Morris in a Unique Situation

[Wildcat_Fan98]

Kentucky's Randolph Morris was either foolishly shortsighted last spring or a diabolical genius.

Scratch that. He was foolishly shortsighted. But his decision to stay in the 2005 NBA draft could hypothetically work in his favor in a couple of years.

Morris, a former McDonald's All-American, went unselected over the 60 picks of the '05 draft. He persuaded Kentucky and the NCAA to let him return to college basketball and had a solid, if less than scintillating, sophomore season.

Here's where it gets interesting -- should Morris improve dramatically over his last two seasons at Kentucky: Under NBA rules, he is an unrestricted free agent. He doesn't have to return to the draft to enter the NBA, as would a player who turns pro, then pulls out before the selections.

Imagine if he were the best college player in 2007-08. We wouldn't be talking about a draft, but rather a bidding war. At minimum, it's reasonable to assume he'd get the mid-level exception -- about $5 million annually -- that any team could offer.

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/sports/basketball/nba/charlotte_bobcats/14354351.htm

[Will Lavender]

Randolph Morris showed flashes of absolute dominance in the 19 games he played last season. I think he has the skill to be an SEC POY an an all-American. Very, VERY good big man at times.

If he gets it right mentally and realizes that he can't take Gatorade holidays over by Hobbs and the boys, then that "bidding war" might happen - as early as June '07.

[phoenix]

Employee attitude was really more of a maturity issue I think. And regardless, if Morris does well that will be fine. He has missed out on guaranteed money he once seemingly expected to achieve, so he has some potential losses to cover when/if he does sign.

Morris, wind, body fat, mental toughness,and develop that soft jumper from the free throw line and in.

[DCWildcat]

A lot of folks miss how much Morris really improved this year. His nagging problem of foul trouble seemed his only persistent flaw from freshman year (unfortunately, that's a big ole flaw). He lost body fat and gained a lot of emotion. He made headier shots and better interior passes as well.

As long as he averages 3 fouls/game (1 higher than anyone else on the team), he'll never be great though.

[kyrgaines]

Can he enter another draft after he stayed in one already? Kind of odd.

[Athens2005]

kyrgaines wrote: Can he enter another draft after he stayed in one already? Kind of odd.

My understanding is that he cannot be drafted.

[UFWildcat]

Randolph Morris can lead us to the promise land

He did show brilliant flashes last year, but thats just it. Flashes. He played so passive most of the time, you couldn't see his greatness.

My hope is he calms down this offseason. Without the NBA distractions, he can come in fresh this season with a clear and focused mind. He can dominate anybody he wants. He has the skills to do it.

And show some passion for heavens sake, take a page out of Joakim Noahs book.

[catfando]

He did show brilliant flashes last year, but thats just it. Flashes. He played so passive most of the time, you couldn't see his greatness.

My hope is he calms down this offseason. Without the NBA distractions, he can come in fresh this season with a clear and focused mind. He can dominate anybody he wants. He has the skills to do it.

And show some passion for heavens sake, take a page out of Joakim Noahs book.





Keep in mind, He didn't have much help down low either. This will be the case next couple of years also.

[RCS]

I think Morris is ready to lead this team which is a real long way from where he started. He just has matured by leaps and bounds and if he can continue to do so will be an absolute force. This year he can work all offseason/preseason on playing for UK instead of the mess that was last year. Plus he will get the early cupcakes to work on his game instead of starting in the SEC. It will be interesting to see what happens with the NBA. If he would be a top 10 pick you have to think someone will give him pretty decent money.

[WWH Mustaine]

He actually improved a lot this yaer, I thought. If he improves as much between now and next Fall as he did between his freshman and sophomore years, I think he's got a real chance to be all-SEC next season.

Then he'll get picked up by an NBA team.

[Kentucky Jim]

I think Randolph Morris can be a dominate force in 2006-2007. His improvements last season were obvious, and I think with a normal off season and starting the season with the team, he can be our leader. He showed passion and grit this past year. I really believe he could be one of the top 5 players in college basketball this coming season. I'm excited about watching him grow.