AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > May > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHewitt’s forced to wait and see
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Either or both of Georgia Tech’s two best players may or may not play for the Jackets next season. Paul Hewitt, who coaches Tech, is like everyone else: He won’t know anything for a while. In the interim, doesn’t he formulate all manner of plans for 2007-2008?
One with Javaris Crittenton and Thaddeus Young.
Another without either.
A third with Crittenton but without Young.
A fourth with Young but without Crittenton.
Actually, Hewitt chooses still another option: None of the above. “I wait until August,” he says, “and I see who’s there.”
Crittenton and Young have entered their names in the NBA draft but have until June 18 to withdraw them and return to Tech. What happens in tonight’s lottery might have a swaying effect on either or both. Then again, it might not.
A coach can go crazy if he sweats every permutation. Hewitt tries not to sweat any of them. Toward that end, he falls back on his own object lesson:
“We’d beaten Iowa in the [2003] NIT, and we had to fly back to Atlanta before we flew back out to play Texas Tech. I sat in the front of the plane with [his assistants] and we looked at the roster we had coming back and how much depth we’d have. And then, the day after we got back from Lubbock, Chris Bosh walked into my office and said he was putting his name in the draft.
“Now maybe I could have seen that one coming, even though Bosh had been telling people he wasn’t leaving. But I didn’t think for one second that Ed Nelson would be transferring, and he came in the day after Bosh and said he was going to Connecticut.”
So much for returning depth. (Two ACC rookies of the year gone in 24 hours!) So much for looking ahead. Says Hewitt: “Ever since then, I never anticipate. I literally just wait until August.”
What’s the alternative? Hewitt couldn’t go recruit seniors of similar stature because most McDonald’s All-Americans commit in November, and the late signing period ended last week. He couldn’t do the quick fix because Tech almost never takes a JUCO transfer. He can’t, in good conscience, try to re-recruit Crittenton and/or Young because they’d see it as disingenuous. (“Of course he wants me to stay. It’ll help him win more games.”)
So Hewitt does nothing. He tries not to handicap the draft because it defies handicapping. (For what it’s worth, Young has inched up NBAdraft.net’s mock matrix from No. 17 to No. 14, and Crittenton, who wasn’t even listed when he declared, is now No. 20, two spots ahead of where Jarrett Jack was taken in 2005.) Hewitt thinks there’s a chance both could be back; if they aren’t, he says, “I hope we put them in position to have long careers.”
If he never coaches either again, he won’t regret their season together. Even though Tech won only one road game and lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament, Hewitt says his rookies “did great. Javaris had a great freshman year, and Thaddeus was outstanding. … I’m not sure how much better they could have been.”
Maybe they’ll become sophomores. If not, Hewitt says, “We have to make the most of the team we have. That’s one of the reasons we work so hard on individual instruction, to be able to absorb [personnel] losses.”
Should Crittenton and Young leave, the temptation will be great to bemoan this early manpower drain as another missed Tech opportunity. Before the hand-wringing begins, here’s another object lesson: Bosh and Nelson exited in the spring of 2003. Less than a year later, the Jackets played for the national championship. Some absorption rate, huh?
Permalink | Comments (39) | Post your comment | Categories: Mark Bradley, Tech / ACC
Comments
By The edge
May 21, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
Neither one of these guys is ready to go. They will lose a lot of money if they leave now. Give it at least another year and I think they will be glad they stayed.
By Seattle Jacket
May 21, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
Neither Young or Crittenton dominated this past year. After being “the man” in high school, neither were able to take over a game against college competition. They both could use another year of seasoning. Hopefully some one will inform them what it is like sitting on the bench at the next level. I would rather see their NBA careers start off running than sitting. Please Dion Glover, call these boys and give them a real perspective that their advisors are failing to share.
By davo
May 22, 2007 7:25 AM | Link to this
Whether they are ready or not, is really not the issue. The pure facts are, they can become instant millionaires. If they are drafted in the first round, it’s 3 years of gauranteed money. The purpose of college is to prepare you to make a living. I’d call being a millionaire before the age of 20, as being pretty solid. As a diehard Tech fan, I would like for them to stay. However, if they were my sons’s…they would be gone!
By flapjacket
May 22, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this
College basketball needs the college baseball rule. Either go straight out of high school or commit to college for 3 years. The current situation makes a mockery of the sport.
By flapjacket
May 22, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this
College basketball needs to be set up like college baseball - either go straight out of high school or come to college for three years. The current set up makes a mockery of the sport, and you end up with players who really don’t want to go to college, but have to for one year. So you end up with Young who, in my opinion, played like he’d rather not be in college.
