Good luck to him…but long term a mistake…I hope he is looking forward to living in a different part of the world real soon.

I can’t even begin to articulate how terrible an idea it is for Gibbs to jump to the NBA. His game is nowhere near complete enough to be more than a token spot shooter — he can’t drive to the basket, can’t create his own shots, and his defense is inconsistent. I realize that some may argue Gibbs’ stock may never be higher, but I would say that’s only true if Gibbs literally cannot get any better which is utter BS. I hope Ashton brushes up on his Romanian, because he’s not making it in the NBA. Not yet, at least.

This is a realy late April fools joke, right?!

We only want athletes who want to be at Pitt. Don’t let the door hit you in the ass Ashton.

chris quinn has been in the nba for a few years. why not gibbs? it is a smart choice for him—worst case is he gets paid 6 figures to play overseas. it’s a big loss for pitt though.

I’d have no animosity for Gibbs if he left. Don’t think it’s a good decision, but he may feel the opportunity is too good to pass up, as well as that another year at Pitt won’t help him measurably and that Pitt won’t be in contention for much of anything next year.

I guess you could compare him, in some respects, to J.J. Redick. Known for being a deadly shooter but not much else. I never thought Redick would do anything in the NBA, but he’s done fairly well. Of course, they are different in many respects, too, including a good 2-3 inches in height.

If he goes, good luck.

JJ Redick was the leading scorer in ACC history until a few years ago and has the most three point field goals in NCAA history. He was the player of the year in college basketball and a 3 time All-American. Ashton Gibbs ain’t JJ Redick. Redick would score about 40 points against Ashton’s defense.

Ashton is getting bad advice. Best wishes, but this is a foolish decision.

Gibbs can shoot at the next level and I don’t even think his spot shooting is an issue — it’s his length and quickness. He’s may (can’t emphasize enough the “may” vs. “will”) find defenders close a lot faster at the next level, they do so with greater height and wingspan. Teams also scout tendencies to death. No one will let Ashton sit on the arc and hit 3s. But his defense would be most problematic in the NBA. It wasn’t particularly good at Pitt, even when healthy. I was most eager to see improvement next year on the defensive end, but we may never get that chance.

I wish him well if he goes, even if I think it’s the wrong decision.

I agree with Carmen. While it may not be the best decision in our minds, Gibbs may see it differently.

First, looking at his options, even if he doesn’t get drafted, he may think his best chances for eventually getting to the NBA is to play in the NBA D-league versus returning to Pitt and potentially being in the exact same position one year later.

Second, I felt that his vocalizations about the Final Four and NC at the beginning of the tourney were because he saw this year as his best opportunity to achieve those goals. The early exit from the tourney had to be a big letdown for him. Next season’s team will be a BE contender with him, but I don’t see them in position for a big run in the NCAA tourney until 2013. Gibbs may see it the same way, so what more will he accomplish by staying?

I hope these rumors are false and he comes back. But if he doesn’t, I understand and wish him success as a pro.

A spot up SG with the size of a PG, subpar ballhandling skills and defense. Not a good receipe for success, but he may not improve that much more in a year. Making an additional year of salary may be worth it to him and his family.

The kid has a less than 5% chance at playing in the NBA regardless of when he comes out. This year, next year, or if he came out after his freshman year; it doesn’t change the reality. He is not playing in the NBA. Most likely he plays overseas for a little bit and then gets a real job.

Staying in college and having name recognition may help him get a job calling games or as a coach. The reality is that staying in college is the best option. The other options are pipe dreams. The kid isn’t going to be a professional star no matter where he goes.

He is getting bad advice.

“overseas for a little bit”…gibbs should play many years overseas if he wants to. he was first team big east and shoots 50% from 3 point land…then again, chris quinn is in the league, why not gibbs?

Omar: So your advice would be “Give up your dream, kid, and prepare for a career as a drone in some corporation”? That’s certainly inspiring.

