O'Bryant's Future?

[Nyghtewynd]

Have there been any public statements on what POB is thinking concerning the NBA? I know that Ken Pomeroy, for instance, has Bradley as a pre-season top-25 team for next year, but it seems as if he could maybe be drafted right now. Is everyone pretty much thinking that he has at least one more year in college left?

[OilerPimp]

If an NBA team wants to take a chance and draft a "project"...more power to you. He isn't ready now, IMO.

His low-post defense is questionable sometimes. I think stronger opposing players find that they can have their way with him, in regards to postion in the paint, most times.

But...POB this year and POB last year are two totally different players. He did add more weight. He did add more muscle. He did all the things that were asked of him. So, who's to say he couldn't do it again following this year, leading into the draft?

I think I may have changed my mind during this post.:grin:

[BUAlum]

I talked to him about it about a month ago. He said that he's comin back. Not sure if anything has changed since then. I kinda doubt it. He's a really smart kid. He's still got a long way to go. Another year of school would do him a lot of good. Some people are taking about him possibly being a pretty high draft pick. Why not play another year, kick some *** and remove all doubt?

I spoke with coach Les about it just before the MVC tourney. He not only said that he was comin back, but that they have some interesting plans for him. Most notably, that they intend on stacking another 20-25 pounds on him (of muscle of course). I'm excited to see what happens.

:braves:

[Majik45]

Most people seem to think he will be coming back next year. Wouldn't surprise me if he didn't hire an agent and went to some of the NBA draft camps to see where he stands.

If he did go, he would definitely be picked, but I would think it would be late 1st round, early 2nd round at this point. I sure hope he doesn't go.

[WSUfan]

Have there been any public statements on what POB is thinking concerning the NBA? I know that Ken Pomeroy, for instance, has Bradley as a pre-season top-25 team for next year, but it seems as if he could maybe be drafted right now. Is everyone pretty much thinking that he has at least one more year in college left?
YES!

[azbirdfan]

I don't know though. I could see him being a lottery type pick even now, based on what they think his future might be. They're taking high school kids now who haven't developed fully and also look at that Darko Militec (spelling) who was taken, what, 2nd? a few years back by the Pistons. He still hasn't developed and I'd suggest that O'Bryant today is better than he was when he was drafted as a lottery pick.

I'd rather see him stay another year and believe that if he does, he will solidify himself as a future NBA star.

[Aargh]

If POB is a bright person he will realize his draft position should go up a few notches if he stays at least another year. The difference in his signing bonus and salary could be in the millions.

[Canevision]

True, his position could go higher, or he could get hurt etc.

Strike while the iron is hot and be a first rounder with guaranteed money.

I don't see Bradley as a top-25 type team next year unless some unexpected players step up. They're losing a very good player and their primary ball handler and a great on the ball defender. I think they're bunched in another pack next year much the same as this year.

POB has a tough choice to make, one I'm not sure I'd want to make.

[redbirdtim]

I heard that POB was going, which was about a month ago. However, he may change his mind. If someone is willing to take him top 20, I could see him going. If he chooses not to go, he better get insurance on himself (2 to 3 million or so) because he would be losing quite a lot if he got injured. If Bradley wins and he is the driving force behind that win, his draft stock may sky rocket even more.

I don't know if he is going to be able to add 20-25 lbs. in this one offseason of solid muscle, but I could see him putting 10-15 more lbs. on.

If he leaves, there is no way Bradley will be a preseason top 25 team or even a top 40 team. Even if he comes back, I can't see them being higher than 23 or 24 because they lose Sommerville, Bennett, Wright, and Heemskerk as well. Teams will not have to focus on Sommerville and can double down on POB. Having Sommerville step up has really helped POB free up in the tourney. If Bradley's guards and Sommerville can continue shooting well from the outside, that will really help free up POB on the inside. They will be playing the best team they have all season in Memphis, but they can win if they can pressure Washington at the point-he's the key to that game.

[bigbearfan]

if POB has a legit chance to go to the League, he better go.

Dee Brown blew his chance at Illinois and now is not even on the lottery radar.

[MSU Bleeds Maroon]

POB in the 2008 draft could evoke images of David Robinson and Tim Duncan.

POB in the 2006 draft could evoke images of Michael Olowakandi and Yinka Dare.

Yes, there's the question of injury. But where is the chance of injury more likely -- in college, playing 30-35 games a year against smaller, slower competition, or in the NBA, playing 80+ games a year against bigger, stronger players?

Insure the body parts, and stay in school.

[Bradleyfan]

POB in the 2008 draft could evoke images of David Robinson and Tim Duncan.

POB in the 2006 draft could evoke images of Michael Olowakandi and Yinka Dare.

Yes, there's the question of injury. But where is the chance of injury more likely -- in college, playing 30-35 games a year against smaller, slower competition, or in the NBA, playing 80+ games a year against bigger, stronger players?

Insure the body parts, and stay in school.

I agree wholeheartedly. Of course, I'm very biased as well! :grin: