Post by James on Sept 8, 2005 2:34:03 GMT -5
Greg Oden and Kevin Durant have heard the chants from UBL GM's calling them up into the big time. Several GM's have wondered why the pair havent declared themselves for the 2007 UBL draft. Lucky for me, I managed to catch up with the 245 pound, 7'0" beast Greg Oden yesterday after his teams 30 point win in where he dominated, scoring 33 points and grabbing down 8 rebounds.
So Greg, you have obviously heard about UBL GM's asking you to come up into the big league. What do you have to say about declaring for the draft and what not?
Its difficult for me. Our teams doing really well at the moment, and I dont want my mind to get sidetracked, however its definetly at the back of my head. My main goal is to win the NCAA championship. If I dont win it this year, I may stay back a year.
Definetly, however you realise your stock may fall. At the moment, if you were to declare today, you would pretty much be locked in for the first draft pick?
Yeah I know, but its whats best for me. Another year in college wouldnt drop me out of the lottery or anything, but its confusing. Ive talked to some of my brothers and relatives about it, they are really unsure too. Ill definetly make my decision soon.
Thanks for your time Greg, and good luck with the rest of the NCAA season.
Later on in the evening, I went over to watch 6'10" Kevin Durant play in a practise game with some high profile college stars including Tim Ohlbrecht and Al Horford, all possible UBL future prospects. I took down some notes before having a chat to him. Here are the notes, followed by the talk or interview.
Kevin Durant
Very athletic, explodes off the dribble and into the air . . . A very strong and enthused player who looks to have a real passion for winning and the game . . . isnt fundamentally sound, however looks to have a rediculous amount of potential . . . A mix between a Lamar Odom, a Rudy Gay, a Kevin Garnett and a Grant Hill . . . Not very strong, gets bumped around a bit, however deals and copes with it very well . . . Has a nice little fadeaway, tall, dominates on smaller defenders.
Possible UBL Ratings if he declared this year: B B- C+ B C+ A
Welcome Kevin, you had a nice game out there against some pretty tough opposition
Thanks, I was working hard out there. Im always in here practising, never mucking around, always working.
Yes, I noticed that, you seemed really determined out there which is great to see. Have you thought about declaring for the draft this year? I was talking to Greg Oden earlire and its at the back of his mind, however he isnt quite sure yet. Is that the same with you?
Yeah, I actually spoke to Greg earlier too. We talked about the UBL, College and everything else. Ive been thinking about staying in school for one year unlike Greg who hinted to me he may just enter the draft. I need to get physically bigger and polish up some weak areas of my game before I can enter the league
I agree with you. However, sources from the league say that if you entered, you would be a top 3 selection alongside a possible Greg Oden and Wayne Ellingston, also Ante Tomic and Victor Claver.
You can never be sure. At the moment, Im 70% staying in college, 20% not sure and 10% in the UBL. Ill have to wait and see.
Thanks for having me Kevin it was a pleasre, I look forward to seeing you in the Down Under Classic later this year*.
Thanks James
The Down Under Classic will happen around all-star weekend time and will be a short little tournament featuring UBL draft prospects that have already commited; Clark, Hawes, Ellington, Carter, Robinson, Lopez, Rondo and those who are still undecided; Possibly Oden, Durant, Smith.
So Greg, you have obviously heard about UBL GM's asking you to come up into the big league. What do you have to say about declaring for the draft and what not?
Its difficult for me. Our teams doing really well at the moment, and I dont want my mind to get sidetracked, however its definetly at the back of my head. My main goal is to win the NCAA championship. If I dont win it this year, I may stay back a year.
Definetly, however you realise your stock may fall. At the moment, if you were to declare today, you would pretty much be locked in for the first draft pick?
Yeah I know, but its whats best for me. Another year in college wouldnt drop me out of the lottery or anything, but its confusing. Ive talked to some of my brothers and relatives about it, they are really unsure too. Ill definetly make my decision soon.
Thanks for your time Greg, and good luck with the rest of the NCAA season.
Later on in the evening, I went over to watch 6'10" Kevin Durant play in a practise game with some high profile college stars including Tim Ohlbrecht and Al Horford, all possible UBL future prospects. I took down some notes before having a chat to him. Here are the notes, followed by the talk or interview.
Kevin Durant
Very athletic, explodes off the dribble and into the air . . . A very strong and enthused player who looks to have a real passion for winning and the game . . . isnt fundamentally sound, however looks to have a rediculous amount of potential . . . A mix between a Lamar Odom, a Rudy Gay, a Kevin Garnett and a Grant Hill . . . Not very strong, gets bumped around a bit, however deals and copes with it very well . . . Has a nice little fadeaway, tall, dominates on smaller defenders.
Possible UBL Ratings if he declared this year: B B- C+ B C+ A
Welcome Kevin, you had a nice game out there against some pretty tough opposition
Thanks, I was working hard out there. Im always in here practising, never mucking around, always working.
Yes, I noticed that, you seemed really determined out there which is great to see. Have you thought about declaring for the draft this year? I was talking to Greg Oden earlire and its at the back of his mind, however he isnt quite sure yet. Is that the same with you?
Yeah, I actually spoke to Greg earlier too. We talked about the UBL, College and everything else. Ive been thinking about staying in school for one year unlike Greg who hinted to me he may just enter the draft. I need to get physically bigger and polish up some weak areas of my game before I can enter the league
I agree with you. However, sources from the league say that if you entered, you would be a top 3 selection alongside a possible Greg Oden and Wayne Ellingston, also Ante Tomic and Victor Claver.
You can never be sure. At the moment, Im 70% staying in college, 20% not sure and 10% in the UBL. Ill have to wait and see.
Thanks for having me Kevin it was a pleasre, I look forward to seeing you in the Down Under Classic later this year*.
Thanks James
The Down Under Classic will happen around all-star weekend time and will be a short little tournament featuring UBL draft prospects that have already commited; Clark, Hawes, Ellington, Carter, Robinson, Lopez, Rondo and those who are still undecided; Possibly Oden, Durant, Smith.