I don’t think Gibbs is wired that way. That’s why he became an All-BE player, BE MIP, Pitt’s leading scorer for two years, one of the best shooters in the NCAA, etc., etc. He knows his limitations and works his ass off to offset them with smarts and skill. Plenty of examples of those guys playing in the NBA.

I don’t think he’ll ever be a “star” but I give him a shot as a role player either here or overseas. That will make him plenty of connections to do whatever he wants with the rest of his life after bball.

He should stay in school and get his degree he will need it because he wont play in the NBA 3 or 4 years in ITALY or some were else.than what stay in school than go overseas that makes more sence

D league and overseas will still be there in 2012. I’m with Omar

Chris Quinn is not validation for every marginal player being in the NBA. He is an exception, not a rule. Furthermore he makes something like $300,000, which is poverty for an NBA player. He is barely in the league. Ashton could probably make more than that in a few years as a coach or commentator on ESPN.

I don’t know what goes on in Europe. I also don’t know what the salaries are like and what the playing conditions are like. I’ve read stories about players not being paid. There are sovereign debt crises all over Europe and in many countries with the best pro leagues (Spain and Greece). There are also some very, very good European players that many of us dismiss.

This is a very risky decision for him. I hope that his family and him know what they are doing.

TampaT:

My advice would be to analyze the probabilities and make a realistic and informed decision. Throwing caution to the wind on the least realistic choice is not always smart. Should every pretty girl go to Hollywood and try to be an actress? Probably not. A few make it, and a bunch end up as waitresses.

Ashton has better options, but the risks are real. The dream will still be there next year and he gives himself more opportunities by marketing his name with another year in college. He doesn’t have injury issues like Blair. He doesn’t have kids. The dream can wait.

Good luck to him. He was a great shooter and competitive player. It was fun to watch him play.

I am sure that Jamie Dixon has given him his feedback after speaking with NBA GM’s. Everyone has a right to make the decision that is best for them so as a proud Alumn I wish Ashton well if indeed he jumps. Provided that he get picked int he first two rounds this will be a very good thing with immediate return on the recruiting front for PITT. PITT has had the label of not developing NBA prospect and this has dogged the program in terms of recruiting elite blue chippers.

So this is a double edge sword. We need him to stay but we will also benefit from him joining the ranks of Blair, Gray, and Young on a NBA roster.

Good luck to Ashton on what ever decision he makes!

Omar, I think that the NBA raised the pay level since you last checked. (Scroll down to the bottom after you download the link.)

link to basketball-reference.com

“I think we’re going to make this run in the NCAA tournament and bring it back to the city of Pittsburgh. We’re going to get to the Final Four this year. It’s motivation to get that Final Four. It’s something we’re going to do. I’m just telling you, that’s what we’re going to do this year. We’re going to get to the Final Four.”

Uh, Later Ashton.

Here’s a crazy, crazy thought, what if you came back, honed your skills………………………
and…….picked up your degree????? Just in case the NBA or Europe don’t work out!!! Your only a year away from a degree, well, at least you should be. I know, I know, he can always go back. I’m just nuts!!! LMAO!!

BigGuy:

I stand corrected. So $800k is probably the minimum for players with Quinn’s LOE. He is probably the worst player in the NBA and we can all agree there are better players currently not playing in the league. So best case scenario Ashton barely stays in the league for the veteran’s minimum.

Or the more likely scenario is that Ashton doesn’t play in the league and never even makes Quinn’s first year salary of $400k.

To put it in perspective there are anesthesiologists, cardiologists, and obgyn’s that make well over $400k in a year and make it for 30 years. Financially Ashton might be better off going that route.

Maybe he was inspired by Aaron Gray’s big night in the playoffs against the Lakers 🙂

He was limited to only 20 minutes because he was injured by Gasol fighting for a rebound.

Omar: First off, you see I stated that I hope he comes back. I agree it’s probably the best option for him and for Pitt.

But it’s not my life nor my decision. It’s his. So, I tried to look at it from his perspective, and from that view I can understand if he decides to leave.

