Glenn Robinson III draft decision. (Hints at leaving)
Glenn Robinson III was interviewed yesterday and made a few comments that hint at this being his last few games as a Wolverine. Tough decision when you factor in his draft stock at the moment.(30s) It will be very interesting to see what McGary does as well. I'm of the mind that both need to stay and cement their draft stock in a weaker draft next season but I'm starting to get that feeling that all 3 of Stauskas, McGary and Robinson are taking their talents to the NBA. It's hard not to be happy for them individually but it's tough losing underclassmen every year. If we grab this Title I don't think anyone would really be too concerned though so lets just smoke Kentucky today and let the chips fall where they may!
March 30th, 2014 at 11:43 AM ^
The money argument is ridiculous? Really? Are you unemployed?
Playing D-1 bball is a 50-60 hr/week grind of classes, practices, flights, hotels, training tables, cold tubs and weight rooms. If you can get paid to do it, and drop the charade of classes and homework, you'll probably take that option.
March 30th, 2014 at 11:45 AM ^
March 30th, 2014 at 11:49 AM ^
I compliment you on being quick to respond.
A degree is for the average joe schmoe who's earing potential tops out from what he learns in a clasroom. GR3 is going to be paid to play on basketball courts for as long as he wants in his 20s and 30s. Paid a lot. And the league(s) wants him now, while he's still young. So no, a degree isn't the priority.
I want GR3 to stay too, but I'm being honest about it when I say it's mainly cause I want the bball team to keep being elite.
March 30th, 2014 at 12:05 PM ^
If you play for schools like North Carolina the classes and homework aren't much of a problem.
Whatever he decides, he seems to have good perspective and appreciate what he has. This encapsulates why I still prefer college ball, even though the level of play is far lower:
“Once you leave college you’re never going to be a part of a real team anymore. Guys are playing for contracts, for their families and everything. We’re actually one team that doesn’t care. We don’t care who scores or we don’t care who gets the credit. We are just out there to play basketball for each other.”
March 30th, 2014 at 10:32 AM ^
if he leaves. the NBA is littered with great athletes like him so in that sense he isn't all that special at that level. what could/would set him apart is his mental game where he actually plays defense and also doesn't get lost on offense for signif periods of time. he's been doing great this past month, but unless he is some unstoppable beast today (and hopefully next weeked), it would not be wise for him to leave early.
I want to beat Kentucky and not worry/comment about who is leaving. GO BLUE!
college basketball. All the great teams have dealt with this problem for over a decade, I agree with your sentiment, but that's just the way it is.
This. The fan in all of us would love to see them come back but that is just wishfull thinking.
I don't know that I would use the term "idiots" as you did, but I agree with your basic point. I could see GRIII and MM both being drafted higher (and making more money) after another year or they could get hurt and lose it all as you say. Whatever they chose, the fan base should be supportive and be grateful for what all three have added to the program.
You talk like they're assured of long careers and that's not the case. They could wash out. First rounders are guaranteed millions. Second rounders are guaranteed nothing. And McGary and GRIII are quite possibly second round picks this summer.
March 30th, 2014 at 10:12 AM ^
http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/info/minimum_scale
Guaranteed millions? No.
But if we make an assumption that they are drafted and make a roster, they'll minimally make 500k next year.
That's pretty damn good change. There's no guarantee they improve their position. We saw that this year! Especially in McGary's place, there's a non-negligible chance to totally blows his chance of being drafted.
They are more than likely to be drafted and given a greater than minimum salary, aka $1MM+.
They should probably all go. None are going to make monumental leaps after another year in AA.
March 30th, 2014 at 10:32 AM ^
You make those salaries in your link only if you are in the league. First round draft choices are are guaranteed two years. Second round picks are guaranteed nothing.
It shouldn't be that hard to get the NBA to agree to only accept guys with a 4 yr college degree.
March 30th, 2014 at 10:28 AM ^
March 30th, 2014 at 12:51 PM ^
The only position Robinson could play in the NBA is the 2 guard position. He is just too small and passive to play forward. To play the shooting guard one must be a great outside shooter. Robinson's just shot has been inconsistant all year. He needs to do what Hardaway and show that he can shoot. He should be able to do that as he can take Stauskus's position. I would imagine Beilein would look to play Donnal at the stretch 4. This would allow Robinson to be the feature offensive player on the perimeter.
As stated already NBA is littered with atheletes who can jump but not shoot. If Robinson has any doubts he should ask where Hardaway would have been drafted if he had declared early his 2nd year.
For selfish reasons, I'd love him to stay, but he has to do whatever he (and his dad) believe is best for him. If they decide leaving now is best for his career, I wish him good luck and a long, prosperous NBA career. Now lets end his, Morgan's and whomever else decides to go with 3 more W's!!!!
