Greg Oden

[princefielder28]

I know I did this last week with Durant as well and there is a college basketball thread, but I'm posting this anyways.


Greg Oden is leaning towards staying school due to the fact that his game is not NBA ready and he needs to mature as a person. He says that he's a defensive player and to go to the NBA early you need to have a solid offensive game, which he feels he needs to develop.

The draft could be real weak at the top if Oden and Durant both decide to stay.

[slightlyaraiderfan]

According to who..

[TH3]

His offensive game is not ready.... the other end is very ready

[princefielder28]

According to who..

It was reported on PTI but I haven't looked for any of the published reports

[etk]

Joakim Noah has gotta be smiling real big right now.

[Eaglez.Fan]

I hope they both stay in school, I'd love for the NBA to adopt a similar style as the NFL has. Imagine how intense college basketball will be then, and it is pretty big right now.

[princefielder28]

I hope they both stay in school, I'd love for the NBA to adopt a similar style as the NFL has. Imagine how intense college basketball will be then, and it is pretty big right now.

If they both stay I'd be expecting OSU and Texas in the National Championship next year

[cgrsly57]

I read in sports illustrated that Oden is only enrolled in two classes and one of them is the history of rock and roll... I find it funny how he makes a big deal about how much he loves college yet hes not even taking any real classes.

[DChess]

i would love to see him stay, they would be so good, and if durant stayed too, than it would be greater, and influence some other guys to stay.

if they both stay, the first pick is gonna be either wright.

[BuckNaked]

Joakim Noah has gotta be smiling real big right now.

I freakin hate Joakim Noah.

[DChess]

I freakin hate Joakim Noah.

he's overrated

[BuckNaked]

he's overrated

And I hate how he does that little dance and scream whenever he scores.

[cheesehead10790]

he's overrated


And so ***. I hated him to begin with, but once I saw him with that goofy grin and doing that horrible "dance" i wanted to punch him in the face. I hope Florida loses early on so I dont have to see him on tv anymore.

[Im_a_Romosexual]

Is there anybody who,likes Noah? I sure dont

[etk]

he's overrated

He's uglier than he is overrated, and that's saying something :D

[cheesehead10790]

He's uglier than he is overrated, and that's saying something :D


HAHAHAHAHA

[toonsterwu]

I think it's way too early to listen to some of these proclamations. I remember a couple years back, Sean May was talking up staying in school ... and then he ended up turning pro at the end, when he saw other guys leaving and had people talking in his ear. I'll be surprised if Oden and Durant stay. One or the other, I could see, but I'll be surprised if both stay.

[KCJ58]

#2 overall pick behind Durant

[A-Dub4President]

Oden is easily the number one pick this year (despite what the hype will have you believe it isn't even a contest), and he should leave for the NBA. Nobody wants to get Livingston'd without a guaranteed contract.

[P-L]

I actually could see Oden staying in school. However, Kevin Durant is one and done for sure.

[someone447]

He is taking at least 4 classes, you have to be a fulltime student in order to play athletics. Lienart was an exception because he only needed those 2 classes to graduate, so it didn't matter. History of Rock and Roll is a required class a lot of places. Well, satisfies the requirement for a fine art credit. Thats what I took.

[BrownsTown]

If Oden can get around 15-15 with one hand most of the season, I think he's ready. Not to say I wouldn't be totally psyched if he stayed. Oden+Conley Jr. = favorites for next year.

[Staubach12]

Oden looks like he's 40. Good decision, though.

[fenikz]

i happen to like joakim noah, he is a beast and will be a sun next year

i doubt oden stays

[Microphon200]

His offensive game is not ready.... the other end is very ready

Absolutely, his offensive game is really raw. He has only one post move and has no jump shot. A lot of his points come from dunks. Also, he needs to improve his conditioning. 29 minutes a game in the NBA won't cut it. When Shaq was in his prime, he played 40 minutes per game.

[frogstomp]

Oden is such a beast. If he stays for another year, it will be like a man among boys. Wow that would be fun to watch.

[DChess]

Oden is such a beast. If he stays for another year, it will be like a man among boys. Wow that would be fun to watch.

what watching a man dominate young children. ******* petafile

[LonghornsLegend]

if they both stay, i agree its a NC showdown and both would dominate every opportunity given...its crazy how both are freshman and look like they are playing with people younger then them....


durant is more NBA ready, but ive followed him since he left dallas high school, read some articles on him when he was the player of the year, and i wouldnt be surprised if he came back...he went to texas to win a national championship, and it really sucks that he didnt get an overall team that was as good as the one last year, but one more year of reloading and watch out....


oden on the other hand is being smart, he is making sure he wont end up like kwame brown and more like tim duncan, staying in school will only make him better when he gets to the NBA, and he will be more dominant when he is there


watch out for texas to go far as a #4 seed

[Shane P. Hallam]

Can anyone imagine if the NBA DID have rules like the NFL? Imagine LeBron James on Ohio State with Oden. How sick would that be?

