Post by James on Sept 23, 2005 8:15:37 GMT -5
The departure of Fran Vasquez? The leave of absence by Roko Leni-Ukic? Yes, 'draft day dashes' as we here at the UBL like to call them may be in force once again this year. For those who do not remeber, rookies Fran Vasquez and Roko Leni-Ukik amongst others took their NBA pay check, however decided to play their first season under their rookie contract overseason, 'ditching' their NBA teams and disapointing not only their GM, however the city they left behind.
Why have I brought this up again? I received a memo from a collegue who has close ties with many of the agents representing possible European stars. A 'clean' 2006 UBL draft may be the last of its sorts, as rumour has it that one of the young stars mocked to go into the first round from Europe will most likely play their first two years in Europe. The names 'Ante Tomic', 'Ludovic Vaty' and 'Damir Markota' have been brought up amongst others.
So what does this mean? Well, it obviously hurts the stock of all the International prospects in this years draft, as many teams will look at a player whos name sounds and looks foreign and turn away. Ante, predicted to fall in the top 5 may very well slip down to 10. Confirming declaration may be the only way to clear your name - an idea I suggest to many.
*The rookie who decides to play their first or second season overseas will remain on the teams roster however must sit the years on the IR.
Why have I brought this up again? I received a memo from a collegue who has close ties with many of the agents representing possible European stars. A 'clean' 2006 UBL draft may be the last of its sorts, as rumour has it that one of the young stars mocked to go into the first round from Europe will most likely play their first two years in Europe. The names 'Ante Tomic', 'Ludovic Vaty' and 'Damir Markota' have been brought up amongst others.
So what does this mean? Well, it obviously hurts the stock of all the International prospects in this years draft, as many teams will look at a player whos name sounds and looks foreign and turn away. Ante, predicted to fall in the top 5 may very well slip down to 10. Confirming declaration may be the only way to clear your name - an idea I suggest to many.
*The rookie who decides to play their first or second season overseas will remain on the teams roster however must sit the years on the IR.
