Semaj to the NBA

[Juice]

They didn't give up 2 first round picks to blow it up. They are going all-in for next year to keep Durant (figuring a championship--and the prospect of going back-to-back--would do so). But it's probably all-or-nothing.

I mean blow it up in a year after KD's contract is up and he leaves (I'm making a guess that he leaves but it's obviously entirely possible he stays).

[LA Muskie]

I can't really blame them. This is going to be their best chance in a long time if KD leaves, which is significantly more likely if they don't win next year.

Nor can I. But I think firing Brooks hinders more than helps that cause.

[XUFan09]

Nor can I. But I think firing Brooks hinders more than helps that cause.
Yeah, inserting a new coach into the mix for one last year seems really risky.

[XUPhilly04]

I can't really blame them. This is going to be their best chance in a long time if KD leaves, which is significantly more likely if they don't win next year.


Yeah, inserting a new coach into the mix for one last year seems really risky.

Unless you know for certain who you are going to replace him with.

[LA Muskie]

Even if you do, asking someone to replace a (by all accounts) beloved coach in the locker room and produce a championship immediately is a VERY tall order.

[XfansinKy]

I agree

[XfansinKy]

Semaj just told me personally today he has a real good shot at at least a ten day NBA contract next year. His words on how confident he felt were "Trust me"

[XUFan09]

I've never looked it up before. How much do ten-day contracts pay?

[LA Muskie]

League minimum on a pro-rated basis.

[XfansinKy]

A ten day contract would be pro rated and based on a player's
experience. Next year would bring him near 50 thousand on a ten day call up. I was reading some players have gotten multiple ten day call ups in one season.

[LA Muskie]

Next year's league minimum for a player with 0 years in service will be about $525,000. That's about $6,400 per game. There are typically 3-4 games in a 10 day period in the NBA (a 10 day contract is actually for 3 games or 10 days, whichever is longer). So it'll be more like $20-25k.

A player can be signed for up to two 10-day contracts per team.

[bobbiemcgee]

Semaj wins 1st summer league game:

http://newsok.com/okc-thunder-notebook-semaj-christon-hits-game-winner-lifts-thunder-over-charlotte-in-orlando-pro-summer-league-play/article/5431802

[XfansinKy]

Did OKC draft another PG first round? I'm lazy and haven't really checked but I heard they went after the kid from Murray St. who is supposed to be a very good NBA PG in the future.

[Xville]

Did OKC draft another PG first round? I'm lazy and haven't really checked but I heard they went after the kid from Murray St. who is supposed to be a very good NBA PG in the future.

yeah they drafted Payne. If Semaj hopes to ever get on a roster, it is going to be due to a couple of injuries or being moved to another team with a pg deficiency.With OKC drafting a point guard, I think it shows what they think of Semaj in terms of NBA ability.

[XU 87]

yeah they drafted Payne. If Semaj hopes to ever get on a roster, it is going to be due to a couple of injuries or being moved to another team with a pg deficiency.With OKC drafting a point guard, I think it shows what they think of Semaj in terms of NBA ability.

It could be that OKC simply drafted the best player left on the board, without consideration of whether Semaj has the ability to be an NBA player.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

From what I have seen, this is exactly what OKC does in the draft. They pick the best remaining guy. Payne though, seems like a better version of Semaj.


It could be that OKC simply drafted the best player left on the board, without consideration of whether Semaj has the ability to be an NBA player.

[SemajParlor]

Russell Westbrook went down last year and they still traded away Reggie Jackson. I wish all the best for Semaj, but he doesn't appear to be in OKC's vision of the future.

[DC Muskie]

Russell Westbrook went down last year and they still traded away Reggie Jackson. I wish all the best for Semaj, but he doesn't appear to be in OKC's vision of the future.

Yeah I'm not sure why people can't pick up on this. Semaj can't hit a consistent jumper and is not talented enough to make up that glaring gap.

At this point, it will be a minor miracle if he ever sees the court. You have to hit jumpers at some point.

[Xville]

Yeah I'm not sure why people can't pick up on this. Semaj can't hit a consistent jumper and is not talented enough to make up that glaring gap.

At this point, it will be a minor miracle if he ever sees the court. You have to hit jumpers at some point.


Because they don't want to "get it" since he played at Xavier. Sometimes the blue tinted glasses are too much.

[XUFan09]

Yeah I'm not sure why people can't pick up on this. Semaj can't hit a consistent jumper and is not talented enough to make up that glaring gap.

At this point, it will be a minor miracle if he ever sees the court. You have to hit jumpers at some point.
This is an exaggeration. He'll at the very least get some ten-day contracts. What would be a minor miracle is if he puts together a multi-year career in the NBA.

[XU 87]

Because they don't want to "get it" since he played at Xavier. Sometimes the blue tinted glasses are too much.