By 2D
May 22, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this
Yo davo… You’re right the money is guaranteed either leave this year, but think about the lost cash. Over the last two years, Jarrett Jack made approximately $2.4M as the 22nd in 2005.
Brandon Roy made $2.7M and LaMarcus Aldridge made $4M as top ten picks in 2006.
So, had Jarrett Jack stayed in school for his senior year and had the type of season most believe he could/would have, he very well may have been the first point guard taken and made more in his first year than he did in his first two combined.
Not too mention, his 2nd, 3rd and 4th years will all scale higher and I presume over the life of his first four year contract, he would have mad $6-$8M by staying in school than by leaving.
Sure there is the possibility of getting hurt, but the prospect of that for B-Ball players is far less than football.
The bottom line is this. We live in a society that is all about instant gratification and we perpetuate that value system to our young people. I believe that if someone had just done the math with Jarrett, he would have stayed. Staying in school would have made him more money.
By Dictator
May 22, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this
The lost money argument doesn’t fly. If Jack had stayed in school he would be millions behind the ball. Young does need to come back though but since he was so terrible last year, he is probably hoping to capitalize off his high school stock before it goes bad. Crit I think is a wash as far as being ready
By GT80
May 22, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
Davo & 2D, you both make good points. My only comment is, remeber James Forrest. If he had gone after his sophmore? year he’d have been set for life. By staying he ruined his chances.
I too would love for both to return since I’m a season ticket holder and want to see a fantastic product on the court. But I can’t fault either one for going if they are to be picked in the first round. Would they both wash out like Forrest? Probably not, but it’s the old “bird in hand” theory. It’s not instant gratification, sometimes you just have to get while the getting is good.
By Braves Fan 79
May 22, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
They BOTH need to come back. I especially hope crinnenton comes back. WIth critt this is a legit top 10 team.
Besides ….both will make more $ next year if they come out then…
By George
May 22, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
The problem with your 2003 analogy is Tech doesn’t have anybody as talented as Elder, Bynum, Jack, or Schenshure returning.
By Tech booster
May 22, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
I also remember the James Forrest situation — he stayed when he would have been a lottery pick.
And many of you have such distorted figures “if they stay.” Dion Glover made about $6.5 million in 7 years — how much would he have made if he had stayed longer at Tech? Would he be set for life?
Also, you keep talking about the extra dollars for waiting — it just does not compute. If the guys stayed for their entire college career instead of leaving this year, they would have completed 3 years of their rookie contract. I really don’t believe a player “seasons” more in college instead of playing basketball as their fulltime job.
We should want what’s best for the student ALWAYS whether they are basketball player or a talented scientest/engineer — or both.
I really think that ALL college players should be eligible for the draft — and any who get drafted in the first round can then decide. (We’re talking about 30 players out of thousands.) That way they can test the waters without being though “disloyal” by their fans — or have fans come up with STUPID situations where they would have been smarter to wait based on a disregard for the “timing of money,” risk, or potential to go from a middle 1st round pick to a superstar because of an additional year of college.
I don’t feel back about Marbury, Jack, et al. I feel bad about Forrest.
By noneya
May 22, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
GT80 You hit it right on the head…Thanks!
By techaholic
May 22, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
I was not impressed with Young in college - I’m not sure how it would turn out for him in the NBA … maybe it’s coaching.
I was more impressed with Crit and yet I still don’t think he’s ready for the NBA … maybe one more year.
Final analysis, I have not regret if Young goes but would like to see Crit stay one more season.
By techaholic
May 22, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
I was not impressed with Young in college - I’m not sure how it would turn out for him in the NBA … maybe it’s coaching.
I was more impressed with Crit and yet I still don’t think he’s ready for the NBA … maybe one more year.
Final analysis, I have not regret if Young goes but would like to see Crit stay one more season.
By SavTechIE
May 22, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
No arguement, under today’s financial inducements they have to grab the gold as soon as they get the opportunity. The amateur status of college athletics today is a joke. Consider having athletic scholarships restricted to the demographic residency of the student body, and likewise with pros along with salary caps. Lets restore sports for love of the game and regional competition rather than business.