Wish them luck. Don't begrduge them the opportunity of a 7 figure contract at their ages.
Injuries happen. I think Mitch's case for crystalizes the dilemma these kids face
But if we win the title next week, I don't think any of us would have any right to complain about any of their choices.
March 30th, 2014 at 10:06 AM ^
I hope he plays lights out today and what ever remaining games he might play (I see KY winning this as they have the current momentum but I hope and pray I am wrong on that front). I always get the feeling that he doesn't play with a consistent passion and just turns it on when he wants to, imo. I have also seen him miss some very easy shots in the key and have heard many announcers complain about his shooting mechanics during the tourny. If he wasn't Big Dog's son, would there be as much hype about him? Regardless, I hope he gets a nice paycheck if he goes to the NBA and learns how to keep his money instead of blowing it all away like so many athletes do.
GO BLUE. SKIN THOSE PUSSY CATS FROM KY!
March 30th, 2014 at 11:01 AM ^
We have both won the same amount of games in a row. They have stepped up their game just as we have.
What they do have, along with Michigan State is the press telling you how great they are just as the media said we would lose to Tennessee and Texas. It's a repeat of last year where we are not the media darling. I wonder why because you can't find a more likeable and honest person than John Beilein. The team seems to be filled with good kids who like having fun.
The games this time of year can go either way but I'll hang my hat on John Beilein and the best shooter on the court.
March 30th, 2014 at 10:07 AM ^
who cares?
the game is on in 7 hours! and I know GRIII will be a part of our team for that game and the two games next week!
jdon
March 30th, 2014 at 10:24 AM ^
and a good one to have.
March 30th, 2014 at 10:30 AM ^
The coach will just have to keep recruiting! I hope we beat UK but UK has more talent then our team. Unfortunately that talent is peaking in the tournament. I just hope it is a close game and of course it will be great to win. But finishing in the elite 8 was more than what I expected this season after losing McGary!
March 30th, 2014 at 10:38 AM ^
March 30th, 2014 at 10:47 AM ^
March 30th, 2014 at 10:59 AM ^
Because I believe you can only do it once...not sure though.
March 30th, 2014 at 11:03 AM ^
March 30th, 2014 at 11:04 AM ^
One item concerning GRIII that I believe to be overblown is his playing 'out-of-position'. True he has played the stretch 4 during his time in Ann Arbor when it seems the 3 would be his most natural position.. Fewer and fewer college teams deploy a traditional 2 big lineup, unless theyre playing Michigan in the tourney this year, anymore. So defensively he does play out of position, but offensively thats a different story. He plays the wing on offense. He isnt posting up, he doesnt have the JMo screen setting role, he plays more similar to Stauskas & Levert than a post player. I don't think his position on this team has been a detriment to his development at all, if he thought that way conventional wisdom would lead to having him exit last year as a lottery pick.
GRII is a smart guy, if he grades out as a 2nd rounder it really wouldnt behoove him to leave this season. Attrition alone brings his value up as a prospect in 2015. Even a serious season ending injury, such as McGary's, doesnt necessarily destroy your stock; see 'McGary, Mitch.'
If he continues this stellar tournament play and Michigan wins another game or 3, however, I don't see him keeping a 2nd round grade. Or coming back. So lets just win a damn title and then it really doesnt matter anymore!
March 30th, 2014 at 11:14 AM ^
Zach Irvin....clear your summer schedule and plan on spending your summer with Mr. Sanderson so you can be the next to undergo the Metamorphis. We need another 6-8" of vertical and preferably about 10-15 lbs of muscle. Make it happen....gotta replace GRIII.
March 30th, 2014 at 11:21 AM ^
March 30th, 2014 at 11:35 AM ^
The only reason he's looking at a second-round pick instead of the lottery is his back. If he can establish that he's healthy he stands to make a lot of money, and the best way to do that (since I don't think he'll have recovered in time to fully demonstrate at pre-draft workouts) is to get through a productive year.
If his prognosis his poor he might as well come out and get what he can, but if his prognosis is good it makes sense to stick around for a demonstration year.
March 30th, 2014 at 11:55 AM ^
March 30th, 2014 at 12:15 PM ^
Donnal is getting great reviews but is still a 6'9 guy.
Break out your giant calves Max B!
Yes, we will be taking a step back there.
March 30th, 2014 at 12:23 PM ^
It would be very dificult. Horford starts and after that you just have RS freshman and freshman to contemplate. Donnal for sure... .Doyle you'd prefer to redshirt but with Bielfeldt being Bielfeldt I think there is a chance they'd just throw in Doyle in he mix.
It is just terribly difficult to lose 5 early entries in 2 years for a program that doesn't get Kentucky type classes... even the UNCs and Kansas and Duke's don't have that sort of attrition in a 2 year space.