Rondo suggested to go pro [Archive] - Wildcat Nation Forums

HOMEYCAT

03-21-2006, 09:00 PM

Okay, here is a believable scenario , if a mirror of my own devious ways. I'm coach and I have a pow wow with a player. I suggest that he stay a year and feel the waters next which will surely avoid the "Morris syndrome" , then I say to him that I will say on a talk show thatI suggested that he go pro andHE decided not to THIS YEAR. I keep my player. I help recruiting. I flatter my star's ego. We win #8 and my player goes pro the following year. :cool:

kyrgaines

03-21-2006, 09:37 PM

If Rondo goes pro, so be it. I believe we have a good situation at PG. Its nothing like the PF situation. This would not be a shell shock to the program.

Will Lavender

03-21-2006, 09:42 PM

TOPCAT wrote: That is not what Tubby said!In response to a Leach question about the staus of players next year he asked about Rondo and Tubby said they would visit about putting his name in!
Tubby also said that expect Rajon to do well when he tested the waters.

Judging by how Tubby spoke tonight, I'd say there's a 99.9% chance that Rondo will jump.

That's only down a little from what I thought earlier in the season. In October, I thought there was a 100% chance he'd be gone.

So not much has changed, in my mind.

Buddah

03-21-2006, 09:57 PM

It shocks me that anyone, believes that ROndo will not go pro... who cares what his family said, he will not stay in school all four years, hell that family is very very poor too. in the era of kids jumping when they go undfrafted and not even have any assurances that they will go, to be in the top 15 picks in all the mock drafts i have seen, its just common sense that Rondo will go. some of you need to look underneath and not take everything at face value, Rondo is gone.

TOPCAT

03-21-2006, 10:04 PM

They are not poor He went to Eastern high schools that is in an affluent area.Middletown and surrounding areas!:thumbup

Aike

03-21-2006, 10:39 PM

When Tubby's top recruits don't go pro in time, he's holding them back. When he encourages them to test the waters, he's pushing them out the door - house cleaning.

Some people can never win.

HOMEYCAT

03-21-2006, 10:45 PM

Is there absolutely no chance that he won't go? I don't see him as pro material yet. He throws up a lot of bricks like some pros....but that doesn't seem like worthy criteria. I don't think it hurts us that much if he does. He has hands, but he's way small.

kyrgaines

03-22-2006, 06:14 AM

Aike wrote: When Tubby's top recruits don't go pro in time, he's holding them back. When he encourages them to test the waters, he's pushing them out the door - house cleaning.

Some people can never win.

I don't think Tubby would push Rondo or any other kid out the door for any reason unless he did not want to be there. People have him confused with Pitino regarding that topic.

Caveman Catfan

03-22-2006, 06:37 AM

Tubby did not sound like he was pushing Rondo out. After giving Rondo as many minutes as any other player on the team, I would find that hard to believe.

He sounded resigned to the fact that Rondo will leave. I think he is preparing himself and the fans. Tubby has been honest with his players. He said Rondo will probably test the waters and, if he does, he will probably get good feedback.

HOMEYCAT

03-22-2006, 07:15 AM

I know there are various economic dynamics at work, there always are. Each year I wonder at the number of young players who aren't as fascinated by the possibilty of a national championship as they are with testing the waters professionally. Were I a young phenom, I think I would like to do a college career as much as I would want to join the lonesome road of pro sports. Just me.

Classof93

03-22-2006, 07:25 AM

wyldkatzky wrote: If anyone was watching the sports section on the wkyt 6 o'clock news they showed part of the tubby smith show where he suggested that rondo should declare for the NBA draft because he believes he has the talent for the next league.

Anyone else see this?

I think some of you need to read the original post. wyldkatzky said he saw these comments from the WKYT TV 6 0'clock news. These were not from his radio show. I think some are commenting on comments from the radio show, which may have been different.

Stretch

03-22-2006, 07:51 AM

bleedbluelady

03-22-2006, 08:00 AM

Isaw the WKYT 6:00 news show. Tuibbydid say he would encourage Rondo to test the waters. It sure did not sound to me like he was pushing him out the door.

fanaticfan

03-22-2006, 08:05 AM

Stretch wrote: Buddah, what is with you and the stereotypes regarding UK players? Here you are declaring that Rondo's family is "very very poor". Have you visited their home or studied their tax returns? Last week you predicted Patrick Sparks will end up as a pharmaceutical rep or insurance salesman "like most former players". Have you seen his transcripts or talked to him about his aspirations?

That is like someone saying that all people from Pike County are barefoot, toothless inbreds. Very very poor TASTE.

Thanks for standing up for us Pike County folks! Your statement is so true. Unless we know these kids personally and have been invited to their homes, who are we to assume anything about them. if Rondo decides to test the waters and gets selected in the 1st round, I wish him nothing but the best.

