Karsch's Blog: Should Morris Go To The NBA?
Darius Morris has put his name in for consideration for the NBA draft. Smart move, as long as he doesn't hire an agent and forfeit his college eligibility. He is sending out a resume and may get invited for an interview. He may not. What he should be looking for is an assurance he would be selected in the top 20 of the NBA draft. Only first round picks get guaranteed contracts and unless you are positively sure (and being told you would go in the top 20 is a pretty solid assurance), then why would you leave college? If that assurance isn't there, go back to Michigan.
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.
I doubt Morris will get that assurance, but there is nothing wrong with toeing the water.
But is he NBA ready? No. His shot isn't up to NBA standard 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 low to 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. You don't leave college early to play in Bakersfield.
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.
Europe and Bakersfield will always be there. But having a college education paid for will not. Even if Morris goes pro next year he will only need one year of schooling to get his degree and move closer to a career outside of basketball. Putting all his eggs in the NBA basket right now, without some assurance of high-draft status is not something I would advise Morris (or my son) to do.
