering that the player is good enough to play in the league), it is about how good you are compared to the field. With all these players declaring, and the new class looking a little weaker, Bam stands to go much higher next year, even if he doesn't improve that much.
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