Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2004 9:24:08 GMT -5
Looks like the Dookies are losing another star early. Granted, the door is open for his return, but this kid is a lottery pick in my opinion. Associated Press, RALEIGH, N.C. -- Duke freshman Luol Deng will make himself available for the NBA draft, but will keep open his option of returning to school by not hiring an agent, according to a published report Tuesday.
Aldo Deng told The News & Observer of Raleigh that his son would attend school and train at Duke during the summer in preparation for the June 24 draft in New York.
"That is what we know so far and we are happy with that," Aldo Deng told the newspaper Monday in a telephone interview from London.
A Duke spokesman said coach Mike Krzyzewski was out of town on Monday and could not be reached for comment, according to the newspaper.
"To put his name there, it would actually be to evaluate where he would [be drafted]," Aldo Deng told the newspaper. "If he is top five, of course, he would have to decide whether to stay in."
The 6-foot-8 forward had an impressive freshman season, averaging 15 points and seven rebounds. He was the MVP of the Atlanta Regional, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four.
"That [Luol] gets to the draft with the backing of Duke, that is what the family wants," Aldo Deng told The News & Observer. "We aren't worried [about Luol getting] his education for the fact that education is there all the time.
"But this [NBA] opportunity is not always there. Anything can happen to you. You can be injured or whatever it is. We just hope that this does not make Duke unhappy with Luol and I don't think it will."sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=1790631GO HOYAS!!!
|
|
kghoya
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Posts: 4,986
|
Post by kghoya on Apr 27, 2004 13:23:18 GMT -5
what a class organization...they never have players leave early...oh wait they are just like every other freaking school
|
|
|
Post by TrueHoyaBlue on Apr 27, 2004 13:43:31 GMT -5
How is Duke's stellar student-athlete graduation rate looking now, or did Deng take advantage of their special one-year degree process?
|
|
kghoya
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Posts: 4,986
|
Post by kghoya on Apr 27, 2004 13:46:45 GMT -5
i think a big factor in his leaving is that he actually wanted to have 8 o'clock classes
im sure they have some sort of accelerated program where you can get 90 cr hrs in the summer while you are playing on an all star basketball team in japan...ask jay williams
|
|
|
Post by TrueHoyaBlue on Apr 27, 2004 13:48:51 GMT -5
If Duke wasn't such an "outstanding, fine, upstanding program of students first, and athletes second," I'd almost start to wonder whether they've hired Jim Harrick, Jr. as an academic consultant to the team.
|
|
SFHoya99
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 17,663
|
Post by SFHoya99 on Apr 27, 2004 14:10:08 GMT -5
Their student body is disgusting. I didn't blame Sweetney or Iverson for leaving. Thought Vic was premature, but wasn't mad at him... Well, not like this: www.chronicle.duke.edu/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/04/27/408e321347941Some samples from the feedback section: "The only thing that bothers me is how they always let their teammates down. How can you support someone that may take away the once in a lifetime opportunity of the Natl Chmpshp for JJ,Sean,Daniel,Shav,Shelden,Lee etc. No one will say so but it's just out & out greed and going back on his commitment to Coach K and everyone else here at Duke. I can't imagine many at Duke seriously wishing Lu well, sorry Mr Deng Sr. At Duke the BEST Team Concept program in America still exists. Luol evidently hasn't really been anyones Team Mate at all. I feel sorry for what he has been taught it surely wasn't from Grant. Just leaving shows he couldn't carry Grants Jock Strap. What happened to Loyalty ? Julie student Duke" "In my opinion, Luol Deng falls into the same category as Maggette, Avery & Elton Brand, as just another player that used Duke University as a stepping stone to improve their draft status & then bolt to the NBA as soon as the getting was good. He didn't honor his commitment to academics at Duke University & I say GOOD RIDDANCE! Alan Whitley" "Luol Deng is what is wrong with sports today. He let his team down....he let his coach down....he let his school down.....& he let himself down. In the end, the greed was too much & he chose to go back on his commitment to Duke University. It is a sad day when a young man throws his mind away for the almighty dollar. Luol.....I thought you were better than that. Student Section beakerbuddy10@hotmail.com" "If he stays at Duke and Livingston comes here, then we will win the National Championship & Deng/Livingston will go #1 & #2 in the draft next year. They will both be legends and be ready to start for an NBA team making mega-millions. They will be household names and sign HUGE endorsement contracts. If they both go to the NBA now, then they will sit the bench making millions. Their fan base won't be that big so endorsements will be smaller. They will have a year less maturity and a year less of Duke education. They will likely never finish college degrees. All because they are scared of getting injured? Greeny Fuqua 05" "Ok, well i have never done this feedback before but i want to add one more thing. I noticed that one of the responses is from someone at or in Md.(who i hate.) That makes a lot of sense doesn't it. Whatever. Luol better go make his millions if that's what his world is all about. We have JJ and he's worth a whole lot more than millions to the Duke team. Win or lose JJ will be out there giving all he has for the team and taking the ridicule with a Laugh. JJ, please don't ever be a Deng or like all those others that have no Loyalty to this great Coach & school. With or without Luol we will be BACK to the Final 4! Julie student duke" Many of the responses are supportive, but they aren't nearly as funny. Julie has issues.