A few points in that regard:
– Gibbs is a smart kid with good parents and a coach who love him. I’m sure he’s getting good advice from them.
– He’s also a good student so he may already be close to earning a degree.
– The NBA has an age issue. Another year older could actually hurt his stock.
– Will his skills improve more playing against guys who have no hope of the NBA (most college players) or guys who have a reasonable shot (NBA D-league or overseas pros)?
– If you had the chance, would you stay in Pittsburgh and play for free or travel to new places for money? I know my choice there.
– Playing overseas and going into coaching later worked out pretty well for one Jamie Dixon. And Jamie has connections to a lot of programs to help Gibbs in that regard later on.
– Few pretty girls make it as actresses, but those who never try will NEVER make it.

Do whatever you want Gibbs. Just know that you won’t get drafted or be in the NBA next season. Good luck overseas

I think the program wil be fine whether he comes back or stays. It’s not like were losing a Kemba Walker here folks. He’s a good player in the Ronald Ramon vintage, but definitely not a program changer and definitely not someone like Kemba who has the ability to put the team on his back and carry them to championships.

Tampa:

Everything you stated is still there next year. Patience is a virtue.

I’m all for trying. That doesn’t mean one should be foolish. You can put yourself in the best position, have a back-up plan, and try your hardest. You can’t be unrealistic. Ashton is being impatient.

Ashton can still play overseas even if he stays at Pitt and tears his ACL next year. Same result by leaving early healthy

Except he’ll be a year older. That cost Sam a bunch of money, and will hurt Gilbert’s shot at bigger bucks as well.

Patience is a virtue, but procrastination is a fault. If the opportunity is the same today as it will be a year from now, you gain nothing by waiting. Gibbs may be being more realistic than you give him credit for.

Again, that’s only if the rumors are actually true. No one’s confirmed that yet.

Omar, Ashton is a communications major. I am not aware of his options other than I believe that I read somewhere that he would like to coach. If he can coach successfully beyond high school, he should make a comfortable living.

On another point, the stories that I have about the majority of former NBA and NFL players after they leave the league are sad. I understand that Ashton is bright and mature, and I would like to believe that he would not become another sad statistic. I don’t know DeJuan Blair; however, I don’t have the same post-NBA comfort level that I would have about Ashton (or Sam Young and Aaron Gray for that matter).

I say go for it Ashton. Why put yourself through another disappointing season at Pitt with our inevitable March collapse. Realistically you have nothing to gain by staying (just my opinion). If the NBA wants you then I say go for it.

Ashton has a great work ethic and by all accounts is a pleasure to coach. I am really surprised at all the anger on this board toward Ashton for wanting to posibly leave. One NBA contract is probably worth more than what the avg college grad will make in his first 10 to 15 years of a normal worklife. Pitt will always be there if he chooses to finish his degree, the NBA will not always be an option. Yes there are some upsides to staying in school but what about the downsides? You get very few opportunities to make it to the NBA, you have to take it when it presents itself. Unlike baseball, there arent 1,500 kids drafted every year.

Good Luck Ashton on whatever you decide.

One thing to keep in mind is the NBA is probably going to have a lockout this year, it’s already scared off guys like Barnes (UNC) Sullinger (OSU) and Jones (Baylor).
Since not as many top flight guys are coming out of the NCAA’s this year maybe he thinks he has a better chance this year of latching onto a team.

omar,

300K (or 800k) is more than the $0 he would make at pitt. to become an espn commentator or a highly-paid coach would take many years to achieve, if ever. also, to become a specialized doctor would take many years, assuming he could even get accepted to med school, specific residency, etc., which is not likely considering he has shown no interest in becoming a doctor.

as for europe, many pitt players are doing fine there. personally, i think he ends up in europe, but if chris quinn can make it, then at least he has a shot. i see no benefit in returning to pitt. he can always finish his degree later, assuming he doesn’t have it already.

Ashton isn’t getting a guaranteed deal in the NBA. I will take wagers on that.