He was first team all d league last year. Simply because OKC drafted a point guard doesn't then mean his NBA career is over before it starts.

[THRILLHOUSE]

He was first team all d league last year.

Not quite. He was a D League All Star and 3rd team All Rookie. (that said, I agree it's a bit too early to write off a potential nba career)

[Xville]

He was first team all d league last year. Simply because OKC drafted a point guard doesn't then mean his NBA career is over before it starts.

He was on the third team along with everyone's favorite Sim Bhullar. I'm not completely writing the guy off. What I did say though is that without a few injuries, he isn't getting to the NBA via the Thunder, he will need to go somewhere else. A 6'3 guard who can't shoot (unless he can pass like Rondo used to) is going to have a tough time making an NBA roster, that's the reality of the situation.

[XU 87]

He was on the third team along with everyone's favorite Sim Bhullar. I'm not completely writing the guy off. What I did say though is that without a few injuries, he isn't getting to the NBA via the Thunder, he will need to go somewhere else. A 6'3 guard who can't shoot (unless he can pass like Rondo used to) is going to have a tough time making an NBA roster, that's the reality of the situation.

He was on the all star team, not first team all league. (I tried to edit my original post but the system wouldn't let me for some reason).

But the fact that he made the All Star team means he was on one of the best players in the D League. That tells me he has a decent chance of playing in the NBA.

[SemajParlor]

Yeah, there's definitely hope for him, just might be better with a different franchise that's all. Look at Langston Galloway. If you can play you can play, a team will find a spot for you.

[bobbiemcgee]

Semaj had another nice game. 12pts. 9 assts. 3 stl in OKC win over Orl. Clearly running/leading this team. High praise from announcers. He has 19 assts. in 2 games to lead all. Hezonja had 14 for Magic in his debut.

[DC Muskie]

If there was a team who thought he could help them, he'd be playing. It's not that hard to figure out. The Thunder aren't keeping him around to prevent him from becoming an established NBA player.

If anything it shows how terrible the D League is. Trust me I'd love for him to get there and will be rooting for him. But I don't see him anytime soon moving up.

[Masterofreality]

If there was a team who thought he could help them, he'd be playing. It's not that hard to figure out. The Thunder aren't keeping him around to prevent him from becoming an established NBA player.

If anything it shows how terrible the D League is. Trust me I'd love for him to get there and will be rooting for him. But I don't see him anytime soon moving up.

This.

[paulxu]

He'd be a senior this year.

[Muskie]

I wonder what last year's team would have looked like with Semaj? No idea if that team makes the Sweet 16 with him or not. I"m not sure some of the younger guys develop with him at the Point.

[DC Muskie]

He'd be a senior this year.

A senior five years removed from high school.

[bobbiemcgee]

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-thunder-semaj-christon-turning-heads-at-the-orlando-pro-summer-league-looking-to-take-the-next-step-in-his-career./article/5432076

http://www.nba.com/thunder/offseason-1-1-semaj-christon-0

[mistabeecee41]

I don't think a lot of people understand the thunder own his rights. He can't sign a 10 day contract with random teams like others can, or else I'm sure he would have been snatched up by now.

[Backyard Champ]

I don't think a lot of people understand the thunder own his rights. He can't sign a 10 day contract with random teams like others can, or else I'm sure he would have been snatched up by now.

It's pretty obvious a lot of people on this board simply don't understsnd the NBA.

[XUFan09]

If there was a team who thought he could help them, he'd be playing. It's not that hard to figure out. The Thunder aren't keeping him around to prevent him from becoming an established NBA player.

If anything it shows how terrible the D League is. Trust me I'd love for him to get there and will be rooting for him. But I don't see him anytime soon moving up.

The Thunder had exclusive rights to him until the end of this past season, making it so the only way another team could pick him up is through a trade. That probably wasn't happening from the beginning, since the Thunder had some interest in him and other teams don't really go after D-league players in trades. Also, I think there's some technicality in the contract in terms of the Thunder's obligation if they call him up, and the Thunder themselves likely did not want to trigger that technicality. That would have eliminated the nice advantage they have had with Semaj, where they have exclusive rights to a decent potential rookie but they have to commit little in the way of financial resources toward him. If you were a GM, why would you call him up when you can just do a couple ten-day contracts with players already in the NBA? The latter is the same end result, a stopgap to fill some of the point-guard duties, but in addition, you don't ruin a contract that is almost all benefit and little cost. It's not a scenario where the Thunder are keeping him around to prevent him from becoming an established NBA player; I agree that his chances of an actual NBA career are really low. The Thunder are just not letting go yet because they have no reason to do so.

