During the offseason I would not have felt this way, but Oladipo is more likely to go to draft this year than Zeller. Vic is more prepared to make an impact at this point assuming his improved shooting continues. Z needs show more strength rebounding and defensively to battle at the next level. Put it this way, at this point I can see Vic guarding the 2 effectively moreso than Zeller guarding the 4 or 5. He certainly will get there, just not yet.

I think Hulls has a better chance at the NBA one day than Watford. The NBA has plenty of guards who are awful defenders. Nash, Reddick, Berrea, Lin, and more… The only players I’ve seen in the NBA that remind me of Watford, are the + 36 yr old verions of Sam Perkins, Robert Horry, and Rashard Lewis…6″9 guys with no athleticism that stood on the 3 point line hoisting shots when/if their team’s shooting guards got doubled teamed. Not hating on Watford, I love him as a Hoosier, just saying as a pro, the prospects seem dim

While I get that Oladipo has showed a tremendous amount of growth in many aspects of his game, I think that it is realistically he needs to be very careful with such a major life decision. For one, he is a very hard worker and will certainly (as mentioned by the scout) continue his improvement through practice; which hints to the fact that he will more likely than not be near the same spot next year. For two, he is a 3rd year college player, generally there are only a few categories of players; either a one or two year and done player drafted on raw athletic ability and potential, somewhat established international players, international players drafted on potential due to size and small glimpses of skill against lesser caliber opponents, three year college players who have off the court issues (personal or academically) college Juniors who have finally received tremendous national accolade (Conference POY, aka Thomas Robinson) and college seniors who NBA scouts are very comfortable drafting due to the player being mature and understanding his game (aka: Dramond Green).

Then there is the money part of the equation. Only the top 23 players will receive a contract that will pay $1 million in the first year. Scouts, especially those who’s job is to find a player that can fit a team whether that be in the 1st or 2nd round, or un-drafted free agency have a vested interest in convincing players that their stock will land them in that 1st round. It would not take much of an imagination for anyone to see that there could likely be 15 to 30 kids who are told that they could be drafted in the 1st round, if not in that middle area toward the top half of the 1st round.

The questions are: would Oladipo be better off if he left this year and landed middle to late 1st round, or would he be better off being an incredibly savvy presence that leaves NBA drafts will all their questions answered about his shooting and ball handling answered? Would coming back for a Senior season hurt his draft stock or not? And finally, whenever he goes, would he find playing time and be ready to be at minimal a role player at the next.

The draft this year is weaker than most… And I think you left out a category “players of any year who finally reach their potential”. I think he will go this year because this is when he will be drafted highest. The higher he is drafted, the more a franchise has invested in him, and the more likely he is to have a longer career… He is my favorite player and I would love nothing more than for him to come back, but I think he’d be smart to go.

“Lottery isn’t out of the question.” Ugh. I think Victor is going to explode in the NBA, where teams don’t play defense. His one on one game will flourish, and I’d love to see him wearing blue and gold!!

But I’d love for him to be honored on Senior Night next year.

If Oladipo goes early It would be a shame to miss his senior speech, it would be hilarious.

Yeah, if you want to go after high school, then go. I never understood why you would practically make someone go to college that does not want to be there.

Not sure what the problem is if VO is a late first-rounder vs. top 23. Either way, he’s got a 3-5 year guaranteed contract. Someone picked 30th still earns like $850K in his first year. The categories of players you listed is flawed. Sorry, but it doesn’t work out that cleanly based on a player’s age/year in college.

I also think you’re mistaking scouts with agents. Agents have a vested interest in the player they are representing. Agents want the coveted first-round promise from a team who worked out and interviewed said player.

Scouts are looking after the interests of the team (GM) that employs them. Scouts don’t give promises, they inform decision makers in the organization.

Even if Vic isn’t ready to immediately contribute, that’s ok. That’s what the NBDL is for. He can hone the nuances of the game against vastly superior competition vs. what’s currently available in the B1G.

Our summer will be a lot less stressful if Vic leaves early. His early departure would make Crean look like a talent developing savant as well.

A lot of it is potential though. I think you could make an argument for either guy as to who has the higher ceiling.

If you was an owner and had your choice who do you pick?

I’d have to go with Cody at this point, he is gonna learn a lot the next few years and improve as a result. OTOH, sometimes i see things Victor does, and I can’t help to think of DWade the year he won the championship before LeBron. There are little things that them two do that WOW! you, and usually you didn’t see it coming. A unique trait thats hard to pass on.

Players get sent down to the D-League and then are called back up all of the time.

The NBA puts a premium big men period. Look at some of the guys who have stuck around based on their size. If Cody’s brother is playing pro now..Cody certainly can..whenever he wants too.

