Irving Leaves Duke For NBA

[BaltimoreTerp]

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&ATCLID=205131514&DB_OEM_ID=4200

[mweb]

:2yay-thumb:

[Sports Guy]

That really blows.

Let's hope Harrison Barnes leaves because if he doesn't, UNC should coast to the title next year.

[The Epic]

If Barnes comes back, there should be no reason why they don't get, at worst, 1 loss in conference, 1 loss out of conference, an ACC title, and a national title.

[beaner]

That really blows.

Let's hope Harrison Barnes leaves because if he doesn't, UNC should coast to the title next year.

Wait, let's not.

[beaner]

If Barnes comes back, there should be no reason why they don't get, at worst, 1 loss in conference, 1 loss out of conference, an ACC title, and a national title.

Agreed..Henson and Zeller announced today, so let's keep the momentum going AP!!

[Frobby]

Irving's departure was a foregone conclusion. I don't blame him at all -- he's experienced firsthand the risk of a career-hampering injury. He'd be crazy to jeopardize his big payday.

That said, and although I think Irving was a great teammate and a quality individual, I'd be happy if Duke didn't recruit kids who were likely to be one-and-done. I just don't like the whole concept of college being a brief weigh-station to the NBA.

[Sports Guy]

5 first rounders and 3 lottery picks for UNC next year if Barnes stays. Even if he leaves, they will be very good but will they have a go to scorer without him?

[mweb]

Not sure how accurate it is, but the ESPN draft site has Mason Plumlee as leaning towards leaving.

[Sports Guy]

Not sure how accurate it is, but the ESPN draft site has Mason Plumlee as leaning towards leaving.

Its possible...The Duke people have worried about it as some scouts see him as a first rounder.

He shouldn't leave but he may.

[OFFNY]

Kind of surprising. Usually the players from schools such as Stanford, Duke, Vanderbilt, etc. stay for 4 years (5 if they redshirt).

[Birds of B'more]

Irving's departure was a foregone conclusion. I don't blame him at all -- he's experienced firsthand the risk of a career-hampering injury. He'd be crazy to jeopardize his big payday.

That said, and although I think Irving was a great teammate and a quality individual, I'd be happy if Duke didn't recruit kids who were likely to be one-and-done. I just don't like the whole concept of college being a brief weigh-station to the NBA.

You mean like Gary Williams? Yeah, that's worked out real well.

[Frobby]

I'd be happy if Duke didn't recruit kids who were likely to be one-and-done.

You mean like Gary Williams? Yeah' date=' that's worked out real well.[/quote']

The starting lienup for Duke's national championship team last year had 3 graduating seniors and 2 juniors who are graduating this year. How'd that work out for them? Duke has had only 3 one-and-doners in it's history, and I'd say Duke has done OK. By the way, none of those 3 players won a national championship.

[Birds of B'more]

The starting lienup for Duke's national championship team last year had 3 graduating seniors and 2 juniors who are graduating this year. How'd that work out for them? Duke has had only 3 one-and-doners in it's history, and I'd say Duke has done OK. By the way, none of those 3 players won a national championship.

I guess you missed my point, although in fairness my point was somewhat off-topic. I can count on one hand the number of programs who can recruit talented players who are not only good enough to win a national championship, but will also stay for four years. Then there are the 300+ other Division 1 schools, among them Maryland. But Gary must think differently.....and like I said, that's worked out really well lately.

[Frobby]

I guess you missed my point' date=' although in fairness my point was somewhat off-topic. I can count on one hand the number of programs who can recruit talented players who are not only good enough to win a national championship, but will also stay for four years. Then there are the 300+ other Division 1 schools, among them Maryland. But Gary must think differently.....and like I said, that's worked out really well lately. [/quote']

Fair enough. I think there is a difference, though, between a true "one and doner" (i.e., a guy who everyone knows is likely to play one year of college ball and then leave) and guys who improve during college to the point where they are able to go pro before using up all four years of eligibility. You can run a pretty strong program without recruiting a lot of one-and-doners.