Now that the Thunder no longer have exclusive rights, though, he can easily be picked up on 10-day contracts this season. I bet we see him taking at least a couple of those contracts, and he'll shuttle back and forth between various NBA teams and the D-league before finally heading to Europe. The Thunder were preparing him to be their backup point guard option in his second year, but it was just another card in their hand, not the hand itself. Maybe they would have called him up this coming season to fulfill some spot duty if they had drafted someone different, but like any good franchise, they've made sure to keep their options open, including being willing to take the best available draft pick, regardless of position. I think that his chances of a minor role with the Thunder ended with that draft pick, but he'll get some time on other NBA teams before reality sets in.

[XUFan09]

I don't think a lot of people understand the thunder own his rights. He can't sign a 10 day contract with random teams like others can, or else I'm sure he would have been snatched up by now.

My understanding was that the Thunder's draft rights were just for the first year. Do they extend through the second year? Like I said in the longer post above, the Thunder have no incentive to let go of those rights while they have them. From their perspective, there's a chance he could work out and it costs them virtually nothing to continue banking on that.

[DC Muskie]

Interesting take 09, and I don't necessarily disagree with you, but 2 round draft picks get traded all the time. If there was a team that wanted him, they would go and get him. If he was good enough for a 10 day contract he'd have been up there already.

Instead we read how awesome he is in a crappy league. He sounds like a 4 A player in baseball, just except NEVER being called up.

[Backyard Champ]

What GM in their right mind would trade for a player to use for a 10 day contract? Not all second round picks have similar contracts as Semaj does/did with OKC.

[SemajParlor]

I don't think a lot of people understand the thunder own his rights. He can't sign a 10 day contract with random teams like others can, or else I'm sure he would have been snatched up by now.

An NBA team can send down 2 players and still maintain their rights, but only if you are in your 1st or 2nd year. I would assume Semaj is one of those, but I'm not sure. Thunder have been more exploratory with the "draft and stash" strategy more so than other franchises if I'm not mistaken. Once his 2 years is up - he could sign with the D League itself, while still playing on the OKC affiliated team. However, at that point he is also allowed to sign 10 days with other interested teams.

[SemajParlor]

Also random note: I find it strange that Christon has only been removed 1 full season from playing at Xavier. To me it feels like Tu and Lyons are the more recent players. Strange.

[XUFan09]

Interesting take 09, and I don't necessarily disagree with you, but 2 round draft picks get traded all the time. If there was a team that wanted him, they would go and get him. If he was good enough for a 10 day contract he'd have been up there already.

Instead we read how awesome he is in a crappy league. He sounds like a 4 A player in baseball, just except NEVER being called up.

FUTURE draft picks get traded all the time, because there's flexibility there, but not players already drafted in the second round who haven't played NBA minutes. Not guys playing in the D-league. And like what was said, no sane GM would conduct a trade that involves a D-league player just so he can sign the player to a 10-day contract. When there are plenty of more easily available guys, that's just crazy. The only team that can sign him to anything new right now is OKC, and they have no reason to.

[bobbiemcgee]

Semaj with game winner in double ot:

http://www.nba.com/thunder/SLrecap_clippers_150710

[Snipe]

It sounds like Semaj was impulsive, and that he made a really bad impulsive decision. That doesn't surprise me, and I think he needed better advice.

Nobody in their right mind would have suggested that Semaj go pro, though we have people even in this forum that supported and defended that decision. Where are they now?

Like he couldn't even grow anymore as a Xavier student?

Instead, he has suffered in obscurity for a year. And during that same year we ended the year in the Sweet 16 and the national rankings! To be honest, I think we could have gone further with Semaj. I think we would have been ranked higher. I think it would have been better both for us and for Semaj. What heresy according to those guys. They told me that Semaj made the right decision no matter what. You know those guys, Your read their praises of Semaj leaving us.

That kid was one incredible point guard. Now his number will never be retired because he left and chickened out. That is for sure. He is arguably the highest recruit that we have ever had. He had an awesome amount of talent, but he was never a Xavier veteran upper-classman.

That is sad.

Imagine what a failure that decision was for him and us. He failed. And the people that supported that decision failed as well. It was an impulsive decision, and one that didn' fare well.

We could have been much more with him. We were right there with Arizona as it was, with Dee Davis (God Bless That Young Man) as our point. And in the Dee Davis defense, Dee was playing his best basketball of his entire career. Again, God Bless that young man.

But Jesus! What a hole Semaj left. And he did it with one of his worst performances in his career, which just by luck happened at UD ARENA. I was there. It was pathetic. And then he quit the team. What a poor decision. I think even the doubters of old should even agree with me now. They argued that the D-League was actually better. But is it? I don't think so.

I bet the doubters won't admit defeat even in the face of facts. Semaj made the wrong move. Just deal with it. Derrick Brown did too, and I can back that up too you pussies.

Semaj would have been the best player on a ranked team that made the Sweet 16 without him.

Good Riddance Semaj! You made the right choice. And the losers that argued for you and Derrick Brown are still retarded. I hope the next "prodigy" that needs work stays with the program. We have had lottery picks. Playing at Xavier with a ranked team is way better than playing in the D-League. The idiots that tell you otherwise have no clue about the game of basketball.

Derrick Brown as a senior would have taken us to a Final Four. Remember the epic Kansas State game? Imagine that with Derrick Brown who was on the bench and then release with the Charlotte Hornets. Derrick Brown would have been the major attraction on that team, and we had Hollway and

[Snipe]

Oh and for the big man, Jalen Reynolds, take note. You are the best pro prospect on this Xavier team.

Maybe I should be more formal and start this thus:

Dear Jalen Reynolds, aka Manimal,

You are a Junior now, and I congratulate you for attaining the rank of a veteran upper classman. You have pro potential.

I believe that someday you will play in the NBA.

Jalen, as much as people would like you to believe, their are no short-cuts in life. You simply can't skip to the NBA. Given time and production, I do not think that you will be denied.

We have had gentlemen who were great Xavier talents that left before their time and they have suffered the consequences.

I want you to work hard for two more years. We made the tournament your first year. We were ranked and you were a star your second year. We will be ranked again and you will be a star this year. And you deserve it. And when you stay for your fourth year all hell is going to break loose, and it will be all because your dedication to Xavier University. I can't wait to see that happen.

[drudy23]

It sounds like Semaj was impulsive, and that he made a really bad impulsive decision. That doesn't surprise me, and I think he needed better advice.

Nobody in their right mind would have suggested that Semaj go pro, though we have people even in this forum that supported and defended that decision. Where are they now?

Like he couldn't even grow anymore as a Xavier student?

Instead, he has suffered in obscurity for a year. And during that same year we ended the year in the Sweet 16 and the national rankings! To be honest, I think we could have gone further with Semaj. I think we would have been ranked higher. I think it would have been better both for us and for Semaj. What heresy according to those guys. They told me that Semaj made the right decision no matter what. You know those guys, Your read their praises of Semaj leaving us.

That kid was one incredible point guard. Now his number will never be retired because he left and chickened out. That is for sure. He is arguably the highest recruit that we have ever had. He had an awesome amount of talent, but he was never a Xavier veteran upper-classman.

That is sad.

Imagine what a failure that decision was for him and us. He failed. And the people that supported that decision failed as well. It was an impulsive decision, and one that didn' fare well.

We could have been much more with him. We were right there with Arizona as it was, with Dee Davis (God Bless That Young Man) as our point. And in the Dee Davis defense, Dee was playing his best basketball of his entire career. Again, God Bless that young man.

But Jesus! What a hole Semaj left. And he did it with one of his worst performances in his career, which just by luck happened at UD ARENA. I was there. It was pathetic. And then he quit the team. What a poor decision. I think even the doubters of old should even agree with me now. They argued that the D-League was actually better. But is it? I don't think so.

I bet the doubters won't admit defeat even in the face of facts. Semaj made the wrong move. Just deal with it. Derrick Brown did too, and I can back that up too you pussies.

Semaj would have been the best player on a ranked team that made the Sweet 16 without him.

Good Riddance Semaj! You made the right choice. And the losers that argued for you and Derrick Brown are still retarded. I hope the next "prodigy" that needs work stays with the program. We have had lottery picks. Playing at Xavier with a ranked team is way better than playing in the D-League. The idiots that tell you otherwise have no clue about the game of basketball.

Derrick Brown as a senior would have taken us to a Final Four. Remember the epic Kansas State game? Imagine that with Derrick Brown who was on the bench and then release with the Charlotte Hornets. Derrick Brown would have been the major attraction on that team, and we had Hollway and

Pretty sure Semaj is OK with developing his game against players with potential NBA talent. I'm also pretty positive that it beats going to class every day. No, he's not making life changing money, but which of us, at age 20, wouldn't want to be playing basketball for a living, even if it was for less money than most of us are likely making now?

I guess for selfish reasons you can say you wished he stayed (for your personal entertainment), but you mean to tell me him destroying college competition for two more years would have been more beneficial to him than competing against potential NBA talent every day? I don't know that I agree with that.

Semaj's mistake (and time will tell) may be going all in on basketball (probably not because even if he nevers sniffs the NBA, he's going to make a living somewhere doing it), but to say it was a mistake to leave Xavier early is way too premature.

[paulxu]

I don't have a preference for either path. Suspect some have stayed (maybe more in football) and suffered an injury that damaged their pro prospects.

But, if Jalen is looking for a path/role model for potential success, he could do worse than follow in DFW's footsteps.

[xukeith]

Oh and for the big man, Jalen Reynolds, take note. You are the best pro prospect on this Xavier team.

Maybe I should be more formal and start this thus:

Dear Jalen Reynolds, aka Manimal,

You are a Junior now, and I congratulate you for attaining the rank of a veteran upper classman. You have pro potential.

I believe that someday you will play in the NBA.

