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The Daily OrangeBerman: Fans have no right to attack Greene's choice
By Zach Berman
Posted: 4/15/08, 10:18 PM EST Section: Sports
The notion he can only improve his stock by coming back is erroneous. He will most certainly improve his game, but returning is a gamble - just as leaving is a gamble. Greene clearly has work to do to improve his game, but another year at Syracuse does not ensure he's a more attractive prospect. There are so many factors. Consider:
[BULLET] One reason Syracuse fans want Greene back so badly is the prospect of next year's team. With guards Eric Devendorf and Andy Rautins returning from injury, freshmen Kris Joseph, Mookie Jones and James Southerland enrolling and everyone from this year's team a year older, SU should have one of the strongest and deepest rosters in the Big East. Yet with more scorers, there is no guarantee Greene will still receive as many shots. Syracuse averaged 79 points per game this season. Some scoring averages will likely go down, but Devendorf will score 15-20-points per game. So unless Syracuse is scoring 100 points per game next season, it's doubtful Greene sees a big bump in his scoring.
[BULLET] If Greene ever needed a reason to worry about coming back, Syracuse's rash of injuries might shoot to mind. Both Devendorf and Rautins tore their ACLs, ending their seasons and putting them on long rehab tracks. There were whispers before the season - with enough validity to warrant publishing on ESPN.com - that Devendorf was going to leave for the NBA after this season. The knee injury thwarted that attempt. Injuries are never planned, but they might be easier to take if the check is already cashed.
[BULLET] Coaches work in the NBA, too. If ball-handling and defense are areas Greene needs improvement, whichever team invests in Greene will no doubt work with him on these deficiencies. Drafting a freshman is almost always a risk. This hasn't stopped teams in the past. In last season's draft - one of the best drafts in years - eight freshmen were taken in the first round. Only one, Kevin Durant, has been a standout. The players drafted in the range Greene projects - Spencer Hawes, Thaddeus Young, Javaris Crittenton and Daequan Cook - are developing at different rates. All could have used another year of college to refine their games. In the NBA, though, they're still receiving the personal instruction but without all the distractions of college. Plus, they're getting paid to do it.
[BULLET] One reason Syracuse fans want Greene back so badly is the prospect of next year's team. With guards Eric Devendorf and Andy Rautins returning from injury, freshmen Kris Joseph, Mookie Jones and James Southerland enrolling and everyone from this year's team a year older, SU should have one of the strongest and deepest rosters in the Big East. Yet with more scorers, there is no guarantee Greene will still receive as many shots. Syracuse averaged 79 points per game this season. Some scoring averages will likely go down, but Devendorf will score 15-20-points per game. So unless Syracuse is scoring 100 points per game next season, it's doubtful Greene sees a big bump in his scoring.
[BULLET] If Greene ever needed a reason to worry about coming back, Syracuse's rash of injuries might shoot to mind. Both Devendorf and Rautins tore their ACLs, ending their seasons and putting them on long rehab tracks. There were whispers before the season - with enough validity to warrant publishing on ESPN.com - that Devendorf was going to leave for the NBA after this season. The knee injury thwarted that attempt. Injuries are never planned, but they might be easier to take if the check is already cashed.
[BULLET] Coaches work in the NBA, too. If ball-handling and defense are areas Greene needs improvement, whichever team invests in Greene will no doubt work with him on these deficiencies. Drafting a freshman is almost always a risk. This hasn't stopped teams in the past. In last season's draft - one of the best drafts in years - eight freshmen were taken in the first round. Only one, Kevin Durant, has been a standout. The players drafted in the range Greene projects - Spencer Hawes, Thaddeus Young, Javaris Crittenton and Daequan Cook - are developing at different rates. All could have used another year of college to refine their games. In the NBA, though, they're still receiving the personal instruction but without all the distractions of college. Plus, they're getting paid to do it.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
Marc LeVine
posted 4/16/08 @ 10:26 AM EST
Zach Berman. It IS Zach, not Len (Berman)?
Zach... after reading your sorry defense of Greene's decision to leave school, I make the following recommendation to you ---- Stay at Newhouse and finish your college career with the D. (Continued…)
Joe Sveda
posted 4/17/08 @ 6:36 PM EST
I agree with your points, but only to a degree.Looking at his numbers, it would appear he fell off dramatically in the second half of the year.In other words, where was the progress ? If he's in it for the money, then maybe he made the right choice. (Continued…)
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