Tampa- He is 21. You can play professional basketball into your mid-30s. Additionally, do we really think Ashton, or any 21-year old, is going to save all of his money and compound it at 10%. Give me a break.

The following is what he has to gain by sticking around:

Staying in college, playing on TV in the big east, perhaps some national or conference awards, and playing in the NCAA tournament will help after his professional career. He may land a job as a commentator or as a coach. Even in the business world it will help.

Staying at Pitt versus the possibility of playing in the D-league or some Polish league for $30k. People dismiss this, but it is a very real possibility. What’s better? Would you have left college early to start your career? I know I would not have done that. In fact, I wish I could pay someone to go back to college.

nobody is saying gibbs will get a guaranteed deals, just that the benefits of leaving outweigh those of staying.

also, another drawback of returning is a career-ending injury.

While I wish Gibbs well if he decides to bolt for professional basketball I’m kind of perplexed at where he fits in in the NBA at this time of his development. Mainly:

1) At 6’1″ or 6’2″ he’d have to play PG and distribute the ball. Correct me if I’m wrong but he didn’t even play PG really at Pitt, Wanny did.
So unless he suddenly develops some PG skills, like immediately, just where does he play in the NBA.
2) He’s much too short to play OFF Guard, and wouldn’t be able to defend the much taller other
OFF Guards in the NBA. For instance earlier this year Sam Young at 6’6″ was playing OFF Guard for Memphis. Young is no all-star, yet I would imagine Young would make it difficult for Gibbs to even get a shot off if he defended him and I can’t even imagine Gibbs trying to defend Young.
3) Gibbs does not drive to the basket well or shoot inside the 3 line very well since his shots are challenged more in those two scenarios.
4) Gibbs might not see himself shooting 46% or whatever it was from 3 again next year, without Wanny to feed him. So he might believe his stock is at an all-time high.
5) Gibbs could play PG probably in Europe, which I’m thinking where he winds up. And they do make over a $100k + per year over there. So….
6) Gibbs might be worried about re-injuring his knee and then his stock plummets.

Anyway if he leaves, we won’t be challenging for the BigEast title anytime soon.

ts1974:

i think the risks of leaving significantly outweigh the benefits.

“Would you have left college early to start your career?”

If I was first team big east, I felt my best shot at an NCAA championship had passed, I was close to (or had) my degree already, my relative stock was high, my dream was to play pro ball and I could either make $300k in the league or 6 figures to go abroad and see the world (when the average communications degree holder probably makes about $30K a year or has to intern at some local station somewhere)…I’d leave in second…oakland versus europe…no comparison.

I’ve heard a lot of people say, “I can always go back and get my degree later.” Wonder how many actually do?? Hey, like one guy said, maybe he allready has his degree???? Know this, as you get older, and further and further away from your early 20’s, the harder and harder it is to go back. Even if you want to, you now may have a wife, kids, a job, and, I don’t believe his scholarship would still be in effect to pay for the last year of school???

Would be a shame to be 30 credits away and not grab the sheepskin. Allthough, if he can make millions in the NBA, moot point. If only Europe or D League, he ought to think long and hard. Money evaporates quickly when it’s not in the millions.

As in Dumb-da-dumb-dumb……….

Taft-Ta-Taf-Taft.

Maybe he could take the path of Scottie Reynolds and play for an NBDL team or maybe get a try-out with the Pittsburgh Pirahnas.

correction: when the average communications degree holder, right out of college, probably makes about $30K a year or has to intern at some local station somewhere

dan,

i think christ taft went back and received his degree. i think pitt pays for it (not sure on that).

New coach at pitt Bill Barton what do you think have asked that last 4 days on different posts no one seams to have view on this hire why.

Life is tough. Place a $1 million in a 22-year old’s bank account. Let’s say that the 22-year old does not have a degree. How far will he be able to travel along life’s highway before the money runs out, given today’s interest rates? How many 22 year olds feel a strong urgency to get a job when they have a lot of money in the bank? Once they buy a house, buy a couple of cars, buy their gold jewelry, and buy their toys, how much is left. Now they are 25, 26 or older. What employment do they seek or are qualified to seek? The statistics bear out what happens to most (and I mean most, not some).