Jalen, as much as people would like you to believe, their are no short-cuts in life. You simply can't skip to the NBA. Given time and production, I do not think that you will be denied.

We have had gentlemen who were great Xavier talents that left before their time and they have suffered the consequences.

I want you to work hard for two more years. We made the tournament your first year. We were ranked and you were a star your second year. We will be ranked again and you will be a star this year. And you deserve it. And when you stay for your fourth year all hell is going to break loose, and it will be all because your dedication to Xavier University. I can't wait to see that happen.

He will be 24 this season. If I am 24 and spent 4 years in classes and have my degree and have 1 year to play for free and be in classes another year, I say it might be best for him to leave and get paid over the next 10 years of his life.

[Xavier]

Meh- D Brown is doing just fine. After 2014 he was on the second year of a three year contract making 1.8 million a year overseas.

[XU-PA]

Good Riddance Semaj! You made the right choice. And the losers that argued for you and Derrick Brown are still retarded. I hope the next "prodigy" that needs work stays with the program. We have had lottery picks. Playing at Xavier with a ranked team is way better than playing in the D-League. The idiots that tell you otherwise have no clue about the game of basketball.

Derrick Brown as a senior would have taken us to a Final Four. Remember the epic Kansas State game? Imagine that with Derrick Brown who was on the bench and then release with the Charlotte Hornets. Derrick Brown would have been the major attraction on that team, and we had Hollway and

Lighten up Francis.
Their lives, their game.

[Backyard Champ]

Pretty sure Snipe was drunk when he posted that. Just looking at the time he posted, and how moronic the post was, I think it's a safe guess. At least I hope it is...

[waggy]

If Brown stays for his Sr year X beats Kansas State in regulation, goes on to the F4, and he becomes a lottery pick.

[Xavier]

If Brown stays for his Sr year X beats Kansas State in regulation, goes on to the F4, and he becomes a lottery pick.

Hmm, so hard to say obviously but if your scenario happened I'd still be surprised if he was lottery. Probably first round though. He wasn't quite as good as Hayward, who was drafted 9th.

Regardless, I think about the could've beens like everyone else. Speaking of Brown, if his shoe size was a little smaller he may be inbounds late in the tournament against 1 seeded Pitt. Granted, we missed a lot of bunnies early in that game from my memory. Damn.

[X-man]

Pretty sure Snipe was drunk when he posted that. Just looking at the time he posted, and how moronic the post was, I think it's a safe guess. At least I hope it is...

It wouldn't be the first time.

[Backyard Champ]

If Brown stays for his Sr year X beats Kansas State in regulation, goes on to the F4, and he becomes a lottery pick.

You're probably dead on about that...

[waggy]

Just funnin really. If Brown stays X is a better seed and doesn't even play K State. Everything would be different. "Climate change" doesn't even happen..

[xu82]

It wouldn't be the first time.

And I'll bet it's not the last.

But who am I to cast stones?

[Juice]

And I'll bet it's not the last.

But who am I to cast stones?

Why do you guys think X's team success (that actually didn't happen) would have any affect on Derrick Brown's draft number?

[xu82]

Why do you guys think X's team success (that actually didn't happen) would have any affect on Derrick Brown's draft number?

Uhhh, I was responding about Snipe posting at 3:00am, possibly under the influence. It may happen again, but what do I know? You've attached the wrong point to the wrong post, I think. But all is forgiven, even if it isn't 3:00am.

[Juice]

Uhhh, I was responding about Snipe posting at 3:00am, possibly under the influence. It may happen again, but what do I know? You've attached the wrong point to the wrong post, I think. But all is forgiven, even if it isn't 3:00am.

You're correct that I attached my response to the wrong post. I meant to hit "quick reply" and not "reply with quote".

[xu82]

You're correct that I attached my response to the wrong post. I meant to hit "quick reply" and not "reply with quote".

No problem, Snipe will get back to you in a few hours. Rest up, it may be a long read. Or did you have another point? A run in the tourney does seem to affect a players draft status, rightly or wrongly.

[XUFan09]

Why do you guys think X's team success (that actually didn't happen) would have any affect on Derrick Brown's draft number?

Yeah, this is something that is commonly overrated by fans. NBA teams do like seeing "winners," but they care A LOT more about actual talent/potential and how it projects to the NBA. They also understand the realities of the team game, whether it's a great player on a crappy team or a good player on a great team. Paul George led Fresno State nowhere (because they sucked), but he got drafted 10th. Jon Scheyer helped lead Duke to a national championship, but he went undrafted. Heck, Scottie Reynolds was a first-team All-American and led Villanova to the Final Four, but he went undrafted. Although NBA scouts would know that though Brown was a good NBA prospect (better than Scheyer and Reynolds), Jordan Crawford's contribution to that team's success would have to be acknowledged. If Brown helped to lead a team to a deep NCAA run, it wouldn't really change who he is. He wouldn't suddenly become a lottery talent. He was/is good but not that good. Maybe another year could have helped him secure a first-round selection, but 1) he still ended up with a pretty good contract in the second round and 2) that's a big maybe.