Caveman Catfan

03-22-2006, 08:22 AM

bleedbluelady wrote: Isaw the WKYT 6:00 news show. Tuibbydid say he would encourage Rondo to test the waters. It sure did not sound to me like he was pushing him out the door.

Tubby gets the negative implication regardless of what position he takes. Most players want a coach that will be up front about their future. If a player has a real chance to be a lottery pick, most coaches who care for that player would recommend that they test the waters. How is that pushing him out the door?

Chunks06

03-22-2006, 09:50 AM

HOMEYCAT wrote: I know there are various economic dynamics at work, there always are. Each year I wonder at the number of young players who aren't as fascinated by the possibilty of a national championship as they are with testing the waters professionally. Were I a young phenom, I think I would like to do a college career as much as I would want to join the lonesome road of pro sports. Just me.

I always think that to but what if you get hurt or have a bad year and your stock falls. We say it now but when someone starts waving a few million in our face attitudes begin to change. I think Rondo wants to stay and win a championship but probably feels like he cant pass up this ooportunity because you never know what will happen next year.

DonnieKat

03-22-2006, 09:53 AM

Aike wrote: When Tubby's top recruits don't go pro in time, he's holding them back. When he encourages them to test the waters, he's pushing them out the door - house cleaning.

Some people can never win.

When has someone on this board or in the media EVER accused Tubby of holding a player back? You're reaching...

audacious1

03-22-2006, 10:12 AM

Stretch wrote: Buddah, what is with you and the stereotypes regarding UK players? Here you are declaring that Rondo's family is "very very poor". Have you visited their home or studied their tax returns? Last week you predicted Patrick Sparks will end up as a pharmaceutical rep or insurance salesman "like most former players". Have you seen his transcripts or talked to him about his aspirations?

That is like someone saying that all people from Pike County are barefoot, toothless inbreds. Very very poor TASTE.

And thus, we have a picture of Buddah created by his own posts.

Aike

03-22-2006, 11:01 AM

You have got to be kidding.

I can't count the number of posts I've read over the years where people have claimed that Tubby stifles talented players. One of the biggest knocks on Tubby among a certain segment of fans is that he has never had an early entry first round pick.

No, I'm not reaching. I have heard for years how Tubby's boring style holds back players like Keith Bogans and Tayshaun Prince. It has been suggested that rival recruiters use this fact against Tubby to pull coveted high schoolers with dollar signs in their eyes.

So, Tubby finally has a player who looks like an early-entry lottery pick. Many among our fan base want to call him a cancer and accuse Tubby of pushing him out the door.

Like I said, some people can never win.

DonnieKat wrote: Aike wrote: When Tubby's top recruits don't go pro in time, he's holding them back. When he encourages them to test the waters, he's pushing them out the door - house cleaning.

Some people can never win.

When has someone on this board or in the media EVER accused Tubby of holding a player back? You're reaching...

KY Blue in Carolina

03-22-2006, 11:10 AM

Aike wrote: You have got to be kidding.

I can't count the number of posts I've read over the years where people have claimed that Tubby stifles talented players. One of the biggest knocks on Tubby among a certain segment of fans is that he has never had an early entry first round pick.

That's the same line of bunk that Tarheel fans complained about Dean Smith doing....

ukwildcatsks

03-22-2006, 11:11 AM

Thank you. I'm not from there, but my entire family is. I hate hearing this!!!

Stretch wrote:

That is like someone saying that all people from Pike County are barefoot, toothless inbreds. Very very poor TASTE.

Buckethead

03-22-2006, 11:18 AM

TOPCAT wrote: They are not poor He went to Eastern high schools that is in an affluent area.Middletown and surrounding areas!:thumbup

Not all students at Eastern are in Middletown. You need to get both your facts and your punctuation straight.

katfever

03-22-2006, 12:34 PM

Caveman Catfan wrote: bleedbluelady wrote: Isaw the WKYT 6:00 news show. Tuibbydid say he would encourage Rondo to test the waters. It sure did not sound to me like he was pushing him out the door.

Tubby gets the negative implication regardless of what position he takes. Most players want a coach that will be up front about their future. If a player has a real chance to be a lottery pick, most coaches who care for that player would recommend that they test the waters. How is that pushing him out the door?

Explain how that is a negative implication? I don't think it is a big secret alot of egos had trouble being team players this year. Tubby may feel it is addition by subtraction. If that is in fact the case, Tubby is to be applauded for doing what is best for the program and Rondo.

Caveman Catfan

03-22-2006, 01:07 PM

Why not first explain how "pushing Rondo out the door" does not have a negative implication????

