Non-April Fools Chatter, Terrence Jennings to Europe
by willscottonfire on Apr 1, 2011 10:11 AM EDT
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I'm not one for rumors, or one to start rumors, but I heard something yesterday from a credible source that Terrence Jennings might be leaving early to play professional basketball in Europe. At first when I heard this, I thought it was a joke, but then realized who was saying it, and thought there might be some validity. After speaking with other people, there was another response from within that "he is still trying to decide to go pro or not." My utter concern is for TJ, who I've grown to really enjoy as a basketball player, and thought was one of the true highlights of this year. When not in foul trouble, he is a potential game changer around the basket. My first thought, was why leave early for Europe* basketball? Obviously I don't know his or his family's financial burdens, I know times are tough. But then looking at the team, it does make some sense when you think about the numbers. At Center next year we will have Gorgui who has all the potential in the world, Tony Woods the big man shot blocker from Wake, and incoming freshman Zach Price from j-town who is improved big time his senior year. Those guys could all easily get PT, on top of Jennings. I don't know if he is thinking he won't get enough PT, or he really needs the money, but I think with another full year of Pitino, he could still develop into a great player.
Just wanted to get some opinions on the matter, and/or hear your thoughts. I would love to still have TJ next year obviously, but at the same time, I feel like the C position wont be a concern with Gorgui/Price/Woods.
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I am comfortable with Gorgui/Price/Woods too on paper
Haven’t seen Price or Woods play yet so can’t be sure but it would appear that scoring and defense would be about equal and they would actually rebound a bit better
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 1, 2011 10:27 AM EDT reply actions
I'm thinking a lot of us need to grow up and deal with it.
He’s coming and there is nothing any Louisville fan can do to stop it. I swear if this were a football player, we wouldn’t be talking about it anymore.
Do you still hate Michael Vick too? How long is long enough to shun someone? Forever? Will you ever forgive Woods? Will he ever be a Cardinal for you?
Btw, this isn’t a personal attack at you WILLSEE. I’m just tired of folks voicing discontent with this situation EVERY time it comes up.
by Remote Cardinal on Apr 1, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Not about growing up
The kids probably deserves a second chance. About Vick, I’ve said the whole time that I believe he deserves the opportunity to pursue a career, I just hoped it wasn’t on my team. Woods deserves a second chance, I just wish it were somewhere else. I don’t think we’re that desperate anymore.
That said, I’m going to root for him if and when he puts on a louisville uniform.
by johnnyjoejohnson on Apr 1, 2011 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I have personally met
and hung out with Tony on numerous occasions and despite his record or past, the kid is a good dude. Extremely nice, respectful, humble, and genuine. We all make mistakes whether they’re true or not, and none of us are perfect, we are all human. I can’t wait for Tony to play for the Cardinals.
by willscottonfire on Apr 1, 2011 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with you full heartedly!! Do you know this kid on a personal level? Were you present when this or whatever took place happened? Stop being so quick to pass judgement on a person as if you don’t make mistakes in life. Apparently it’s not as bad as it has been hyped up to be if him and his lady are still together….Don’t get me wrong, we have all fell victim to judging folks. The difference is when you realize it and start to judge who is in the mirror I promise you your life will improve!! I welcome Woods and I’m an Eagles fan!
If you never learn to understand failure, how could you recognize success?
If true, TJ need to really think - UNLESS he's not being developed as much as he feels he should be.
Most of that is probably going to be on his drive and work ethic though. I wouldn’t know what he would be thinking otherwise. RP doesn’t appear to be able to develop centers all that well, but what do I know? He’s definitely one of the greatest coaches of all time. I just don’t know how much more TJ will develop in Europe – if any. IMHO and I DO NOT watch professional basketball at all – he needs much more development and maturity to go to the REAL next level. If TJ has it in him, I’d say he’d be served best by staying under Ricky P, but again, I don’t know if RP is the best at developing big men and/or the coach currently holding that responsibility down (DP?) is doing the best job either. In the defense of RP and/or DP, Dieng Definitely improved by LEAPS and BOUNDS throughout the season! Of course his desire and IQ probably had a lot to do with that too.
Like most things in life, I think TJ's development (or lack thereof) is mostly on his own shoulders.
Does a great professor help in college? Of course. Having a great teacher presents an opportunity. But you don’t really develop at anything unless you are willing to put in the time and hard work.
If TJ fully commits himself to developing a low-post game and improving his rebounding, I have no doubt that he could play in the NBA. His combination of length and athleticism are traits that most big men will never have. But if he wants to play pro ball in the U.S., then he should be in the gym this summer working his ass off, not declaring for the draft. He isn’t close to ready.
by cardsinindy2010 on Apr 1, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I fully expect TJ to return next year.