This year’s draft is terrible. If there was ever a year for a marginal player to come out, it is this year.

Next year, he’s a year older, and the draft is ten times better. Both of those are bad things.

Not saying it’s ideal (it isn’t) but I understand it. Plus, if he’s training in Atlanta, how is he going to pass this semester’s classes?

Seems to me the better decision is to stay in school and develop a little better off the ball game. But, I figure Gibbs knows his situation better than I do so if this is what he wants to do and what he thinks will give him the best chance to succeed, then good luck to him.

The NBA is full of players who do nothing but shoot. They might be able to dribble drive or play defense or grab more than a couple rebounds, but anything they put up goes in. Ashton is like one of those types of players and coaches can scheme to get him open looks and keep the taller defenders from blocking his shots.

Couple thoughts…

Regarding Chris Taft, remember that he left largely because he didn’t want to risk another year of wear and tear on his already bad back. He was hoping for a guaranteed contract, or at the very least to shorten the time to his second contract. For obvious reasons, this information was not made public until much later, but it does shed a different light on his situation. I don’t know if he earned his degree yet, but he was back on campus working on it last year.

Regarding Bill Barton, I know I answered Frank’s question a couple days ago, and I believe at least a handful of other people did as well. All I can say is that he is a very well respected assistant coach, and Everhart hated to lose him last year. As for Frank’s repeatedly stated view that he never landed any Notre Dame Prep kids for Duquesne, the Dukes aren’t going to land those kids no matter who is on the sidelines. He did help recruit Saunders and Bolden to Duquesne, who were very good recruits for the Dukes. This looks like a solid hire to me.

Regarding Gibbs, I’m holding off on getting too worked up until an actual named source corroborates the story that he is leaving…but I reserve the right to freak out later.

Omar: You’re missing the point on age. A year makes a HUGE difference in the minds of NBA GMs in terms of future development. Why do you think Sam fell to the second round? It wasn’t talent as he’s proven. They thought he was too old.

It’s not about how long you can play in the NBA. It’s about how far along you are in your prime. That’s why they draft one-and-dones ahead of more accomplished college players. Playing against college-level players doesn’t prepare you in the same way for the NBA as playing against other NBA-level players. Plain and simple.

Again, you continue to sell Gibbs short in the smarts and maturity department. He’s no naive dummy. Just the opposite.

Dan: You forget that Jamie has a great track record at getting his players to earn their degrees. I’m guessing that if Jamie backs this move – which we don’t know at this point – Gibbs will get his at some point.

A year makes a huge diff? Thats why Barnes and Sullinger are going to drop out of the 1st round by staying..

Just to clear up a few things–

(1) It has been reliably reported in several places on various Pitt chat boards that Ashton is expected to complete his degree this summer. So, if he comes back it would be as a grad student. So earning his degree is probably not a consideration.

(2) IMO, I agree with those who say Ashton will likely not be drafted by the NBA, or at best as a late 2nd round pick which means no money and cut early.

(3) Very very few players going overseas make over $100,000 per season. Most, as I have been told by someone who has played overseas, make in up to about $100,000. However, since that pay is generally over and above having all living expenses covered separately; it is very possible to build a substantial investment nest-egg if a player plays around 10 years and is careful with the cash.

(4) Maybe Ashton will be one of the few who gets paid well beyond $100,000 overseas or, maybe, he just wants to start earning whatever he can overseas (even if it isn’t big money) once he completes his Pitt degree. So, the bottom line is, NBA future or not, and with his Pitt degree in hand–it may be a reasonable decision for him not to return if he can take his long-shot at the NBA and then proceed to make decent money overseas for a number of years. Why would any of us question such a decision as not being a good one (as long as he has his degree)–except for it being disappointing to us as fans?

There is no risk to Gibbs coming out. If he’s told he’ll fare better this year than next, then he almost has to take a shot and some of the above comments are nuts.

