Ron Antonelli/New York Daily News
Moe Harkless (c.), St. John's most consistent player, could skip his sophomore year for the NBA Draft.
Moe Harkless' stock for the NBA Draft is rising and the 6-8 freshman currently appears to be leaning toward going pro instead of returning to St. John's, a source told the Daily News.
Harkless, the Big East Rookie of the Year after averaging 15.5 points and 8.6 rebounds in his one season, wasn't seen as better than a late first-round draft choice as recently as a month ago according some NBA scouts and several websites that track the draft. This week the websites project him going between 15-25 in the first round.
After the Red Storm's loss to Pittsburgh in the Big East first round Tuesday, Harkless said he wasn't close to a decision and needed to discuss his options with his family and coach Steve Lavin to assess the best move.
STEVE LAVIN WORKING TO BUILD ST. JOHN'S INTO TOP-25 PROGRAM
An NBA scout said Sunday "he's probably a mid- to late-first round pick right now and that could change before (the draft) depending on what teams see in workouts and who else comes out. A year from now, it would be no surprise if he's a lottery pick."
A Harkless departure could have a dual effect on St. John's (13-19). The program would be losing its most consistent player, someone viewed as a cornerstone for success next season. But is also could enhance its reputation for developing players into NBA talent., making it more attractive to recruits.
"We've had a number of productive conversations over the past four days," Lavin said in a text message. "The discussions involved the pros and cons of leaving St. John's to persue his dream of playing in the NBA. Moe knows that regardless of what his ultimate decision is, we enthusiastically support him. He knows that either outcome will help the Johnnies cause as we continue building the program."
Lavin's had a dozen players that he recruited or coached at UCLA from 1997-2003 get drafted. And Storm assistant Mike Dunlap and Rico Hines worked in the NBA, for the Nuggets and Warriors respectively, and have expertise in how to develop the skills NBA clubs look for.
It's difficult to tell its impact on the current recruiting battles the Johnnies are in with players like 6-9 Chris Obekpa and 6-8 JaKarr Sampson. They could see a Harkless departure as diminishing a program on the rise. But it also could be viewed by recruits as an opportunity for more playing time and a bigger role.
Omar Cook was the last St. John's player drafted, going to Orlando in the second round in 2001.
stoudemire adrianne curry blake shelton adam levine hoekstra best superbowl commercials 2012 best super bowl ads
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.