Also, people are failing to acknowledge the existence of diminishing returns. Brown already had contributed to deep tournament runs. He was a starter, double-digit scorer, and key post defender for an Elite Team in 2008. The next year, he increased his scoring production, maintained his defensive presence, and shot lights out from three (which probably wouldn't be replicated), while being one of the stars of a Sweet 16 team that almost made the Elite Eight. Even if tournament runs boosted draft position in a big way (they generally don't), another year of helping to lead Xavier deep into the tournament wouldn't have really said anything new about Brown's game. In addition, Crawford might have overshadowed him instead of complemented him like B.J. Raymond did. His future potential was also a big plus on his draft profile, and he would have lost a year off of that. His three-point percentage probably wouldn't have been as good as the 43.5% he shot his junior year. Hell, he could have got hurt. The list of risks can go on, but the end result would have most likely left him in the same position: late first/early second round.

[XUFan09]

No problem, Snipe will get back to you in a few hours. Rest up, it may be a long read. Or did you have another point? A run in the tourney does seem to affect a players draft status, rightly or wrongly.

A run in the tournament can help, but it's not simply because those guys are March heroes. A tournament run by necessity requires playing good or hot teams, sometimes with elite players, so a draft prospect really has to show his abilities in a highly competitive, high-stakes environment. If it's a player like Brown, who has already shown that, it doesn't really contribute much more. Sometimes you get that anomaly where a player and team came seemingly out of nowhere and his draft stock shot up, but known qualities like Brown and Xavier wouldn't get that treatment. Other times, though, you actually get someone like Tu Holloway, who looked to be in alright shape (not great) in terms of the NBA Draft before being exposed in the tournament by long, athletic players, the very type he would have encountered in the NBA.

Where you really start to hear about teams drafting "winners" is after a draft's high-level talent. In the late first round, you might start to hear that talk, but it really picks up in the second round, especially in the latter half of the second round. GMs know that they usually won't find great talent later in the second round (a lot of the times, those players don't even make rosters), so "winners" become more appealing. That late in the game, the GMs are dealing with a lot of similarly talented players. They're all good, just not great, and it's really difficult to determine who will actually hang on in the NBA. So, the guy with "grit" and the right attitude distinguishes himself from the multitude.

[Juice]

A run in the tournament can help, but it's not simply because those guys are March heroes. A tournament run by necessity requires playing good or hot teams, sometimes with elite players, so a draft prospect really has to show his abilities in a highly competitive, high-stakes environment. If it's a player like Brown, who has already shown that, it doesn't really contribute much more. Sometimes you get that anomaly where a player and team came seemingly out of nowhere and his draft stock shot up, but known qualities like Brown and Xavier wouldn't get that treatment. Other times, though, you actually get someone like Tu Holloway, who looked to be in alright shape (not great) in terms of the NBA Draft before being exposed in the tournament by long, athletic players, the very type he would have encountered in the NBA.

Where you really start to hear about teams drafting "winners" is after a draft's high-level talent. In the late first round, you might start to hear that talk, but it really picks up in the second round, especially in the latter half of the second round. GMs know that they usually won't find great talent later in the second round (a lot of the times, those players don't even make rosters), so "winners" become more appealing. That late in the game, the GMs are dealing with a lot of similarly talented players. They're all good, just not great, and it's really difficult to determine who will actually hang on in the NBA. So, the guy with "grit" and the right attitude distinguishes himself from the multitude.

Hell, okafor's draft stock dropped after he won a championship. But I don't view it as him dropping but more so him being properly rated.

[MuskieCinci]

According to some fans, if there was a way for players to stay in school for 15 years they would be a guaranteed number 1 pick, because coming back for another year of school can only help your draft position.

[Juice]

According to some fans, if there was a way for players to stay in school for 15 years they would be a guaranteed number 1 pick, because coming back for another year of school can only help your draft position.

Yeah, there is usually a pretty good reason why a guy stays all 4 years, it's because he's probably not good enough.

[XUFan09]

Yeah, there is usually a pretty good reason why a guy stays all 4 years, it's because he's probably not good enough.
But the NBA loves "polished" products, right?

[Juice]

But the NBA loves "polished" products, right?

And leadership, proven winners, and maturity.

[X-man]

And I'll bet it's not the last.

But who am I to cast stones?

Trust me, I am not casting stones here. I am as guilty as the next man at "drinking while posting", although never in the car. I was simply stating the obvious.

[SemajParlor]

And leadership, proven winners, and maturity.

Don't forget not passing up on a free education that they somehow didn't earn the choice to pursue or not.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ha, this thread is great!

