re: Is it safe to say Naz and Waters are gone?

quote:

---

I know Naz was planning on being one and done when he came in. I think he has great NBA potential and will do great things. I really hope Waters comes back, but something tells me he Isn’t. Waters could have a life long career oversees and kill it.

---

I think one thing people don't understand is these kids' expectations coming into the year has a huge impact on their decision-making regarding whether to stay in school or leave. Smart, Williams, and Days all knew they weren't gonna be one and dones so they came expecting to be wearing LSU across their chest for a couple of years. Naz on the other hand was a McDonald's All American and was projected as high as #4 on some draft boards this year. These guys read these draft projections and it has a huge impact on their mentality. Naz expected to go after this year and regardless of how well or poorly he plays he probably will (unless he gets feedback at the end of the year that he will likely go undrafted). Another difference between the NFL and NBA Draft is that what a player did in HS has a much bigger impact for NBA Draft prospects. Guys like Skal Labissiere and Harry Giles can have forgettable college careers and get drafted because they were so highly touted in HS. Naz is somewhat in this category and in a weak Draft for Big Men he will have a shot to go 1st round even if he has some glaring flaws.