[Bearsfan123]

if they both stay, i agree its a NC showdown and both would dominate every opportunity given...its crazy how both are freshman and look like they are playing with people younger then them....


durant is more NBA ready, but ive followed him since he left dallas high school, read some articles on him when he was the player of the year, and i wouldnt be surprised if he came back...he went to texas to win a national championship, and it really sucks that he didnt get an overall team that was as good as the one last year, but one more year of reloading and watch out....


oden on the other hand is being smart, he is making sure he wont end up like kwame brown and more like tim duncan, staying in school will only make him better when he gets to the NBA, and he will be more dominant when he is there


watch out for texas to go far as a #4 seed


You keepin an eye on Lamarcus Aldrige? He seems to be doing pretty well.

[frogstomp]

what watching a man dominate young children. ******* petafile

If you're going to insult someone, don't make yourself look like an idiot in the process.

It's pedophile.

And I know you were joking, but I have no files about peta, and that's the only way that word could be taken.

[RoyHall#1]

i happen to like joakim noah, he is a beast and will be a sun next year

i doubt oden stays

Did the Suns get someone elses first rounder? because Noahs not dropping out of the top 20. But he should because he sucks. He screams and dances after making a layup that a little girl could make. Which he is...

[alca1992]

if they both go back then the celticts are skrewed

[alca1992]

Did the Suns get someone elses first rounder? because Noahs not dropping out of the top 20. But he should because he sucks. He screams and dances after making a layup that a little girl could make. Which he is...

pheonix has atlantas 1st

[A-Dub4President]

pheonix has atlantas 1st

And Cleveland's first. Also, Noah is one of those guys that you know won't be a bust, because of his energy and hustle. The Suns don't need any superstars, and Noah is just an excellent roleplayer, which is exactly what we need.

[Shane P. Hallam]

Did the Suns get someone elses first rounder? because Noahs not dropping out of the top 20. But he should because he sucks. He screams and dances after making a layup that a little girl could make. Which he is...

Noah will end up like the rest of the big college stars, Reddick, Morrison, he'll get lose in the NBA and be horrible.

[Vikes99ej]

I can see Oden staying. It looks like he has a good head on his shoulders. I think Durant is going though, as he should. Scoring is so easy for him.

[Shane P. Hallam]

The only problem with Oden is, I see him on campus and he just looks bored, even when with people. I saw him Monday and people were trying to talk to them and he was talking to them with his head down, basically avoiding them. People talk about how he loves it so much, but I've never seen that. He's gone.

[DChess]

The only problem with Oden is, I see him on campus and he just looks bored, even when with people. I saw him Monday and people were trying to talk to them and he was talking to them with his head down, basically avoiding them. People talk about how he loves it so much, but I've never seen that. He's gone.

yeah, ive never seen him in agame smile until they wont the big ten title, and when they were celebrating it looked like he was having a good time and having a good time with his teammates, that was th eifrst time ive seen him have a good time. but that moment there might be just enough to make him stay

[Shane P. Hallam]

No, it really won't. We are all fooling ourselves.

[etk]

The only problem with Oden is, I see him on campus and he just looks bored, even when with people. I saw him Monday and people were trying to talk to them and he was talking to them with his head down, basically avoiding them. People talk about how he loves it so much, but I've never seen that. He's gone.

Greg Oden has no personality. He never smiles or shows emotion, and he looks really shy. I don't understand it.

[WildDude]

the only one who has confirmed hes gone is big baby... big mistake

Oden i agree hes a smart guy he should come back hes a joke he cant even dominate like durant yet, durant makes everyone around him look silly and he needed college because he'd be riding the bench like gerald green this way he'll be an instant starter next year

[Shane P. Hallam]

Greg Oden has no personality. He never smiles or shows emotion, and he looks really shy. I don't understand it.

He's not exactly charismatic. The problem is he doesn't really engage people. You can be introverted and shy, but engage people, he doesn't on campus.

And WildDude, you need checked. Have you seen Oden play defense? He does on defense what Durant does on offense. He DOMINATES the paint.

[jets future]

i find it funny how joakim s mom is a beatiful model and noah looks like dat. his dad must be realllllly ugly

[etk]

i find it funny how joakim s mom is a beatiful model and noah looks like dat. his dad must be realllllly ugly

His dad was a pro tennis player, and yes he is pretty ugly too.