CurlyCat

03-22-2006, 01:20 PM

Inside Hoops 2006 Mock Draft (http://www.insidehoops.com/nba-mock-draft.shtml)

Los Gatos

03-22-2006, 01:26 PM

CurlyCat wrote: Inside Hoops 2006 Mock Draft (http://www.insidehoops.com/nba-mock-draft.shtml)

Thanks for the link. I'm glad to see Noah on the list. Hope they know something about his intentions to leave early.

CurlyCat

03-22-2006, 01:35 PM

In all fairness, I posted one mock draftabove that suggests Rondo will go undrafted in Round 1. Everyone should see that there is at least one. The rest have him in there, some as high as a 10 lottery pick.

Also keep in mind that many mock drafts last year had Morris in the top 20. We see how well that prediction played out.

I still find it a struggle to believe he could go early first round. If he does, great for Rajobn. But everything at this point is just prognostication until the picks are actually made. Most mock drafts tell you that it is more of a ranking of talent than it is an actually prediction of the picks and their order to be selected.

I wish Rondo the best at whatever he chooses. But I couldn't in good conscious advise him to head out this year. If he does develop that shot next season and hit more FTs, he could be a top five lottery pick for certain. Without it, I can't help but believe that when it comes right down to to picking, teams are going to have better overall talent witha whole game to select from.

Then again, I have been wrong before. ;)

catfanintn

03-22-2006, 01:59 PM

I'm all for Rondo declaring for the draft if he and Tubby think he has a good chance, but I'm also still flabbergasted that a pro team would want him as he currently is. I mean, we've been talking about him going around #15 and he didn't even make 1st Team SEC. :shrug:

He has the potential definately, but he has GOT to improve on shooting. I wouldn't risk millions of dollars on the "potential" that he'll develop a shot.

Chunks06

03-22-2006, 02:03 PM

catfanintn wrote: I'm all for Rondo declaring for the draft if he and Tubby think he has a good chance, but I'm also still flabbergasted that a pro team would want him as he currently is. I mean, we've been talking about him going around #15 and he didn't even make 1st Team SEC. :shrug:

He has the potential definately, but he has GOT to improve on shooting. I wouldn't risk millions of dollars on the "potential" that he'll develop a shot.
I put this in yesterday but most pro scouts say that a shot can be taught but his talent cant. Plus thye would love to get a player with his abilitly mid to late first round and pay a lot less for him than they will next year if he develops and goes top 5. He could be seen as a hell of a bargain right now.

HOMEYCAT

03-22-2006, 02:39 PM

Chunks06 wrote: HOMEYCAT wrote: I know there are various economic dynamics at work, there always are. Each year I wonder at the number of young players who aren't as fascinated by the possibilty of a national championship as they are with testing the waters professionally. Were I a young phenom, I think I would like to do a college career as much as I would want to join the lonesome road of pro sports. Just me.

I always think that to but what if you get hurt or have a bad year and your stock falls. We say it now but when someone starts waving a few million in our face attitudes begin to change. I think Rondo wants to stay and win a championship but probably feels like he cant pass up this ooportunity because you never know what will happen next year.
Yeah, ...that's whatI meant by "various economic dynamics." I guess I am such a fan of the college game, that I fail to see the lure of playing brickball with strangers in Italy with strangers in the audience. Twenty years down the road, it's not the check vouchers I would remember, but the comraderie and the team colors, and the net being cut down, etc.

The Old School JPS

03-22-2006, 03:55 PM

TOPCAT wrote: They are not poor He went to Eastern high schools that is in an affluent area.Middletown and surrounding areas!:thumbup
As an Eastern alumnus let me address this.

There are a lot of affluent neighborhoods around Eastern, and some solid middle class neighborhoods too. And there are some solidly blue collar working class neighborhoods there also. There are also a lot of kids who live in inexpensive apartments in that area. There are also a couple of small neighborhoods called Berrytown and Griffytown that are and always have been extremely predominantly African American and are not particularly affluent. And there are some parts of Eastern's district that are way out there, including somefarms, and not particuarly affluent (though thereis less of this, particularly farms, than when I was there). And finally you have a substantial number of kids bused in for racial balance.

There are plenty of kidsat or fromEastern thatdo not come from affluent families.

That stereotype is about as accurate as the one about Pike County that surfaced later in the thread. You can find rich kids at Eastern or stereotypical hillbillies in Pike County but that doesn't at all mean all or most everyone there fits that description.

katfever

03-22-2006, 05:12 PM

Caveman Catfan wrote: Why not first explain how "pushing Rondo out the door" does not have a negative implication????Because it shows Tubby may have the onions to straighten this thing out.

catfando

03-22-2006, 07:09 PM

Buddah, what is with you and the stereotypes regarding UK players? Here you are declaring that Rondo's family is "very very poor". Have you visited their home or studied their tax returns? Last week you predicted Patrick Sparks will end up as a pharmaceutical rep or insurance salesman "like most former players". Have you seen his transcripts or talked to him about his aspirations?

