We'll have a lot of guys in the NBA in a few years. I can't speak about Nuri, because the truth is that I haven't seen much of him anywhere. I know his jumper form needs work but apparently he is a VERY effective player overall. Regardless, sending kids to the NBA is great business for SJU. We need more of a presence there and Lavin pushes that point VERY hard. It's part of his modus operandi from day 1.
Kids all want to play for somebody who has the kid's interest in mind as well. IMO colleges should not pay kids to play as many propose. What they should do is prepare them for their goals. Lavin is smart enough to capitalize on that interest and he has delivered on it. These kids are majoring in basketball and he's honest about the approach. It's a big part of the reason we have this talent we have coming in.
Most coaches sell kids on playing time, their system, the league etc. For Lavin, all those things are secondary. Lavin sells kids on playing and being in a great city, on his record of getting kids into the NBA, and on his staff's NBA experience. We all know that SJU plays in the best conference. Lavin plays an exciting brand of ball that caters to the best talent. Lavin and Co. always stand by their m.o. that they're not recruiting players, they're recruiting future pros.
I can see quite a few guys in the pros. I think Pelle, Jakarr and Harkless are surefire pros. I haven't seen Nuri but he has the size and apparently the skills. Amir has tools but needs bball seasoning. Harrison has the scoring ability but may not have the height nor athleticism it takes. Pointer might be a little short, but not on talent. A different breed of player we're recruiting now under Lavin and talent will eventually win out, both for these kids as well as SJU.