[LonghornsLegend]

You keepin an eye on Lamarcus Aldrige? He seems to be doing pretty well.

yea he was one of the players i was talking about, as far as the longhorns better team last year....they would of ran through the big 12 this year easily, but i thought aldrige should of stayed...he's doing solid, around 8 points, 5 boards i think, its just going to take him a few years before he can be a takeover type player, like most big men who leave early...


but dude was right, if lebron would of went college he would of been a junior, with oden a freshman, as if lebron wouldnt be enough anyway...college could start being real scary

[bernbabybern820]

yea he was one of the players i was talking about, as far as the longhorns better team last year....they would of ran through the big 12 this year easily, but i thought aldrige should of stayed...he's doing solid, around 8 points, 5 boards i think, its just going to take him a few years before he can be a takeover type player, like most big men who leave early...


but dude was right, if lebron would of went college he would of been a junior, with oden a freshman, as if lebron wouldnt be enough anyway...college could start being real scary

Lebron would be bored scoring 50 a night or having 20 assists from triple teams.

[nvot9]

This would be the smartest decision he has ever made. This is a kid with a good head on his shoulders. Stay in school damnit..

[Shane P. Hallam]

This would be the smartest decision he has ever made. This is a kid with a good head on his shoulders. Stay in school damnit..

How would it be the smartest decision ever?

[Big Mike]

Greg Oden says "I'm not NBA ready"
I think Durant will go though, DOes texas have any big HS Recruits?

[Big Mike]

How would it be the smartest decision ever?

He knows he needs some development and realizes that he'll be #1 whenever he leaves barring a tragic injury. They say Patience is a Virtue

[LonghornsLegend]

some kids dont want to bee smart, if your broke, or working at wal mart, and school is pissin you off, you dont really even want a degree, they just take the quick 3 million and work it out in the NBA...not realizing it can kill your career more then likely for alot of players, but the signing bonus eases the pain, green would of been a college stud also....


but texas will be ok, they reload every year, hell this year was supposed to be a down year, and next year is the year they are supposed to be solid again....


but honestly, committments, and all this means nothing before the tourney....if ohio st. wins the nc oden will leave, almost for sure, but for both i think it depends on how they finish the year, durant i think unlike most, will return, to win the big 12, and make a NC run...but him as a sophmore is scary, he's like kevin garnett with some carmelo mixed in....can handle the ball, and can score from everywhere

[Shiver]

If either Durant/Oden stays, the other HAS to go.

[Shane P. Hallam]

And they will try and freeze each other out as long as possible...

[sweetness34]

Oden can play in the NBA right now IMO. He's got the defense and shot blocking to do so, and from what I've seen of his post game, which has improved greatly this season, he can do well in that area as well.

I applaud guys for going back for the grades, but I don't know if you can pass up this oppotunity. Because he's a lock for #1. Yes I know Durant is a great talent but guys like Oden come around once in a decade. Players like Durant are also rare but not as rare as dominant big men like Oden. And if you want to rebuild a franchise around a player, you rebuild around a guy like Oden.

You can always go back to school later and get your degree, but I don't know if Greg can risk getting injured for another year of college ball. I know it sounds a big ignorant on my part, but the same thing happened to Terrence Morris of Maryland about 6 years ago. Was a top 3 lock in the NBA Draft, got hurt his Senior year and fell off the charts.

Greg, declare early and get your education later. Because you can play right now.

[bernbabybern820]

Its not like Durant would take the league by storm either. Hes still too skinny to be a dominant power forward in the NBA. I think he would have a real tough time trying to guard power forwards in the post.

[LonghornsLegend]

Oden can play in the NBA right now IMO. He's got the defense and shot blocking to do so, and from what I've seen of his post game, which has improved greatly this season, he can do well in that area as well.

I applaud guys for going back for the grades, but I don't know if you can pass up this oppotunity. Because he's a lock for #1. Yes I know Durant is a great talent but guys like Oden come around once in a decade. Players like Durant are also rare but not as rare as dominant big men like Oden. And if you want to rebuild a franchise around a player, you rebuild around a guy like Oden.

You can always go back to school later and get your degree, but I don't know if Greg can risk getting injured for another year of college ball. I know it sounds a big ignorant on my part, but the same thing happened to Terrence Morris of Maryland about 6 years ago. Was a top 3 lock in the NBA Draft, got hurt his Senior year and fell off the charts.

