Karsch's Blog: Darius Morris To The NBA?

Why would Darius Morris even consider the NBA? His college career is off to a great start. As a sophomore he set Michigan's single season assist record with 235. He also led the Big Ten Conference with 6.71 assists per game. All great.

But is he NBA ready? No. His shot isn't there and he relies heavily on his right hand. His game needs refining and, as ESPN's Chad Ford speculated Tuesday, Morris could be a lottery pick if he stays in school. Right now he's projected as a mid-second round pick. Just to give you an example of a typical second round pick, Gani Lawal of Georgia Tech went #46 and is currently playing for the Iowa Energy of the NBA's D-League. The next pick, Keith Gallon, also in the D League with the Bakersfield Jam.

Meanwhile, the last lottery pick, Patrick Patterson is in the first year of a 5 year contract that could total over $13.2 Million over 5 years.

The only reason to make the jump is if you hate school and the college game. For Morris, who has expressed an interest in going into athletic administration, a year closer to a degree and more draft certainty is the smart choice.