Jared Sullinger of Ohio State said the day of his Sweet 16 defeat to Kentucky that he would be back, which is horrible news for the Big 10. Despite being suspended for the first five games, Perry Jones, a projected top five pick decided to come back to Baylor. Jones is a classic example of guy who needed to come back, so I am excited to see him progress next year. Harrison Barnes from North Carolina is the latest player to stay another year of college. Barnes is joined by his mates John Henson and Tyler Zeller likely translating to the preseason number one spot. The chance for college basketball to see one of its best years in a long time is very good. There will be so many good teams already without even putting any of the talented freshman in the discussion.
This is a positive sign for college basketball even if all three of these heavy hitters wouldn't be back if an NBA lockout wasn't on the horizon. Although I still believe the NBA should do something similar to Major League Baseball where they allow kids from high school to enter the draft, but if they do not hire an agent, they can go to college. The best example of this is the Brewers drafted Nomar Garciaparra and Jason Giambi, both out of high school, but they decided to go to college. Additionally once a player is locked in to college, they should have to stay two years. I can only hope that people will reconsider the one and done decision.
On the other side of the token, NBA Draft might be the worst thing on television since Outsourced. The only thing to be excited for is where Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker get drafted, but that's about it. The scary thing for NBA teams is guys like Tristan Thompson of Texas, and the two Kentucky players-Brandon Knight and Terrance Jones have yet to commit to the NBA Draft. We have a diluted draft right now, but it could get a lot worse if these guys decide to stay. Most college basketball fans can only hope.
-Charlie.