I think he’s ready for a huge year at Louisville. I just hope he doesn’t get fools whispering in his ear telling him that Europe right now is better than a shot at the NBA if he does what he is capable of next season. Even if you can’t latch on in the NBA, Europe will want you next year TJ. Don’t give up just yet.
by Remote Cardinal on Apr 1, 2011 10:53 AM EDT reply actions
No way he would leave after three years.
This team has a shot at it all next year he wouldn’t possibly miss out on that.
by Get_In_My_BELLY_ on Apr 1, 2011 11:24 AM EDT reply actions
I'm told that if he had to decide right now, Jennings would be leaving
by Mike Rutherford on Apr 1, 2011 12:05 PM EDT reply actions
This is strange
I don’t get it. Why is he considering leaving?
by johnnyjoejohnson on Apr 1, 2011 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
No, I was saying it IS an April Fools Joke. If you tell me on 4/2 that it's not a joke I will believe you.
But you have no credibility with something that could very well result in an “April Fools!!” the second I say “really?”
by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Apr 1, 2011 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Additionally
Kuric will give up his basketball scholarship if the situation calls for it.
by Mike Rutherford on Apr 1, 2011 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't think you can be on both a full academic and athletic scholly at the same time
But I think the thinking is that he could get a sizable academic scholarship. And even if he couldn’t…his dad’s a surgeon.
by Mike Rutherford on Apr 2, 2011 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
IMO, this would not be a smart decision
He is better defensively than SS, but nowhere close to his offensive development when he left. And SS made it, but not by much. Another year would give TJ the opportunity to develop enough for a meaningful shot at the NBA.
by cardsinindy2010 on Apr 1, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly.
And if he doesn’t make the NBA next year, he’ll definitely make pro somewhere else. That’s always there for him.
He has no legit shot at the draft this year, but plenty of opportunity for next. TJ leaving would be even more strange and rash of a decision than SS.
by Remote Cardinal on Apr 1, 2011 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Yup - and it's difficult to quantify the difference in value between playing in Europe and the NBA.
Because most guys don’t want to spend most of their careers overseas, and of course, the money should be considerably better in the NBA.
by cardsinindy2010 on Apr 1, 2011 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
is making it playing for the cavs?
Samardo made it to the Cavs, he will probably get cut, and if you get cut from the Cavs, you probably wont have anywhere to go.
by willscottonfire on Apr 1, 2011 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I did say "barely" made it
But yeah, he made it to the NBA – barely, as an undrafted signee for a terrible team. That said, he has played pretty well, and he may stick around the league for a while.
If I had to bet on “former Louisville player most likely to be out of the NBA within 3 years (of arriving),” my money would be on T-Will.
by cardsinindy2010 on Apr 1, 2011 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
You must not have paid much attention to him while he is in the NBA.
He is doing very well and getting quality minutes. He is helping the team very well. A few NBA analysts have talked about him in high regard. I think he could be very good.
"Marquise Teague Sucks!"
-Bryce Cotton
Well im still confused wether this is an april fools joke or not
However if he does leave I will officially believe there has been a curse placed on the University of Louisville.
for realz
I should have posted this yesterday/tomorrow, not an april fools joke, promise. today is my bday, and i dont F around on my bday… (again, not an april fools joke)
by willscottonfire on Apr 1, 2011 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
If he makes that decision, I wish him luck.
I also hope that Dieng puts on about 25 pounds of muscle, that Tony Woods shows up in shape, and that Zach Price is a worthy recruit.
Stout Out!
Yeah, I think Zach Price is on par with Terrance Farley at this point
in order words, don’t expect much from him next year, but he might be a contributor in a couple years
You gotta be kidding me
Price the same player as Farley. Some of the best basketball schools in the country offered price. No one but Rick offered Farley. Price may not be Tyler Z., however he is no Farley.
by cardinalkohls on Apr 1, 2011 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I know he's ranked as a top 75 player nationally
But I’m pretty sure Price only averaged something like 13 pts and 8 rbs for J-town. The kid is almost 7 ft tall. If he couldn’t pull down double digit rebounds against Louisville area high school competition, I have my doubts and his ability to come in and contribute immediately.
I’m not saying that he doesn’t have value, but I think he’s more of a project at this point.
Wasn't he injured for a month or so during the season?
Better than Farley, not an immidiate game changer. Agreed. Great upside.
by cardinalkohls on Apr 2, 2011 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
As an aside...
Is anyone else a little mystified at how the state of Kentucky can produce so little elite high school talent year after year, given how popular the sport is in this state? This is something that’s really surprised me over the years.
