Post Article : Ponds / NBA

I'm fine with him testing the "waters" as they say. If he can get a first round promise good for him. I expect he will be back and better than ever for his junior year.

I wish nothing but the best from him, regardless of his choice. He played his tail off this year and showed so much heart. I couldn't ever be mad if he decided to go pro.

That said, I think the quotes in the article are indicative of where the scouts lie. He needs to improve his jumper. I think if he comes back next year, improves his shot and leads a very talented team he could drastically improve his chances of being a first rounder.

I wish nothing but the best from him, regardless of his choice. He played his tail off this year and showed so much heart. I couldn't ever be mad if he decided to go pro.

That said, I think the quotes in the article are indicative of where the scouts lie. He needs to improve his jumper. I think if he comes back next year, improves his shot and leads a very talented team he could drastically improve his chances of being a first rounder.

It’s a very talented team with him on it. How is it talented without him?

Love this kid for so many reasons.  Just want him to make the best decision.  If he is a guaranteed 1st round pick - go get that big guaranteed check young man.  That's not going to happen this year, though, I don't think.  Better option is to get stronger, improve all around, and see if he can position himself that way next year.

This will help him find out what he needs to work on/why he would go undrafted

It makes sense for him to check, but it doesn't make sense to hire an agent and go through with it.  He'll end up in the D-League or Europe.  A strong Junior year with some improved shooting should get him drafted.

Love his quotes. Unlike Lovett, seems to have smart people in is corner. Expect him to be back.

It's his choice either way.  Don't kid yourself into thinking you want him to stay because you know it is in his best interest.  In other words don't substitute your selfish fandom for "what is in his best interest" because it is not the same.

If he makes the choice to leave even if I personally think it is not his best choice you won't see me knock it.  Not my choice. 

I think he’s going to listen to the NBA  personnel. That is in his best interest. I also think they are going to tell him to return. If he’s a first round pick like Moe, good for him and no one will second guess him.

Everyone seems to be on the same page.  I think the NBA//NCAA process of allowing  players to "test the waters" without losing eligibility is a good one.  It is like going on a job interview and assessing whether the company is a good fit for you and your aspirations.

I’d love him to come back.  He really needs to beef up a bit and get his shooting in line with NBA talent at his height especially, if he wants to be a higher pick.  That said, whatever he decides, gotta support it.  He has been great thus far and can’t knock it if he does go NBA.

Players of Ponds ilk can make themselves available for the NBA draft but they don't "go" to the NBA. Cannot see him in NBA next year. Maybe in another year or two.

Players of Ponds ilk can make themselves available for the NBA draft but they don't "go" to the NBA. Cannot see him in NBA next year. Maybe in another year or two.

Needs to prove he can play PG and guard NBA players. He hasn’t proven that yet.

It's his choice either way.  Don't kid yourself into thinking you want him to stay because you know it is in his best interest.  In other words don't substitute your selfish fandom for "what is in his best interest" because it is not the same.

If he makes the choice to leave even if I personally think it is not his best choice you won't see me knock it.  Not my choice. 

I don’t think that’s necessarily accurate. I’m a St. John’s fan but a kid like Ponds I want him to do what’s best for him. In my opinion he would be best served returning to school for another year, not for st. .johns but for his own development. A 6 ft guard who shoots 25% from 3 in college is going to have a tough time getting drafted and sticking in the nba. I think when he tests the waters scouts will tell him he needs to develop his shot and playmaking ability. Wanting him to come back is not necessarily selfish. Of course we all want him back but if he was a garaunteed first round pick and was more nba ready I would be happy for him to leave and make the nba.

Quote from: Celtics11 on March 09, 2018, 04:10:46 PM

Players of Ponds ilk can make themselves available for the NBA draft but they don't "go" to the NBA. Cannot see him in NBA next year. Maybe in another year or two.

Needs to prove he can play PG and guard NBA players. He hasn’t proven that yet.

And hit nba 3s at a decent clip, besides a few games his 3pt shooting was very poor this season.

I think he's gone.

I think he's gone.

Would be G league bound at best. I hope has some good people in his ear either way and they are looking out for his long term interest

I wish nothing but the best from him, regardless of his choice. He played his tail off this year and showed so much heart. I couldn't ever be mad if he decided to go pro.

That said, I think the quotes in the article are indicative of where the scouts lie. He needs to improve his jumper. I think if he comes back next year, improves his shot and leads a very talented team he could drastically improve his chances of being a first rounder.

+ 1

He's a smart kid, i don't think he's cut in the same mold as omar cook or rysheed jordan.  He'll test waters, if hes G league bound he'll be back and at least 2nd team  all american.

He's a smart kid, i don't think he's cut in the same mold as omar cook or rysheed jordan.  He'll test waters, if hes G league bound he'll be back and at least 2nd team  all american.

Ponds >> rysheed in college. Rysheed 3 inches taller. Bigger and stronger. Better defender. Had better PG skills.