|
|
|
Post by TrueHoyaBlue on Apr 27, 2004 14:40:36 GMT -5
Actually, this is my favorite, as it says so much about what Duke basketball means in the lives of these students...
"I wish that Luol would have consulted with William Avery, Jason Williams and even Grant Hill about the NBA experience vs. the Duke experience. How many of their millions do you think those guys would give back to have had another magical, national championship season at Duke? So Luol will make some extra money this year, but he'll never recapture the lost season of being treated like a god as an All-American from Duke and competing for a national title. How many million dollars are enough? If the injury concern is the only thing pushing him to leave, perhaps he should think about obtaining some insurance.
RD"
How could anyone ever feel like moving on from the heavenly paradise that is Duke basketball!?!?
(Maybe if most Duke players didn't suck in the NBA, they wouldn't have to worry about it being a letdown).
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2004 14:47:25 GMT -5
Wow. I am in shock. That was the funniest read I've had on this board in a LONG time...and we're talking at least 6 years running. Obviously these people aren't representative of the Dookie student body as a whole, but it is telling. I don't remember any mad, mad, mad, mad outcry at Sweets leaving. Perhaps as fans we're more adjusted to the realities of college hoops and the business of basketball than we give ourselves credit for???
GO HOYAS!!!
|
|
hoyarooter
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 10,132
|
Post by hoyarooter on Apr 27, 2004 14:47:27 GMT -5
Treated like a god? Yep, they sure have their priorities in perspective.
|
|
|
Post by TrueHoyaBlue on Apr 27, 2004 14:47:56 GMT -5
Actually, if these are the kinds of parents that send their kids to Duke, it explains a lot!...
"People that have wrote in this column that have said positive things are not Duke fans or they are just superficial people that money is all there about.My daughter is at Duke and has a sports scholarship. I sent her to Duke not only to mature,grow,learn about life.Also to excel in her sport,but like Grant Hill she went first for the education.The NBA want be there Quote give me a break.You have let this organization down and your teammates.Have fun sitting on the bench in Charlotte!Tell your father you don't have the backing of Duke fans and students.You can't compare yourself ever to Grant Hill..He is a much better person. I am sure he would have never traded his two Duke championships and his education and learning experience for any amount of money.Maybe you and Maggette can be on the same team! No support from us.Dukemom
Dukegurl medical NC"
|
|
kchoya
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Enter your message here...
Posts: 9,934
|
Post by kchoya on Apr 27, 2004 15:01:09 GMT -5
Actually, if these are the kinds of parents that send their kids to Duke, it explains a lot!... "People that have wrote in this column that have said positive things are not Duke fans or they are just superficial people that money is all there about.My daughter is at Duke and has a sports scholarship. I sent her to Duke not only to mature,grow,learn about life.Also to excel in her sport,but like Grant Hill she went first for the education.The NBA want be there Quote give me a break.You have let this organization down and your teammates.Have fun sitting on the bench in Charlotte!Tell your father you don't have the backing of Duke fans and students.You can't compare yourself ever to Grant Hill..He is a much better person. I am sure he would have never traded his two Duke championships and his education and learning experience for any amount of money.Maybe you and Maggette can be on the same team! No support from us.Dukemom Dukegurl medical NC" I sure hope Dukemom didn't go to Duke with that grammar and writing style. If I had a chance to leave Georgetown early, get hired by a big law firm and make millions of dollars in a few years, I bet I would have thought about it. It's slightly hypocritical to criticize a player for being selfish and going for the money when you're only concern about the kid is that he stay and help your team win more games.