I mean, I’m sure the lack of multiple large urban areas that typically foster this sort of from-birth competitiveness is a big driving force. Plus the relatively low-income status of several parts of the state that virtually eliminate exposure to prep school and AAU competition. And I’m sure the lopsided proportion of white people in many ares of the state isn’t helping.
But still, you’d think we’d be able to get at least 2-3 top 100 talent guys out of Louisville and Lexington every couple of years.
You're not alone. What I hear from several people I've posed this question to is that the AAU programs in this state are weak.
Indiana, by contrast, has an awesome AAU program with more travel teams than corn fields. Kids don’t get to be “top 100” caliber players unless they’re playing good competition year round like they do in Indiana.
by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Apr 3, 2011 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Woods is 6'11", 245lbs.
Zach Price is 6’10", 230lbs.
Dieng is good, hard working, and has long arms.
TJ is 6’9", 220 lbs.
I’m fine with this.
Au revoir. Bonne chance.
I hope he makes the ESPN Top Nueve for real.
I tend to agree with you.
Don’t know why he didn’t play more at Wake but the potential is there. Another interesting point, I looked up the Rivals Top 100 list for 2008 and TJ was a 5 star recruit ranked #18. Tony Woods was a 5 star recruit ranked #20. And with Tony’s additional 2 inches and 25 pounds he should be a better rebounder, clearly TJ’s weakest area. All in all, if Tony works hard I think it has the potential to be an overall plus.
Also, I think with Dieng’s upside, he may well be the best all around post player on the team anyway. Consider guys like TJ and Woods have been playing the game with top notch instruction their whole lives, they aren’t likely to appreciably improve. But since Gorgui has only played the game at all for a few years, his potential to get MUCH better with top notch coaching is frankly enormous. Add to that the often mentioned great work ethic, attitude and ability to learn quickly and you have a package I wouldn’t trade for anything. Gorgui could be really special before he hangs up the uniform at Louisville. And, he’s a great kid.
GO CARDS!
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 2, 2011 8:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Everything I have read so far about Woods have been good
From what I can remember his stats were pretty darn good at WF. I look forward to him helping out in the rebound dept.
Eh. His stats were meager at Wake Forest.
And he didn’t play that much in his two years. I hope his talent is more along the lines of people’s hopes on here than what I’ve seen of this stat lines.
by cardsinindy2010 on Apr 1, 2011 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Interesting
For some reason I thought his stats were great.. Maybe im thinking of someone else
Goddammit
Not to be “that guy”, but I almost posted something to the effect of “Jesus, I hope none of these guys get it in their head that it’s time to go pro, the way Sumarshmallow Samuels did.” Then i thought to myself that none of them were in the same situation, so posting that would be stupid and a few people would flame me for it… I’m really hoping he doesn’t leave, especially since he was finally turning the corner. One of my favorite things about TJ is the way he dunks. He gives almost 0 chance at having a dunk blocked bc of how
fast he throws it down. Couple that with his
development of post moves and willingness to kick it back out to one of our 10 capable 3-point shooters, and his game could go to new heights. Samuels was one of the softest fucking guys ever. Everytime he got a rebound I would say aloud, “don’t bounce it! Straight back up!” Then he would get it stripped bc he put the fucking ball on the floor. Then I would wonder why no one would teach our big men how to play the position. In retrospect, I’m kinda happy 2Sam left (does anyone remember he was the #2 recruit in the nation that year behind only Brandon Jennings???) . TJ may not have developed into the player he is now. That said, PLEASE don’t leave TJ! Your draft stock can only rise. Plus, with another year around Gorgui, you can learn a few different languages in case you do end up in Europe. How many does he speak again? Announcers will never mention it during games!~
ALL HAIL
by Cardinal_Pride on Apr 2, 2011 6:22 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
This would be disheartening development IMO,...
TJ frustrated us for so long with his lack of effort (particularly on the boards); then this year he finally started giving great effort but, his focus wasn’t where it should have been.
Then the improbable happened, the light bulb went off in year 3, he finally started to do the things he needed to do to make himself into a great player.
He showed flashes of brilliance in some games; WTF? moments in others but, his energy was always in over-drive, his passion apparent to all of us and, the WTF moments became fewer and far between.
It became obvious that he was finally listening to his coaches and working on the things they told him to work on, instead of his jumper.
He endeared himself to me as much as any one player could over the course the season; because, my opinion of him was so low early on that I didn’t think he deserved to be playing at all over Gorgui and George Goode. By the end of the year you just knew that we wouldn’t win certain games unless TJ showed up and gave us solid minutes.
I hope he stays, lord I hope he stays.
If his development moves along over the Summer and into next season the way it did over the course of this year he could be 1st team Big East type player next year.
Please stay TJ, please?
