Only One Wolverine on a D-League Roster, But Lots of Spartans and Buckeyes
The NBA D-League season starts this week. I just scoured every roster, and only one former Wolverine is there: Manny Harris is a member of the Los Angeles D-Fenders.
But you'll find plenty of OSU and MSU players in the D-League. Ex-Spartans Kalin Lucas, Keith Appling and Durrell Summers are all in the D-League, as are OSU's William Buford, Lenzelle Smith and (yes!) Aaron Craft.
Moral of the story: Beilein is putting guys into the NBA, while Izzo and Matta are putting players into the D-League.
November 14th, 2014 at 1:28 PM ^
November 15th, 2014 at 9:16 AM ^
November 14th, 2014 at 2:03 PM ^
I don't think having lots of guys in the D-League should be seen as a negative. It means the guys who didn't make the NBA are close and still have a shot. Would we be in worse shape if guys like Jordan Morgan or Zach Novak were in the D-League?
November 14th, 2014 at 2:17 PM ^
can't figure out is how Izzo gets 90% of his players to stay all four years? The guy is a genius in that regard, he has more Final Four appearances (6) then guys who have left for the NBA. Gary Harris (Soph) was the 5th player since Izzo began his tenure. The others: Brown (Jr), Randolph (Fr), Richardson (Soph.) Taylor?? (Soph.) Michigan has had that many kids jump in the last 4 years. So say what you want about his player development, he somehow convinces these high-talent kids to stay...which can be just as good as player development if your young talent is constantly jumping to the NBA. Im not knocking Izzo or Beilein, both their styles have brought them success. I just think getting kids to stay four years is impressive!
November 14th, 2014 at 3:47 PM ^
Now there's a name that hasn't been uttered in years.
November 14th, 2014 at 7:38 PM ^
if I'm reading this thread correctly, 4 of the 5 Spartans who left school early are currently on NBA rosters, and only 3 Spartans who completed their eligibility are in the NBA.
Clearly, Izzo is not developing his players.
November 14th, 2014 at 4:27 PM ^