[gladdenguy]

According to some fans, if there was a way for players to stay in school for 15 years they would be a guaranteed number 1 pick, because coming back for another year of school can only help your draft position.

I don't know about any other college basketball players......but I know Semaj, DBrown, and JCrawford could have used at least another year. :perfect10:

[casualfan]

I don't know about any other college basketball players......but I know Semaj, DBrown, and JCrawford could have used at least another year. :perfect10:

It's interesting in the case of Semaj and even D Brown though because they weren't playing their NBA spot at the college level.

Would another year of playing on the wing have improved Semaj's draft stock as a PG at all? I'm skeptical.

Same thing with D Brown. To be successful in the NBA IMO he was going to have to be a wing guy. I just don't think he was big enough to play PF in the league. If he came back he wasn't going to be on the wing here.

It's why I said if Jalen plans on leaving after this upcoming season he might as well have left last year so he can start his developmen as a faceup 4. This year hell likely play the vast majority of his minutes at the 5 and rightfully so. But he's not an NBA 5. To make it in the NBA he's going to have to become a faceup 4 man that can hit long jumpers and take guys off the bounce. I don't think he'll be doing a whole lot of either this upcoming sesson.

[Chalmers0]

Chris Reichert ‏@Chris_Reichert 2h2 hours ago
Semaj Christon (OKC Blue) finalizing agreement with Vuelle Pesaro in Italy per @sportando #DLeagueAlum

Smart move IMO. Guess he wasn't that confident he would get a chance this year.

[Cheesehead]

Chris Reichert ‏@Chris_Reichert 2h2 hours ago
Semaj Christon (OKC Blue) finalizing agreement with Vuelle Pesaro in Italy per @sportando #DLeagueAlum

Smart move IMO. Guess he wasn't that confident he would get a chance this year.

It just goes to show you how hard it is to be an NBA player. It is not just talent as I thought Sato, Brown, and even Duncan might make it. Then you have guys like Aaron Williams and Strong that had solid NBA careers. It comes down to right team and right fit and also talent, of course.

[drudy23]

It just goes to show you how hard it is to be an NBA player. It is not just talent as I thought Sato, Brown, and even Duncan might make it. Then you have guys like Aaron Williams and Strong that had solid NBA careers. It comes down to right team and right fit and also talent, of course.

That being said, you also rarely see the top tier teams having a spot...they're already very good for a reason. Tough to crack the rotation on a perennial playoff team with top tier talent (you I know they missed last year, but both were hurt most of the year).

The "we'll give you your shot" teams are usually the bottom feeders.

[mistabeecee41]

Smart move. Get paid, wasn't getting called up this year.

[Cheesehead]

Smart move. Get paid, wasn't getting called up this year.

Agreed, make maybe $25,00-$30,000 in D league or get paid six figures in Italy. If he plays well over there, he might be able to make it back to NBA circles. Or just have a lengthy career over seas and bank your money. There are worse things in life.

[bobbiemcgee]

Somewhat of an ironic twist?

http://maryland.247sports.com/Bolt/Dez-Wells-Signs-with-Oklahoma-City-Thunder-38748570

[Xavier]

I remember when many Xavier fans thought Wells probably would bolt to the NBA after two or three years.

[Milhouse]

I'm amazed he measured in at 6'3"

[Cheesehead]

I'm amazed he measured in at 6'3"

I agree. I think he was listed as 6'5" at X and I stood right next to him at Dana's once and am 6'1" and there was not much of a difference.

[blueblood]

His last year at X Semaj was listed as 6'3" and 190 lbs. Was listed as 6'3" and 187 lbs the prior year.

[SemajParlor]

I remember when many Xavier fans thought Wells probably would bolt to the NBA after two or three years.

Well he might have if, you know..

[principal]

His last year at X Semaj was listed as 6'3" and 190 lbs. Was listed as 6'3" and 187 lbs the prior year.

I believe the 6'3" measurement was a reference to Dez from the linked article. With that said, I don't recall Dez measuring 6'5" at XU. Can anyone confirm his measurements while at X?

Edit: He was listed as 6'5" while at X (source: goxavier.com).

[NY44]

Well he might have if, you know..

...he developed a better jump shot?

[blueblood]

I believe the 6'3" measurement was a reference to Dez from the linked article. With that said, I don't recall Dez measuring 6'5" at XU. Can anyone confirm his measurements while at X?

Edit: He was listed as 6'5" while at X (source: goxavier.com).

I must be missing something, he is listed as 6'3" and 190lbs here --
http://goxavier.com/roster.aspx?roster=130&path=mbball

[XUFan09]

I must be missing something, he is listed as 6'3" and 190lbs here --
http://goxavier.com/roster.aspx?roster=130&path=mbball
He's talking about Dez.

[SemajParlor]

...he developed a better jump shot?