Next year really has the potential to be magical for this group.
They went through so much adversity this year, they endured so many close losses, they came up just millimeters short on so many occasions that honestly, I don’t know how they couldn’t all came back with a focus none of us have seen in a Cardinal uniform for a long-long time.
TJ could be a huge part of that and I just don’t know if next year’s team would have the same edge without him as they would with him.
One thing is for sure, no #23 in 2011 would be a major negative, at least early on until Woods got back into basketball shape but, that’s assuming he’ll be able to contribute in a big way once he does.
Don’t forget that he won’t play until after the first semester ends and the 5 spot would be in the hands of a very capable Gorgui but, with only a freshman (Price to back him up).
Price may prove capable of giving solid minutes of relief next year but I really don’t expect much more from him in 2011.
No TJ would be a bad thing next year for at least the first 1/2 of the year and if Woods doesn’t work out or end up being as productive as TJ would have been? well, no TJ next year would be a bad thing all the way around.
by Chick-Stratino'sUrDaddy on Apr 2, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Stat comparison - Tony Woods vs TJ - adjusted per 40 minutes of playing time
Woods – TJ
Points 13.8 – 16.4
Rebs 9.6 – 8.9
Blocks 2.4 – 3.2
Turnovers 3.3 – 1.9
FG % 60.8 – 53.3
FT% 48.1 – 65.7
Numbers are pretty close except Woods shoots much better from the field (61% vs 53%) and TJ shoots much better from the line (66% vs 48%)
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 2, 2011 8:46 AM EDT reply actions
with or without the stats
TJ> tony ALWAYS
by GOCARDSATTITUDE on Apr 2, 2011 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Now dont get me wrong
I want TJ to stay… BUT…… by looking at the stats above its a fairly even trade. If they can improve Woods FT shooting and cut down on (1) turnover it will pretty much be equal
TJ has the chance if he stays to be a stud and get drafted in the first round, resulting in guaranteed money and (if he is smart) lifetime financial security.
If he goes now, the best he can hope for is to get drafted in the second round with no guaranteed contract and an opportunity to (possibly) play his way into a nice contract 2-3 years down the road. And it is more likely that he would just wind up in Europe.
TJ, if you want a real shot at the NBA, stay and work on your game. Really, really work on it this summer. And next year could be a monster year leading to a big, guaranteed payday.
TJ= stud.
I wish I knew how to post pics on here.
by GOCARDSATTITUDE on Apr 2, 2011 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions
You click the tree. And copy & paste the URL at the top in the box.
"Marquise Teague Sucks!"
-Bryce Cotton
put them on photobucket
It’s free to set up an account.
"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"
I just cant see there being any possible way
It just doesnt make sense. TJ’s stock is not nearly as high as what it could be. So why in the world would he leave to play in Europe when he could stick around another year and have the possibility of going straight into the NBA. He could remain in the states and make a ton more money. If LVL were to make a deep run next year the exposure could be enough to help his stock regardless if he improves or not.
Just doesnt add up
Haven't seen it on ESPN or FOX or anything like that.
So I guess this doesn’t have legs. I really hope I’m right.
"Marquise Teague Sucks!"
-Bryce Cotton
Nothing to report because he hasn't made a decision
The only thing noteworthy is that he’s leaning towards leaving. The common thought is apparently that this is more of a move for attention than anything else.
TJ wants to be wanted with Gorgui coming into his own and Tony Woods entering into the mix. Remember that he played his basketball last year when Dieng was hurt and he could finally stop glancing over at the bench every 15 seconds.
by Mike Rutherford on Apr 4, 2011 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I can let him know how much he is wanted.
by GOCARDSATTITUDE on Apr 4, 2011 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Poor baby. Does he not know how much we all loved him at the end of the season?
He can shoot FT’s!!!!! That’s a one-of-a-kind talent!
by GOCARDSATTITUDE on Apr 4, 2011 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Tony Woods = Marvin Stone
based on the numbers posted above comparing TJ and Woods it looks like Woods is about the same kind of guy as Marvin “hands of” Stone….
We were pumped at Louisville to get a high profile transfer, especially from the Kittens, and though his big body did provide rebounds and intimidation he lacked good ball skills (hence the nickname) and was terrible from the charity stripe. It does look like Woods is better from the field, though I have not seen Marvin’s stats, and that could be a result of layups and dunks more that a real shooter’s touch.
Either way looking back on it I would rather have a Senior TJ who needs to go into beast mode to get into the NBA over what Marvin Stone gave us during his time as a Card. Not that what he gave us was bad, but certainly nothing to write home about. Loyalty and love wins out in my book
by I WantReeceBack! on Apr 4, 2011 6:36 PM EDT reply actions
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