That is like someone saying that all people from Pike County are barefoot, toothless inbreds. Very very poor TASTE.

Gee Stretch, why would you get the idea that people from Pike County could be seen as barefoot, toothless inbreds? My family is from Pike County. They may be barefoot and some may be toothless, But they ain't inbreds. Sounds like you been listening to some stereotyping yourself. Why do you always seek to tear down posters, Buddah especially, on this board. You come off as if you are the know all of college basketball. Buddah's not such a bad guy. Just has an opinion and view that differs from yours.

skyknight1000

03-22-2006, 08:09 PM

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/sports/colleges/university_of_kentucky/14156471.htm

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/sports/colleges/university_of_kentucky/14156471.htm

Wasn't sure if I had seen anyone post the actual article. Here is some highlights from it as well. He needs to work on his shooting a little bit more, but every other part of his game will be welcomed in a defense-lacking NBA.

============================================
Article clips:
Kentucky fans should know within two weeks whether Rajon Rondo will play for UK next season or enter this year's NBA Draft, the player's mentor and former high school coach said yesterday.

Smith said on his weekly radio show last night that Rondo will "probably" enter the draft.

NBAdraft.net listed Rondo on Monday as being taken by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 13th pick of the first round.
Bibby said other Web sites offer a similar guess.
"If he decides to go, I think he will definitely be among the top 13 guys," Bibby said.
However, two factors work in Rondo's favor should he enter the draft. This year will be the first for the NBA rule barring high school seniors from being drafted. Plus, Ekstrand said, the crop of European prospects appears "a little thin" this year.
As an NBA prospect, Rondo's strengths include speed, quickness, long arms, big hands and a willingness to play defense. His weaknesses are a small stature (UK listed him at 6-foot-1 and 171 pounds), inconsistent shooting (57.1-percent on foul shots), an over-eagerness to gamble for steals.

Classof93

03-22-2006, 10:11 PM

DonnieKat wrote: Aike wrote: When Tubby's top recruits don't go pro in time, he's holding them back. When he encourages them to test the waters, he's pushing them out the door - house cleaning.

Some people can never win.

When has someone on this board or in the media EVER accused Tubby of holding a player back? You're reaching...

Actually Donniekat your post reminded me of something I had read the other day so I looked it up and found this quote from hoopshype.com (pay particular attention to the last line):

Rajon Rondo 6-1 PG Kentucky / Sophomore Explosive athlete with incredibly long arms and huge hands. Fantastic pressure defender. A solid playmaker who possesses outstanding quickness and leaping ability. Outside shooting mechanics are horrendous. Still coming into his own as a player and lead guard. Can be extremely tentative at times. Not really winning or putting up great numbers, more of an upside type. Coach Tubby Smith may be holding him back. Comparison: Brevin Knight Stats: 12.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 4.6 apg Rookie season salary*: $1,217,800 Ranking: 3rd Point Guard / 4th Sophomore

poodoo

03-23-2006, 12:04 PM

Caveman Catfan wrote: Tubby did not sound like he was pushing Rondo out. After giving Rondo as many minutes as any other player on the team, I would find that hard to believe.

He sounded resigned to the fact that Rondo will leave. I think he is preparing himself and the fans. Tubby has been honest with his players. He said Rondo will probably test the waters and, if he does, he will probably get good feedback.

Exactly, Caveman Catfan. In fact, according to this week's Cats' Pause, Rondo averaged 31.0 minutes a game. Patrick was next with 26.7 minutes a game. FWIW, Rondo ended the season asUK's second-highest scorer, besides leading the team in rebounds, assists, and steals. Again, no, like you, I don't think Tubby is "pushing Rondo out the door." Only some fans think that is the magical answer to UK's problems. :D

Someone postedthat Rajonreally wanted to win anational championship. I had posted that several timesmyself, for I had read Rajon's statementsat the end oflast season through this season.Rondosaid after the loss that he would "probably" return next season and even once said "definitely." Well, Bibby is quoted today on thehome page saying that Rondo was just feeling bad about the loss, for he had really wanted to win a national championship. Bibby went on to say that Rondo needs to think it over, adding that he doesn't need to make an "emotional" decision (and I'm assuming Bibbymeans Rondo's possibly deciding with his heart to come back to try to win a national championship). From Bibby's comments, it's obviousBibby thinks Rondo needs to leave and willbe drafted in the first round. Tubby, likewise, said he feels the opportunity will bethere for Rondo.