*He’s not going to get any better. Athletic limitations are athletic limitations

*I think he has very little chance of making a team, but if one team likes him, one contract will put him way ahead of anything else he could achieve financially

*Chris Quinn is a terrible comparison. Quinn’s twice the athlete Gibbs is and has much more game.

*JJ Redick is an even worse comparison. Redick is a very valuable commodity in the NBA; most teams would give up a lot to get him.

*The best comparison I can come up with Boobie Gibson. His game, like Gibbs’ is completely limited to spot-up shooting and he’s not much of an athlete or defender. The fact that he’s still in the league baffles me, but he’s hung around 5 yrs and probably made 15M by now. Amazing.

*College isn’t fun for these guys, like it was for you or me. It’s a job they’re not being paid for.

*If anything, one more year of GMs and scouts watching his limited game will just make his chance of ever signing a deal more remote.

So I get if he chases his dream.

@pitt1972

if that’s the case more power too him!!!

@big guy

Suprising how quick cash disappears. Every year, you think, ok, I’m almost there, only to realize, there are 5 more obstacles!!! LOL!!

Tony C: Gibbs’ stock is nowhere near Sullinger’s or Barnes’. Plus he’s more than 2 years older than both. Not a good comparison if you’re trying to make some point.

hugh:

you are a true contrarian. college isn’t fun for these guys? give me a break. totally false.

i think most of these kids are fish-out-of-water at college. sure, they boink a few co-eds and get treated like big-men-on-campus for a couple years in certain situations, but with that goes a ton of scrutiny and a lot less free time than most kids have at school. think about it, their season, when they have the most time demands, lasts most of the school year, Oct-March.

you think these kids are spring-breaking to wherever today’s destinations are (mine were Lauderdale and Daytona, ouch that dates me) and road tripping all over god’s green earth to gamble and find pick-up hoop games? i don’t think they have that kind of freedom and that freedom is what college is all about, at least from a fun point of view.

and how would you like to know that you weren’t going to get a piece of all the revenue that was being made off your back? that alone would make it a little less fun for me…….

i guess we will have to agree to disagree on this one.

getting my ass kissed and banging any chick i wanted to would have sounded pretty good back then. actually it sounds pretty good right now.

FRANKCAM, the only thing I know about Bill Barton aside that he coached Krauser and many other great players in high school, is that he recruited Saunders and Bolding at Duquesne which are probably the two most talented players that program has seen lately.

I assume he was hired because of his connections .. which I believe was the main reasons Rice and Sperry were hired (though unlike them, he may be a future head coach due to his age.)

.. though unlike them, he may NOT be a future head coach due to his age.

TampaT: Gibbs has NO stock. The ONLY way he will get drafted is if he stays and learns how to distribute, drive, finish, play D. If you don’t think he will ever get better no matter what then fine but I think he can improve. GM’s don’t care about him right now and they only will if he stays and proves that he can play in the NBA. GM’s don’t care about AGE they care about next level POTENTIAL. Gibbs has shown none thus far and therefore will go undrafted

y’all, let’s be thankful for Gibbs’ time at Pitt. He will always be a Pitt Panther but maybe it’s over for him. Good luck to him and HTP!

Incorrect, Tony C. NBA GMs are businessmen. They care about Return on Investment. Therefore, they look at potential and how long they can make money from that potential. Therefore, age does matter. Again, Sam Young lost money because of his AGE, not his potential. Blair lost money because they were worried HOW LONG his knees would hold up, not because of his potential.

Your argument on Gibbs just proves my point. Does he raise his stock more by playing another year in the same league that he’s already proven himself in (BE), or in a league that has NBA hopefuls throughout its rosters (NBA D-league)? That’s the decision he has to make knowing that his window of opportunity gets narrower with every year he ages.

Incorrect TampaT, Sam Young would not have been drafted if he left early!

Best of luck to Ashton, hope he makes it. I don’t think this is a bad decision, he’s not going get taller and more athletic by playing another season at Pitt. Not that he’s guaranteed to stick, but another year in college wouldn’t have done much for his chances anyway.

