[A couple of weeks ago,](https://www.themaneater.com/stories/2013/3/19/one-and-done-needs-end/) I wrote about how peeved off I am about basketball players forgoing more college time to bolt for the NBA too soon. It severely damages the sport.
Even though I focused more on “one and done” players, one of my main arguments was that players stand to gain more by remaining at the collegiate ranks and adding some experience to their résumé. So that is the basis for why I think Phil Pressey, who announced Wednesday that he would be leaving for the NBA draft, might not be making the best choice.
Some might argue that we shouldn’t be too upset to see him go. He was a disappointment this year, struggling down the line to hit shots from the field, make late-game plays, limit turnovers or grasp an understanding of when and when not to take shots. But as it has been said so many times about the guy, he has an unlimited amount of potential. He could be great, far better than the player who ESPN experts (and myself) predict will go undrafted.
This is not a knock on Pressey. I like Pressey. We’re both Dallas natives. I’m sure we could bond over how great Tex-Mex and Whataburger are any day of the week. And I think he’s a good basketball player when it boils down to skill. But a part of me can’t help but think he should have stayed.
The math will tell you. He shot just 37.6 percent from the field and averaged 3.5 turnovers a game. He frustratingly gave the ball away in several late-game meltdowns. And he frequently had game stats for attempts behind the arc reading: 0-5, 1-9, 1-6, 3-7, 2-8, etc.
These numbers might not be telling of how good or bad he is but more so of the confidence he has in his place on the team. It’s not a question of ability. Learning to establish his role on the court is possibly the biggest step he needs to take if he wants to make it in the NBA.
I have no doubt in my mind that Pressey, his family and supporters have researched and weighed the options thoroughly. I’m not suggesting this was a decision made on a whim. He did his homework. Even coach Frank Haith agrees with his opt for departure. But again, it’s one of the things that I feel is hurting the sport. And in the long run it might hurt Pressey’s career.
From what we’ve seen from him in the past, we know he has the potential. He would have benefited greatly from gaining another year of experience with a team that might overcome some of this past season’s growing pains.
Some will contend that there is a strong 2014 draft class, and that is the reason he wanted to leave this year. But a “strong” draft class doesn’t really mean much in today’s basketball. And with his dad already in the league as an assistant coach, Pressey’s established connections in the NBA keep his name relevant. That extra year could’ve propelled him to becoming a more tempting prospect if he improved as much as he has the capacity to before the draft.
All opinions aside, I will be rooting for him wherever he lands.