|
|
RDF
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 8,835
|
Post by RDF on Apr 27, 2004 15:03:07 GMT -5
Actually, if these are the kinds of parents that send their kids to Duke, it explains a lot!... "People that have wrote in this column that have said positive things are not Duke fans or they are just superficial people that money is all there about.My daughter is at Duke and has a sports scholarship. I sent her to Duke not only to mature,grow,learn about life.Also to excel in her sport,but like Grant Hill she went first for the education.The NBA want be there Quote give me a break.You have let this organization down and your teammates.Have fun sitting on the bench in Charlotte!Tell your father you don't have the backing of Duke fans and students.You can't compare yourself ever to Grant Hill..He is a much better person. I am sure he would have never traded his two Duke championships and his education and learning experience for any amount of money.Maybe you and Maggette can be on the same team! No support from us.Dukemom Dukegurl medical NC" This is sickening and pathetic. I admittedly HATE Duke but this kid is easily a lottery pick and has a strong chance at being a top 5 pick--as does Shaun Livingston from what I've read/heard. Isn't the goal of all people to become financially secure and if you're lucky in a field that you truly have a passion/love for? So these Duke fans/moms feel that it's better/invaluable to win a Championship for them and their sick entitlement rather than take care of yourself/family financially? Basketball wise, it makes sense as well because Duke players performances in the NBA have hurt their stock--so the longer you stay at Duke, the likelihood of dropping in the Draft is more than conceivable, it's probable. Deng and Livingston should leave and if I were them, I'd bring comments like this up to the media--who undoubtedly would ignore it-- but at least it would be used as a legit reason and expose the sick culture that has been created by their egomaniacal Coach and his followers.
|
|
HOYAPLAYA
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
IT'S TIME FOR A RUNNNNNNN!!!!!!
Posts: 1,329
|
Post by HOYAPLAYA on Apr 27, 2004 15:47:22 GMT -5
These people aren't real sports fans in my opinion. It seems as if they are just Duke basketball fans and I think this is why most of the world can't stand their fans. These individuals have no appreciation for the sport or these athletes and have no freaking clue. If I were Deng (and I'll admit up front that I'm an A-hole), I would respond to each and every one of these posts with a picture of me bent over with my pants down. Not one of these sad individuals would pass up the money that he would make just to come back to college to win a championship. You go to college in order to gain knowledge and build a career where you can support yourself financially. He has the capability to do that and from everything I've heard about the kid, he will probably end up going back to get his degree over time. The people who posted that crap should be embarrassed.
|
|
HooHoya
Bulldog (over 250 posts)
GULC 1999
Posts: 252
|
Post by HooHoya on Apr 28, 2004 11:27:41 GMT -5
The basketball programs at both of my alma maters are in shambles, so this news makes me happier than I have been in a long time (with regards to college hoops).
Now, if Livingston will just decide to go pro.
|
|
|
Post by HoyaLawya on Apr 29, 2004 7:45:08 GMT -5
Hey Hoo .........
As someone who has one alma mater's program in shambles (but about to be rebuilt?) and the other alma mater's program a surprising, little school "contender" in NCAA hoops, I have mixed emotions about the whole thing.
For the latter program, my mixed emotions center around the fact that for the first time in its history, Gonzaga is realistically going up against the Dukes and Kansas' and UNC "historically storied programs" for elite recruits and may face the same kind of disruption from early departures. Although, considering the level-headed discussion surrounding the rumor of Turiaf's possible departure, there's certainly no "cult of NCAA Championship" thought processes. Most fans view a shot at a first round selection as a "go for it, dude!" opportunity -- especially for a player who only has about one semester's worth of credit hours to complete his degree as well. And 90% of Georgetown fans could certainly compartmentalize their "fan dismay" about Sweetney's departure while being proud that he could go so high in the first round.
Two things on the horizon which will have an impact:
1) The NCAA's suspension of the 5/8 rule and eventual adoption of a more comprehensive rule which ties a program's ability to offer scholarships and eligibility for the post-season to its athletes' graduation rates. (And while they're at it, let's hope that the NCAA starts to give proper "credit" to colleges which graduate their JuCo and transfer-in athletes.)