Greg, declare early and get your education later. Because you can play right now.

for all the reasons you listed, thats why oden will be the #1 pick, it doesnt matter when he comes out....they talked about 2nitte on espn, oden would be the #1 pick over durant or anyone else regardless of team just due to value, even if they didnt need him, they would draft him and trade him for the value he demands or someone else, but due to lack of dominant big men who come out he would always be the top pick, doesnt matter if he stays 3 more years....


they are already talking about durant and oden being in the same draft viewed as jordan/olajuwon

[MP123]

I read in sports illustrated that Oden is only enrolled in two classes and one of them is the history of rock and roll... I find it funny how he makes a big deal about how much he loves college yet hes not even taking any real classes.

I know. He sure loves college. He's taking loser classes. Oden's conditing and offensive game need improvement.

[thetedginnshow]

Realistically, "college life" isn't all about classes. He could just love the environment that's presented to him. I think we can all safely assume he isn't a genius. But the extra year would really help him out, at least IMO.

[Beautiful Mind]

If they stay I think the 5 best rookies will be:

Acie Law
Al Thornton
Brandan Wright
Thaddeus Young
Yi Jianlan

I think Yi Jianlan will be a top 3 pick regardless of whether those 2 come out or not. He's the best Asian athlete ever. I know it's not saying much, but go watch a youtube video. 7'0 230 lbs makes Dirk Nowitzki look stiff.

[A-Dub4President]

If they stay I think the 5 best rookies will be:

Acie Law
Al Thornton
Brandan Wright
Thaddeus Young
Yi Jianlan

I think Yi Jianlan will be a top 3 pick regardless of whether those 2 come out or not. He's the best Asian athlete ever. I know it's not saying much, but go watch a youtube video. 7'0 230 lbs makes Dirk Nowitzki look stiff.

I'm really hoping for Yi on the Suns.

[thetedginnshow]

If they stay I think the 5 best rookies will be:

Acie Law
Al Thornton
Brandan Wright
Thaddeus Young
Yi Jianlan

I think Yi Jianlan will be a top 3 pick regardless of whether those 2 come out or not. He's the best Asian athlete ever. I know it's not saying much, but go watch a youtube video. 7'0 230 lbs makes Dirk Nowitzki look stiff.

He's actually right around Dirk's athleticism, if not below it. He just looks a little more fluid because he's not quite as built. He sort of resembles a snake or something when he's hanging on the rim.

[Beautiful Mind]

He's actually right around Dirk's athleticism, if not below it. He just looks a little more fluid because he's not quite as built. He sort of resembles a snake or something when he's hanging on the rim.

He drives better than Dirk. Rebounds better than Dirk. Jumps higher than Dirk and probably plays defense equivalent to Dirk. He's also a lot more defined. He's basically Dirk with less shooting ability. He reminds me of KG with less post moves.

[thetedginnshow]

He drives better than Dirk. Rebounds better than Dirk. Jumps higher than Dirk and probably plays defense equivalent to Dirk. He's also a lot more defined. He's basically Dirk with less shooting ability. He reminds me of KG with less post moves.

Well, you have to consider that that was against international players. When he played against the USA, he got rocked on the interior. He seems faster, so he could probably still drive better, and it appears as though he can jump higher (of course, still, less bulk), but that doesn't mean an absolute ton. It appears as though a lot of his moves are post moves where he's backing a guy down, rather than driving from the arc (but it seems as though he may have range close to that). I highly doubt he can rebound or play defense on Dirk's level, and with less shooting ability and probably weak post moves in the NBA, I'm not so sure about him. Who knows though. It's tough to judge international players. But if there was ever a fit for him, it'd be the Suns.

[Beautiful Mind]

Well, you have to consider that that was against international players. When he played against the USA, he got rocked on the interior. He seems faster, so he could probably still drive better, and it appears as though he can jump higher (of course, still, less bulk), but that doesn't mean an absolute ton. It appears as though a lot of his moves are post moves where he's backing a guy down, rather than driving from the arc (but it seems as though he may have range close to that). I highly doubt he can rebound or play defense on Dirk's level, and with less shooting ability and probably weak post moves in the NBA, I'm not so sure about him. Who knows though. It's tough to judge international players. But if there was ever a fit for him, it'd be the Suns.

Well he's still 19 years old. He has the potential to be the greatest Asian ever at anything. I also think Phoenix would be a nice fit. Outside of Shawn Marion, theres no real solid forward on the Suns roster. Boris Diaw is having a horrendous season after a good playoff run. Also, playing with Steve Nash would rapidly increase the pace of his development. I still think he'll put on another 10-20 lbs and establish himself as a great PF in the league but thats a bit down the road. As of right now he's the Andrea Bargnani of this year. Maybe a bit more athletic with less touch on his shot.