Most likely. He shot 51% from 3 last year and 80 percent from the line as opposed to 38% and 68% during his time at Xavier. Obviously that's not necessarily conducive to him being an overall better jump shooter, but being one of the best guards in the country, I'll give him benefit of the doubt. He had a tremendous career.

Wells' issue is not his ability to score or defend. And he can hang with anyone athletically on any level there is. Guy doesn't have a position. Too small for a 2 and not a point guard. Still, wouldn't surprise me if he finds minutes on an NBA team

[Cheesehead]

I believe the 6'3" measurement was a reference to Dez from the linked article. With that said, I don't recall Dez measuring 6'5" at XU. Can anyone confirm his measurements while at X?

Edit: He was listed as 6'5" while at X (source: goxavier.com).

I think I said that. :biggrin: Mr brother is 6'5" and Dez aint's 6'5" and I am shocked he even got 6'3". Either that or I am taller than 6'1".

[sirthought]

I've never seen him in person up close, but I'm surprised. I always thought Dez looked like a proper SF (for college). If they are wanting him to be a point guard, well…I think he's screwed with the NBA. I'm sure he'll land somewhere and make money doing what he does because he's got some grit and is gifted.

[Juice]

I've never seen him in person up close, but I'm surprised. I always thought Dez looked like a proper SF (for college). If they are wanting him to be a point guard, well…I think he's screwed with the NBA. I'm sure he'll land somewhere and make money doing what he does because he's got some grit and is gifted.

You've got to be at least 6'7'' to play SF in the league. If he played SF in the NBA he would be asked to guard Lebron, Carmelo, etc. who would all physically abuse him.

[Xavier]

You've got to be at least 6'7'' to play SF in the league. If he played SF in the NBA he would be asked to guard Lebron, Carmelo, etc. who would all physically abuse him.

Sirthought said as much in his post. He said he is a good SF for college but screwed with the NBA. I do agree with him (and you) that he never stood a chance in the NBA but he will make money oversees I am sure.

[profson]

At the combine Semaj measured 6'1.5" in bare feet and 6'3.25" in shoes. http://www.nbadraft.net/2014-nba-draft-combine-measurements

[Juice]

Sirthought said as much in his post. He said he is a good SF for college but screwed with the NBA. I do agree with him (and you) that he never stood a chance in the NBA but he will make money oversees I am sure.

And that's the best part about all of this is that Semaj, Dez, etc. will all make a ton more money than we ever dreamed of at their age. If not making the NBA is a failure, then they picked the right way to "fail".

[DoubleD86]

And that's the best part about all of this is that Semaj, Dez, etc. will all make a ton more money than we ever dreamed of at their age. If not making the NBA is a failure, then they picked the right way to "fail".

Not to mention doing so getting to play a game they love, often times in countries that I dream of visiting one day.

I will never understand the American college basketball fan's view of being a professional in Europe as some huge failure or disappointment. Yes, it is not the NBA, but still a heck of a way to earn a living. Only a select few can say ending up in Europe is a failure, and those usually end up there for non-basketball reasons.

[LA Muskie]

Not to mention doing so getting to play a game they love, often times in countries that I dream of visiting one day.

I will never understand the American college basketball fan's view of being a professional in Europe as some huge failure or disappointment. Yes, it is not the NBA, but still a heck of a way to earn a living. Only a select few can say ending up in Europe is a failure, and those usually end up there for non-basketball reasons.
I know two guys who played professionally in Europe. For the VAST majority of players it is not a particularly positive long-term experience, although the short-term opportunity to expand horizons and see the world make up for most of the short-term downside. Long term, the stars do very well and generally are treated very well (so long as they remain healthy). Everyone else? Not so much...

[D-West & PO-Z]

At the combine Semaj measured 6'1.5" in bare feet and 6'3.25" in shoes. http://www.nbadraft.net/2014-nba-draft-combine-measurements

I still dont understand why it matters what their height is without shoes. They going to start playing shoeless at some point? Its not like one guy has shoes with a 5inch heel and another with a 2inch. So dumb.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I think it is mainly a reach thing. You simply can't augment your reach like you can your height with different shoes.


I still dont understand why it matters what their height is without shoes. They going to start playing shoeless at some point? Its not like one guy has shoes with a 5inch heel and another with a 2inch. So dumb.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I know two guys who played professionally in Europe. For the VAST majority of players it is not a particularly positive long-term experience, although the short-term opportunity to expand horizons and see the world make up for most of the short-term downside. Long term, the stars do very well and generally are treated very well (so long as they remain healthy). Everyone else? Not so much...

Yeah, it is surprisingly easy to play professional basketball in Europe, just means you might play somewhere shitty and not make a lot. I guarantee that the walk ons on XU's team could play professionally somewhere if they really wanted to. They wont be playing in the good leagues or making the type of money Semaj would be but they could do it.

I also agree its not a failure to play in Europe. Sign me up for a million dollar a year failure.