By scribe
May 22, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
neither of these 2 is ready for the pros. They could come back, both be 20 pt per game scorers and both end up in the lottery and DOUBLE their contracts and singing bonuses at the very least
By scribe
May 22, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
neither of these 2 is ready for the pros. They could come back, both be 20 pt per game scorers and both end up in the lottery and DOUBLE their contracts and singing bonuses at the very least
By scribe
May 22, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
neither of these 2 is ready for the pros. They could come back, both be 20 pt per game scorers and both end up in the lottery and DOUBLE their contracts and singing bonuses at the very least
By D-Bo
May 22, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
If they leave, Crittenton will become another Rumeal Robinson and Thad Young another Jonathan Bender.
By REFMan
May 22, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
One of them will pull a Randolph Morris if they leave. I hope at least one stays.
By comical
May 22, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
if they both declare, only one of the two will get picked up in the first round. These kids are making a mistake. Draft boards always over project unless u are a sure fire top 3. Heck, I can’t even say either of these guys are a sure fire top 3 for their position in this draft.
By John
May 22, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Forget the superstars that will stay 1 or 2 years max and recruit above average, team-oriented players that can grow as a team and win games.
By TECH FAN
May 22, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Coulda woulda shoulda smudahhhh. No way are these guys ready but they have to go. You dont declare and come back only 2 guys in the last ten years have jumped and came back then went again WITH a great outcome. And for the set for life crowd with 6 million, see how much you have after Uncle Sam and ur agent and other leeches bleed u to death. I make $250.000 a year and its really nothing. Belive me! When you have more money u spend more money. So unless ur talking upwards of 10 12 million money doesnt matter. These guys are doing what has been set for them for a LONNG time ago. CPH knew the chances when he recruited them. Lets just hope they do make it lonng term where the money does REALLLY matter ala Bosh Harpring Marbury Anderson.
By Mark
May 22, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
so who scheduled Kansas?? yeh Good idea. You’re going to be terrible and pick up a home game against a top 5 team. Great work.
By John
May 22, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
Both players have to do what is in their best interest… and so does Coach Hewitt and Tech. My personal feeling being an outsider looking in is that both should come back and get more seasoning. If they were that good this past year imagine how much better they can become coming back one more year
By Steve
May 22, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
Can anyone explain how Tech BB had such a forgettable season when they had 2 NBA first-rounders on the team?
By Danny O
May 22, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Hey Mark, that Kansas game was supposed to be a home and home for 04-05 season and 05-06 season. But they ran into winter break scheduling issues so the second game was put off until this season. I would figure most diehard fans remember that overtime loss at Kansas the fall of 2004…
You should be happy to see stiff competition on our nonconference schedule. Tech got a little soft (by our own high standards) this past season on the scheduling front. A tough schedule builds character and gives us opportunities to make waves, whereas a weak schedule at best turns into wins we were expected to have or at worst becomes losses to creampuffs.
As for the two would-be sophomores, they will most likely move up by waiting. Someone commented that surely you get better as a benchwarmer in the NBA than as a starter in college. I would counter that the extra time in college can equal more playing time in your rookie year, which vastly accelerates the learning curve over someone who plays 8-10 minutes a game for their first one or two pro seasons.
By Ripdog
May 22, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
To the Edge:
It really doesn’t matter if they are ready to go. It has to do with finances. Both of these players are projected first round picks. If they wait a year, anything could happen. More competition, injuries, subpar performances. It doesn’t matter if we Joe Public thinks their ready. All that matters is some NBA GM’s are about to make them instant millionaires.
With that said, I think both of them could improve their games and this illustrates why the NBA is slowly declining in terms of quality of basketball. The NBA may have the best athletes in the world but not the best basketball players.
By GT98
May 22, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
For all you people saying these kids should stay, I leave you with a thought. James Forrest. If somebody is flashing millions in your face, take the money and run. They can use the summer to work on their game.
By Fred B.
May 22, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
comical, i agree who’s to say that either will be drafted in the first round anyway and if they are not then they would definitely be leaving a lot of money on the table. It’s a difficult decision for sure so let’s hope they’re getting’ the right advice because their future’s are at stake!!!
By GT-Fan
May 22, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
What about the fan? The fans are the ones who support this team, and the fans are the ones being asked to spend more money for their same seats next year. Forcing a player to go to college for one year only hurts the fan and the team, and does little to nothing for the player. If the player is that good then let him go to the NBA straight out of high school. Don’t hurt the team, the game, and the fan by trying to build a team around players who aren’t going to stay in school. The current process puts you into a rebuilding situation each year. As a season ticket holder I don’t want to keep paying more to watch a mediocre team who will never get any better becuase they won’t be together long enough to really gel as a team. I agree, the athlete should get what they can, but it has to be a win - win situation. Go to the NBA out of high school, or stay 3 years in college.