I was curious about the decision to not include Sheehey on here. Not getting much love then from the experts? I’d say he’s coming back for another year (not going to get drafted in the first couple of rounds anyway). But you’ve got Yogi on here…

Agree with Zeller, VO, and Yogi but IMO just watching the draft last year I am pretty sure CW is going to get drafted. They talked about him wondering why he didn’t enter one of them said to the other in a sarcasm voice I don’t know any team that would want a 6’8 SF that can shoot the ball do you? and the guy laughed and said naw who would want that. My point is when you watch CW play there is so much more he can do with the right motivation. If you can get him in the gym put on 10 more lbs and get him playing physical he has the potential to be starter.

I was thinking the same thing maybe it is because he isn’t a starter I don’t know but I cant see how they can leave him off in the near future because he is another who stock is going up

Tell that to JaJuan Johnson.

LOL… I pretty much figured that out half way through my post. Thus the change in tone

I agree that Cody is irreplaceable, but don’t sell yourself short on the importance of Vic. I have seen Vic take over and win games more than I have seen Cody do it.

One thing to think about regarding Oladipo: if he stays, he is going to be a much bigger factor in IUs offense next year with no Hulls, Zeller, or Watford to share the ball. He’ll get a much bigger chance to demonstrate that his all-around offensive game, notably his outside shot, is for real. If he has a strong year as IUs go-to guy then a big leap up the draft is a real possibility. If you’re a borderline first-rounder, that would have to factor in your decision. Of course, it’s also possible that his stock will continue to go up the remainder of this season.

Hmmmm…. What about the NBA team that made the playoffs and has the 26 th pick and they are in the Eastern Conference. Let’s say it is the Knicks. Most likely the Knicks are going to have a lot of offensive firepower. Furthermore, they have shown the ability to make trades to get who they want. If you are the Knicks, why not draft VO to guard players like Wade, Rondo, Irving, etc 20 min per night who can run slash and score in the league where defense takes too much effort.

Think Bruce Bowen but with more offensive upside. The Spurs never win 3 NBA titles without Bowen’s 30 min of defense every night and locking up the opponents best guards.

Not a chance about Hulls playing in NBA. Yes there are bad defenders who play PG in the NBA, but all of the ones you mentioned are much quicker than Hulls. Maybe not Reddick, but look how hard it has been for him to scrap out a decent NBA career. Plus he is bigger and all around much better than Hulls. Again, Jordan is one of my fav. players, but I saw Reddick play in Assembly Hall (7th row) last time Duke played there and the performance Reddick put on was amazing. Assembly Hall was most loud I had ever heard it and JJ dropped 30+ cool all the way. Much better overall scorer than Hulls and the best College player I have ever seen in person to be honest. I mostly agree with what you said about Watford, though I think he is a much better comparison to the guys you listed. Those guys all great NBA careers — could see him making a squad at least for a few years.

…Let’s hope Olapido somehow comes back for his senior year!

I agree with your analysis of the players, but Zeller not go pro? Since I read in Sports Illustrated that he will only be a few credits away from graduating after his sophomore year I gave up all hope of him coming back. Hope you are right and there is a chance! We would still be a title contender next yeah with him around, even if we do lose Victor.

Well it just happens to directly affect IU, so it certainly applies to COLLEGE basketball. Quite frankly, I don’t care about the NBA either, but considering Victor Oladipo has been very, very good as of late, I want to know what the chances are of him forgoing his senior season. Of course there is also the added element of a scholarship “situation” that Indiana has next year, so that also made me wonder what Ferrell’s chances were of going. I don’t think this article’s intentions are to say, “Look! IU sends players to the NBA!” and even if those were the intentions, I’m ok with that because when you have a coach who sends highly ranked recruits to the NBA, and also recruits who are outside of the top 100 upon entering college, that gives Indiana all kinds of credit in player development. Guess what, recuits and their parents certainly care about how they’ll develop their game at the college level and it’s a huge factor in choosing a college. Furthermore, do you just not care about the players once they leave Indiana? I mean, this article is about the players and their chances of getting to the next level, it’s not really about the NBA. Lastly, as long as we’re bluntly stating our opinions, you know what I care about even less than the NBA? Your opinion on the NBA and whether you like hearing about it. Having said that, go Hoosiers!

I don’t think Mason Plumlee is ready to match up against Dwight Howard either.

He might sing it.

I really started to notice last year that Olidipo was made for the NBA. His style is perfect for the next level. I think he’s more deserving of the NBA then anyone on our team right now. I think Cody can definitely play in the NBA but I don’t think he’ll be that productive. There’s no way he’ll be a center. I think he can contribute to teams like it was mentioned above but I see him being no better then a Tyler Hansbourogh. (Which there’s nothing wrong with that) In the end he’ll just be a good role player.

I really hope Olidipo comes back next year. I don’t think his stock will drop at all next year. It’ll only get better. WIth that said though we are currently watching Watford’s stock drop. I just think Olidipo is a better player and can do more then Watford and will only improve his jumper which will draw more eyeballs his way for the NBA.