2) The possibility/likelihood that the NBA will adopt a rule forbidding the drafting of any athletes prior to their 3rd year out from high school. For every one Kobe there are probably a half-dozen Kwames, so maybe the NBA will be willing to look at the "big picture" of how younger players pan out and not be blinded by the handful (Kobe, LeBron etc.) who truly were ready to step into the league at an early age.
|
|
MCIGuy
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Anyone here? What am I supposed to update?
Posts: 9,362
|
Post by MCIGuy on Apr 29, 2004 10:23:27 GMT -5
I guess its up to me to bring objectivity to this thread. As pointed out earlier this was just a handful of Duke fans. So lets stop condemning Duke supporters in general as being the scum of the Earth. The Duke hatred goes overboard on this (and every other) forum. Next I have read ENDLESS comments over the years from Georgetown fans concerning how special it is to get an education to Georgetown. I have also read sharp criticisms hurled at GU players who had the audacity to leave school early for the pros or transfer to a "lesser" school. "How could they give up a GU education" was the refrain. Their character and priorities were questioned for doing so. There were even a few people from the HoyaSaxa community who were critical of Sweetney departing after his junior season! Ridiculous. Try seeing it from the perspective of the Duke fans. I'm sure most of the realistic ones knew it was not smart to expect Deng to stay around all four years like Grant Hill did. But I would be very disappointed too if he left after one season. Its one thing to leave if your impact was that of a Carmello Anthony--and I'm not referring to Anthony leading the Cuse to a championship as much as I am to the stats he CONSISTENTLY put up every game. Deng was nowhere near as good as Carmello. Even worse the Blue Devils may lose out on high school player Livingston as well. So the two players who could arguably be their best for next season may not even be around. Or in another way to look at it they may just get one season out of what could/should have been eight between those two guys. If Duke was my main team I would be upset and disappointed too. Not to the extent that I would write immature little posts ala Julie (who comes across as a 14 year old), but I wouldn't be happy. As a bball fan of ALL levels I'm sickened by this rush to the NBA. It has to stop. It has hurt the college game and the pros and I think its hurting high school as well as more and more kids think they are so entitled they don't have to show up for high school classes (Telfair) or even listen to their coaches' instructions because they feel they are a lock to be drafted by an NBA team. As Hoya fans we of all people should be against seeing players leave school so early, especially when they are true student athletes (like Deng) who attend serious academic institutions like Duke. Its one thing for Sweets to leave after a disappointing (team wise) junior season with no help in sight. Its another for Deng to leave after his freshmen year when his team would be pre-season #1 if he came back. If he leaves its a sad day for college ball in my opinion. Of course if these guys were playing for or planning to attend Maryland I would be praising the free enterprise system and wishing those guys the best of luck in their new homes in the NBA! ;D
|
|
EasyEd
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 7,272
|
Post by EasyEd on Apr 29, 2004 10:43:28 GMT -5
Duke is paying the price for consistently going after McDonald's All American players. They should know at the start that the best will move on after, or before, a season. I'd much rather build a program from the 20-100 best players and be able to count on them staying four years, assuming they can make it academically.
What you sow, so will you reap.
|
|
HOYAPLAYA
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
IT'S TIME FOR A RUNNNNNNN!!!!!!
Posts: 1,329
|
Post by HOYAPLAYA on Apr 29, 2004 11:01:49 GMT -5
I guess its up to me to bring objectivity to this thread. Try seeing it from the perspective of the Duke fans. I'm sure most of the realistic ones knew it was not smart to expect Deng to stay around all four years like Grant Hill did. But I would be very disappointed too if he left after one season. Its one thing to leave if your impact was that of a Carmello Anthony--and I'm not referring to Anthony leading the Cuse to a championship as much as I am to the stats he CONSISTENTLY put up every game. Deng was nowhere near as good as Carmello. Even worse the Blue Devils may lose out on high school player Livingston as well. So the two players who could arguably be their best for next season may not even be around. Or in another way to look at it they may just get one season out of what could/should have been eight between those two guys. If Duke was my main team I would be upset and disappointed too. Not to the extent that I would write immature little posts ala Julie (who comes across as a 14 year old), but I wouldn't be happy. As a bball fan of ALL levels I'm sickened by this rush to the NBA. It has to stop. It has hurt the college game and the pros and I think its hurting high school as well as more and more kids think they are so entitled they don't have to show up for high school classes (Telfair) or even listen to their coaches' instructions because they feel they are a lock to be drafted by an NBA team. As Hoya fans we of all people should be against seeing players leave school so early, especially when they are true