By Reggie L
May 22, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
Neither is even close to ready. All you need to do is watch the NBA playoffs. They don’t have the skills to hang with the real NBA players right now. They would both be better off long term staying at Tech for a minimum of 1 more year. The money will be there…they’re not ready and Paul Hewitt should tell them so..he knows.
By GT96
May 22, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
I have another name for you (granted, it’s football) - Ken Swilling. He opted to come back even though he was an All-American coming off a championship year. I’m sure he’s doing well now, but it’s probably taken him just as long to make a million as it did me. Yeah, we love to see these top players come back and make a go at something, but yet we don’t exactly line up to compensate them when they fail to make it to the next level. Anytime someone can guarantee you the kind of money it takes someone else 10-15 years to earn, you better take it. The important thing for these kids to know is that it’s not just about how much you make, it’s about what you do with your money. Don’t think that a minor payload that a late first round pick brings will allow you to just go out and start buying fancy cars, houses, and other wares. You need to invest properly. Now, if you’re LeBron and Nike’s already giving you a 90 million contract before you step on the court, you can go out and buy whatever you want. But even then, you can’t afford to start getting into drugs and bad situation, which can drain you just as well. But if you’re the John Salleys, Jon Barrys and the Willy Clays of the world, you better have invested wisely. John Salley was not making enough of an NBA salary to be on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, but he was on it - the man invested his money wisely. Salley had a recording company, and then all the broadcast jobs. I hear Willie Clay is doing pretty well too - good job my man. You may remember Jon Barry too - late first round pick to Boston - played for a lot of teams, and is now a play-by-play guy with ESPN doing the playoffs. The bottom line is that the late first round money can still be pretty darn good - you can’t compare with the gazllionaries, but it should still yield a better life than having to work your a* off at a job you hate for the man for the rest of your life, assuming you can even get such a lousy job because you probably haven’t focused on your education as much as non-student athletes. If I’m a late 1st rounder, I go.
By Wink from Lithonia
May 22, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this
Paul Hewitt has the right idea, just wait till the deadlines are over and play the players you got.
In my opionion Crittenton, is a bit more ready for the NBA than Young. Young should definitely stay, if for no other reason his body is not ready for the pro game.
In regards to draft position, if you are being told you are a first rounder, then the contract is waiting for your signature, but get prepared for the bench. Louis Williams just made it with the 76er’s from making the jump from high school; he spent his freshman NBA season on the bench.
Staying in school has it’s advantage if you are on the bubble to be picked in first round. There has to be some hype attached to you. Young & Crittenton do not have it.
A good example of this is Joheim Noah, he would have been a top five pick last year. He will be lucky to be in the top 15 this year. Staying in school has cost him quite a bit of money, but the University of Florida, did quite well. If our Hawks lose the 4th pick, he will luck out and end up in Phoenix.
Here’s hoping they are part of Hewitt’s team in August
By dannyc
May 22, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
They both may go and get a lot of money. But can they manage the money and live a good life, or will they be broke in five years with no education or job. It happens a lot to athletes.
By Michael
May 22, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
These guys most likely have an inflated opinion of themselves as basketball players. Thadeus Young, while he showed some promise, does not have a developed game. Crittenton has developed more than Young but still has much to improve on before he can be taken seriously as a professional basketball player. That being said, I would probably take the check instead of playing another year in college if the opportunity was mine!
By Steve
May 22, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this
Has anyone noticed that Paul has already recruited players to replace the 2 who are leaving? Gani Lawal is a 6-8 power forward and is ranked as high as 27th best HS senior. Maurice Miller is a 6-2 point guard and is ranked as high as high as 90th best senior. They were both announced last November. So did Paul already plan for the current phenoms to leave after 1 year?
How long do you think the NEW kids will stay?
By GE
May 22, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
I went to the Final Four here in Atlanta this year. I watched all the opulence and the money flowing. Everyone was getting paid( the City, the schools, the coaches, the NCAA, the TV network, the sponsors, the press, etc.) The only exception was the players. The only way that these kids will remain in school is to receive some type of of compensation. If not, then Tech will only have a Junior College basketball program set up to feed the NBA.
By GTbayB
May 22, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
This debate is as old as the Final Four banner hanging down at UGA. These kids are in it to be paid and not played. Fans want to win now and Hewitt has not choice but to recruit that way. If he tries to build a team, fans will have his head. Win now or go home. The price….blue chips who exit early. Problem is….we got ripped this year. Blue chips didn’t produce wins and coach is left with nothing but empty slots.