BearsTruth Board

The point of staying versus going isn't about a players first contract, it is about his second and beyond. Yes, if Austin leaves he will likely get picked in the first round and get a big payday, but after that contract runs out and he has accomplished nothing he will have no degree and a skill he can no longer use. He will have to live off of his first contract for life. He isn't ready physically, not even close really, which means even though he is talented he won't be able to show those skills due to lack of strength and knowledge of the game. The number of times he had his shot blocked by a 6'8" or 6'7" player this year became uncountable after very few games. I'm not positive he would ever get a ball to the hoop in the NBA, maybe not in the D-League. He needs time to learn to score against guys 5 inches shorter, not to mention the guys in the NBA who are as tall but weigh 30-50 pounds more. This is why people believe players should return to school vs going early. Tony might have costs himself money now, but if he comes back next year he would be poised to dominate people with his new physical development and further understanding of the game.