mgoblogging

This one from the statistical analysis department:

How is that MBB's (Michigan basketball, not men's basketball) two best rising juniors did not declare for the NBA draft and a junior (eligibility-wise) sophomore, and freshman did?

And I'll put Isaiah Livers in there too, in fact why not include Adrien Nunez.  I think he would make a big splash overseas but the definition would have to be expanded to include places like the Bahamas or Central America.

It is not definitive, I get that, but in the eyes of this fan it is over.  Just Higdon et. al. and the bowl.  Just like the transfer portal or any other database.  Same with pro day.  And same with any other way to put it.

In much of corporate, public, or any other employment arena when you say you are going you are gone.  Everyone has to start planning for life as it goes on right then.  No it is not going to be a negotiation to get you back.  And no 30-day vacation while you clean out your desk either.

Pro contracts, who needs the news?  Once you leave, GRIII, Trey, Duncan Robinson and others, you are pursuing your career which is great.  If you are an alum that helps, and if you played-out your eligibility that is really great because that is all you could do, but still, paid to play is not the same.

Paid in college?  I don't believe it and I have never seen any news or data saying there is any coalition behind such a change.  To change the entire system would mean there was a groundswell behind it including a political means.

Instead the only audible or visible sentiment for "paying the players" is from sports junkies.  That's right, those so embedded in the business of sports (e.g., someone at mgoblog) that they fail to see it as a distraction for everyone else.

Many major bball know-it-alls this year said it again:  everyone's paying the top players and it just cannot be stopped.  Therefore, all logic says we should allow it.  Right, logic.

If you don't like it...  Maybe Zimbabwe has a team.

So in the meantime we look forward.  Chris Evans is another name.  For the time being he is kicked-out, history.  He has a chance to change that it appears.  At this point his path to return, if it happens, is more dignified than the three who have declared.

For Charles, it is understandable.  But I don't want to see him playing in some league that can only be described as a step back from where he was.  Iggy is raw and a deserter, and the latter charge is tough to overcome.  Jordan Poole?  Well, to each his own.

But enough of that because we move on.  Jon Teske and Zavier Simpson were Michigan's two best players over the span (OK, maybe not last year) of two 30-win seasons are coming back.  Castleton and DeJulius have potential and someone else probably does too.  I'd much rather think in terms of positive reinforcement.

We all think like that when we are young.  There are always greener pastures.  Maybe I'll come back if...

It was a great year.  Goodbye.