Oh yeah, and Jimmer Fredette helped himself TREMENDOUSLY by staying. He went from 2nd round to undrafted after his junior year to a TOP 10 pick after his senior year. My point is, why would age matter if you have no potential at the next level? All Gibbs can do is shoot unguarded. He got LOCKED DOWN by Ronald Nored (not the longest or most athletic player ever). He has to show that he can do more than that. He can’t drive, dish, finish, handle the ball, or play D in the NBA. And honestly, he won’t even be able to shoot either if he can’t do those things. 6-foot tall one-dimensional players don’t get drafted. Gibbs has absolutely everything to gain by staying. Right now he has nothing to lose by staying because he literally has nothing. If Gibbs has proven himself, then why won’t he get drafted? Same age as Kemba Walker. Oh yeah, Walker helped himself too by staying for his junior season. 2nd round after his sophomore year, top 5 pick now. Nolan Smith helped himself too. 1st round pick now. How the heck does Gibbs have nothing to gain by staying??

DeJuan Blair was a tremendous player but has extremely limited potential (6’6 center with no signs of ever developing even a mid-range jump shot=2nd round, a lock to get drafted). If Gibbs stays and can become a tremendous player like Blair, Young, Fredette, Nolan Smith, Kemba, etc. then he will obviously easily get drafted.

“Temple Gibbs did say, however, that Ashton will not wait (to make a final decision) for feedback from NBA coaches and general managers”

WHAT A MORON

All good points Tony C. (i always agree with guys named Tony)
Some thoughts:
Maybe he thinks his stock will fall like Pitt’s next year.
Maybe he’s not confident in his game to be the ‘go to’ guy for Pitt.
Maybe he’s afraid of re-injuring his knee.
Maybe he doesn’t want to be on the Pitt team that breaks the string of 11 straight NCAA appearances.
Maybe he would like to travel Europe.

Ciao

Those are depressing (but realistic) reasons 🙁

Except Europe. Europe’s cool I guess

Tony: Never said Sam should have left early. I said his stock dropped because of his age not his talent. He was a first rounder on many mock drafts but others said he was too old. And every draft analyst had Blair going in the first round and then said he dropped because of concern over his knees. You’re rewriting history a bit there.

Finally, I never said I was in favor of Gibbs leaving. I’ve simply tried to give another perspective to those who think he’s dumb for even thinking of leaving, and I said I could understand him leaving for a number of reasons. His age is only one of them, but an important one if staying puts him in exactly the same spot he is in today, which is a real possiblity considering Pitt will be rebuilding next year. BYU was not rebuilding. Duke was certainly not rebuilding.

The only guy you gave in your examples who faced that same situation was Kemba. He already had NBA-level talent and improved his stock by showing maturity and leadership, which were big question marks with him and the reasons his stock was lower last year. And, Gibbs and Kemba are in much the same situation on the personal side. Both are 21 and both will earn their degrees early. Kemba’s draft stock simply made his decision a no-brainer.

Young wasn’t drafted in the first round because of his limited quickness and difficult time creating. Not superstar material. If Harrison Barnes and Sullinger stay all 4 years they would still be top 5 picks. The NBA drafts on next-level potential. If 2 players were at the same skill level in college, they wouldn’t automatically draft the younger guy, they would draft the guy with more next-level potential (not always the younger guy).

Have fun in Europe! “Ashton Gibbs, PG/SG, Pitt. Gibbs is a wonderful young man and perfect college player, and it certainly doesn’t hurt him to go through this process. But his lack of playmaking skill means doesn’t project as an NBA point guard, and he’d need to be far stronger to have a chance as an undersized shooting guard. Next year’s Panthers will be decidedly more talented than this year’s, and they’re coming off a Big East title and No. 1 seed.”

[…] couple days ago, the reports surfaced that Ashton Gibbs was almost certainly staying in the draft. Something he later confirmed — or at least made clear that was what he was leaning really, […]

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