Big Ten Discussion

Fits right in with Izzo’s quote(s) regarding early entry (i.e., it’s all about Tom). Also, Charboneau is little more than an MSU fanboy.

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Regardless what mock drafts might predict, is it reasonable to believe that the reigning B1G Player of the Year / All-American would receive an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine?

I can’t understand why not. I think it’s very reasonable. I know others will talk about athletic ability, etc, but I really can’t understand why teams wouldn’t want to see how the B1G POY and an All American player stacks up and what he has to offer. He can’t show that now, though.

Still, I’m happy that here is an outstanding young man who is staying for four years of college and the “college experience.” I honestly hope he is drafted after his senior year, goes on to a good/great NBA career, then retires, goes to med school and becomes a surgeon, or something equally as beneficial to society. Just me.

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I’m so happy for coach Izzo right now. These decisions are deeply personal and he made the right one for himself in spite of what Winston may have wanted. I’m also happy for Cassius. He’s going to sacrifice a year of huge salary, but he’ll always have the satisfaction of having assisted Izzo’s darkest college basketball desires. If you have the opportunity to help a desperate hobbit grasp at his precious ring, you gladly do so at the expense of millions. A classic win/win outcome.

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I love the Izzo jokes as much as anyone here, but Cassius has been further down on mock drafts than any of the Michigan guys still to this day. Not sure I’d say he should have declared for the draft if the G league was all that awaits. Kid considered Harvard and is gonna graduate and contend for National Player of the Year. As a fan, I’m extremely jealous

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Yeah, gotta think he was getting awful feedback if he isn’t even going to “start the process.” It blows my mind that the NBA doesnt want him, when Jalen Brunson got drafted #33 overall. But Winston will be remembered as a MSU great and likely hold every offensive record outside of rebounds. Pretty cool college career. Here’s to hoping X gets the best of him in year 3 of the trilogy

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Winston’s said over and over again in interviews that he wants his name next to Magic and Mateen.That’s his number one ambition. To do that he requires a championship. Spending an extra year in the G League with a $40,000 salary does little to accomplish this.

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I have to wonder how much of that is him, and how much is Izzo.

I wonder if people realize that the narrative they are peddling here is significantly more insulting to Winston than it is to Izzo.

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I’m personally not buying that Cassius couldn’t make it in the NBA. Look no further than another Michigander. Monte Morris has never been known to be a superb athlete and yet he has turned himself into arguably the best backup PG in the NBA. Morris never tries to be something he’s not. He sticks to his strengths and it’s going to make him a massive contract here very soon. Winston isn’t exactly a like for like comparison but both rely on their IQs and skill moreso than athletic ability. I think Winston could be a player in that mould. If not that good then still solid.

Up until probably halfway through this season I didn’t buy him in the NBA but he’s sort of won me over. I just think he has “it” mentally and is skilled enough that he will find a way to stick around the in the league for awhile.

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I can certainly see him in the NBA of my youth. I’m not sure he’s quick enough for today’s game. Would certainly like to see him take a shot, and I expect he will–just a year later than most Michigan fans might prefer. Still, since I am on record as saying it will be more satisfying if M goes through him to win. . . it’s on.

I agree. But, since I don’t follow the NBA, I really can’t make a well informed assessment as to whether he could make it. I will say this, if a young man who is as intelligent, skilled, team oriented, and as fine a person as Cassius is can’t make the NBA, well, maybe that’s why I don’t watch the NBA anymore.

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Yes, game on X. Game on Michigan! We got them two years ago. They got us this past year. Next year is for all the marbles! Go Blue!!! I love ya, Cash, but I love X more!

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Cassius would be a second round draft pick right now, and I’m pretty sure he can hack it as a backup PG for awhile.

I think we can assume this choice wasn’t made because of where he sees his draft prospects, but because of his desire to play another year in college.

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I agree with this. I think he just enjoys the college experience and loves MSU. No reason to think he won’t make it in the NBA though with the recent successes of Jalen Brunson and Monte Morris just to name two recent PGs cut from a similar cloth imo.

Don’t either, but it’s still hard to fathom why we’ve got three guys who are apparently serious NBA prospects after good, but nowhere near great seasons, while Winston, who had a far better year than any of them, isn’t even close.

Winston would get eaten alive on the defensive end in the NBA. Also, his entire offensive game relies on screening and re-screening to get his own shot. I’m not sure an NBA Coach is willing to devote that much time creating a scheme that suits Winston when there are other great players on the team/bench.

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If Tyus Jones is a NBA player then Cassius Winston is. Cassius shoots it way better and it’s not close. Tyus really struggles against the ultra athletic guys but takes care of the ball and does a good job off the ball on defense. Cassius does the same exact things.

I don’t get the prevailing thought that Cassius should’ve went pro. Cassius’s athletic limitations probably limit his overall NBA potential to a solid NBA player/above average backup - and the NBA is all about potential (i.e., no NBA team is looking to draft a backup in the first round, they’re looking for a starter/all star/ticket seller - and if you’re not drafted in the first round with a guaranteed contract, being undrafted is sometimes better for a player). He’s a smart kid who will get his degree and barring a drastic injury has a low probability of hurting his stock. He’s now got the chance to leave a legacy at a school he’s put his heart and soul into.

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