student athletes (like Deng) who attend serious academic institutions like Duke. Its one thing for Sweets to leave after a disappointing (team wise) junior season with no help in sight. Its another for Deng to leave after his freshmen year when his team would be pre-season #1 if he came back. If he leaves its a sad day for college ball in my opinion. MCI, I'm usually on board with you but I have to disagree on this subject. I don't care if he went to Harvard, there is no way that anyone should criticize you for pursuing your dream especially when you've received confirmation that you will be a top 5 pick. That is selfish and I'm not condemning all Duke fans, but the ones who posted what they did should be ashamed of themselves. If you were on a college debate team and received an offer to travel as a guest speaker and make millions after your freshman year, would you say no just because your debate team was going to be rated #1 the next year. Before you answer, remember being a traveling guest speaker has been a dream of yours since you were little and you will always have the ability to go back to school and get your education. I don't know too many people who would honestly pass up the opportunity if it was in front of them. I get tired of fans whining about players who leave school early because they don't do what would be good for 'them' as a fan. Sweets left because he should have left regardless of whether we had the opportunity to be a top team or not. He was assured that he would be a lottery pick and the NBA is what he wants to do with his life for the next 10-15 years. Perhaps Deng left Duke once he realized that any academic institution that seriously considers not having early morning classes (9 AM)because of the strain that it puts on students isn't all that everyone makes it out to be. I also am sick of hearing this complaint about kids jumping to the NBA to make millions, but no one seems to say anything about HS baseball players skipping college to ride on a bus to play minor league baseball games for peanuts. I'd love to get the numbers on how many of them actually make it.
|
|
hoyabinx
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
Posts: 1,043
|
Post by hoyabinx on Apr 29, 2004 11:33:02 GMT -5
I also am sick of hearing this complaint about kids jumping to the NBA to make millions, but no one seems to say anything about HS baseball players skipping college to ride on a bus to play minor league baseball games for peanuts. I'd love to get the numbers on how many of them actually make it. That is an unbelievable point that I have never thought of before. There are thousands of kids that do that and end up not playing anywhere.
|
|
HoyaNJ5
Century (over 100 posts)
Posts: 238
|
Post by HoyaNJ5 on Apr 29, 2004 11:52:42 GMT -5
MCI, I'm usually on board with you but I have to disagree on this subject. I don't care if he went to Harvard, there is no way that anyone should criticize you for pursuing your dream especially when you've received confirmation that you will be a top 5 pick. That is selfish and I'm not condemning all Duke fans, but the ones who posted what they did should be ashamed of themselves. If you were on a college debate team and received an offer to travel as a guest speaker and make millions after your freshman year, would you say no just because your debate team was going to be rated #1 the next year. Before you answer, remember being a traveling guest speaker has been a dream of yours since you were little and you will always have the ability to go back to school and get your education. I don't know too many people who would honestly pass up the opportunity if it was in front of them. I get tired of fans whining about players who leave school early because they don't do what would be good for 'them' as a fan. Sweets left because he should have left regardless of whether we had the opportunity to be a top team or not. He was assured that he would be a lottery pick and the NBA is what he wants to do with his life for the next 10-15 years. Perhaps Deng left Duke once he realized that any academic institution that seriously considers not having early morning classes (9 AM)because of the strain that it puts on students isn't all that everyone makes it out to be. I also am sick of hearing this complaint about kids jumping to the NBA to make millions, but no one seems to say anything about HS baseball players skipping college to ride on a bus to play minor league baseball games for peanuts. I'd love to get the numbers on how many of them actually make it. Great post. Have to agree with you here. I don't think the fact that Duke may be number 1 next year should have any bearing on whether Deng stays or leaves. He would be crazy to turn down being the #3 pick in the draft so he can stay another year. Furthermore, the comparisons to Grant Hill are just a joke. Back when Hill was drafted, there wasn't the same emphasis on high school players and "potential." Nowadays, if you were a top ranked high school player and end up staying for four years, then you were considered an absolute bust. The longer that Deng stays, the greater the odds are that they'll find flaws in his game. The fact is this. Deng could very well go back to Duke, lead them to a championship, and be the number one player picked. However, is it really worth the risk when he's already a guaranteed top 5 pick this year? I would say absolutely not. Deng should look for Deng's best interests. All this crap about him betraying his team is just that....crap. Duke used Deng just as much as Deng used Duke.
|
|