Terrence Jennings will test NBA waters, won't sign with agent
by Mike Rutherford on Apr 13, 2011 5:42 PM EDT
in Basketball
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PrintRick Pitino announced today that junior center Terrence Jennings will declare for the NBA Draft, but will not sign with an agent.
"It will be great for T.J. to see how people work in this environment and the type of competition and I’ll get feedback from every general manager on what he needs to work on," Pitino said. "I think it’s almost good because they’ll tell him, ‘You’ve got to get your rebound numbers up, you’ve got to get your balance better’ — all the things I’ve been telling him, they’ll reinforce it."
Before people start freaking out, I think this is actually good news.
A few weeks ago, a current player said that if TJ had to decide right then, he would be gone. The word at the time was that Jennings wasn't concerned about not being drafted and was prepared to play in Europe. This being the case, I think the fact that he has decided to go through the pre-draft stuff without signing with an agent is a very positive sign for him returning.
Jennings' best games as a Cardinal this past season came when Gorgui Dieng was out with an injury. More than any other player on the current roster, he thrives in situations where he doesn't have to be concerned with being taken out of the game. It's not surprising then that the prospect of competing for playing time with Dieng and Wake Forest transfer Tony Woods next season isn't sitting particularly well with TJ.
I'll be surprised if Jennings doesn't return for his senior season, but I don't think the issue is as cut-and-dry as many will make it out to be with the release of this news.
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I love TJ, but who is in his ear? He's not even close.
Big men have to participant in rebounding, not watch in awe as a 6’2" guy blows by them to grab a board.
That's what we said about Samardo, and he got signed
"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"
True but wasn't he actually undrafted then picked up later.
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 13, 2011 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. Just saying that purely as draft material, Samardo didn't make the grade and TJ is by most accounts not as accomplished as Samardo.
Doesn’t mean he won’t be picked up and have the same opportunity as Samardo. But Samardo started over him, had better numbers both scoring and rebounding. Now don’t get hating on me here, but do you think he has shown he is tough enough to play in the NBA? I wish TJ well but I think the best thing for him and for us, is for him to play another year with something to prove – and that is that he is talented enough and tough enough to dominate in college and be competitive it at the next level. That would be a win-win.
I will agree however with an earlier post that this year has a lot of talented bigs returning to school and that could cause this year to be his better opportunity, not withstanding the above comments. We’ll see.
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 13, 2011 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with Rick.
But, I think TJ is crazy to even think he’s NBA-ready. We all know why. Maybe he just needs to hear it from someone other than his coach, like a kid who doesn’t listen to his parents but will listen to the old guy at Kyle’s Korner Mart.
Stout Out!
Again, this is not about TJ thinking he's ready for the league
Three weeks ago TJ had his mind made up that he was going to Europe. He didn’t care about playing in the NBA or not, he was just ready to move on. This is good news as far as the likelihood of his return is concerned.
by Mike Rutherford on Apr 13, 2011 5:56 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
It seems a lot of guys no one think are ready for the next level end up having a shot
Is the NBA lowering the bar on acceptable talent?
________________________________________________
www.lordkayoss.com
supposedly this is the worst draft
talent wise-in years. Maybe that is what thinks he will have a shot?
by twistedwedge on Apr 14, 2011 6:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Testing the waters and getting feedback from NBA teams doesn't sound bad.
But if TJ bolts, well… it would be really disappointing and would hurt his long-term NBA chances.
That said, I rewatched the first half of the Morehead game while running on the treadmill the other day (glutton for punishment that I am). It reinforced for me what a beast Gorgui is and how much better he may become next year. He has offensive skills, including shooting touch, that are hard to find in men his size. And he just has great instincts on both ends of the floor. If TJ leaves, I would expect Gorgui to have a true breakout year.
by cardsinindy2010 on Apr 13, 2011 5:57 PM EDT reply actions
..................................................................... I can't live this way anymore
I don’t know how I still have a single tear left.
by GOCARDSATTITUDE on Apr 13, 2011 6:01 PM EDT reply actions
Sadness because an amazing talent could be leaving
or is it just based on how good he looks? Hypothetically, what if Bullet was doing this? Same reaction?
"To win the game is great. To play the game is greater. But to love the game is greatest of all."
by kentuckybred on Apr 13, 2011 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions
No matter if he leaves or not, he really hurt my feelings.
Doesn’t he know how much I love him? TJ was actually my favorite player in 09-10, and I have been dedicated to him with love and encouragement ever since. His dunking is mean and dirty, and his face is baby and perfect.
I refuse to answer the following questions.
by GOCARDSATTITUDE on Apr 13, 2011 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions
That's what I thought.
"To win the game is great. To play the game is greater. But to love the game is greatest of all."
by kentuckybred on Apr 13, 2011 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Today sure has presented us with alot of unknows,
Perhaps by the time it’s all said and done the unknowns will have become opportunities.
by James Sutherland on Apr 13, 2011 6:02 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
James Sutherland = Tony Robbins
I appreciate your sunny outlook, and hope you are right. I think things will ultimately fall into place.
ALL HAIL
by Cardinal_Pride on Apr 13, 2011 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
If he somehow he leaves
(can’t imagine he’s a draft prospect, but could perform overseas in some of the leagues or in NBADL)
and we weigh the pros and cons re: impact on UofL b-ball…which way will the scale tip?
"To win the game is great. To play the game is greater. But to love the game is greatest of all."
Even if we assume Dieng is a good replacement
For TJ, I think we have to assume that his absence may at least hurt during practice. I would suffice to say a lot of Gorgui’s progress has stemmed from having to play against TJ. Does that slow his growth? Probably not exponentially but who knows.
by James Sutherland on Apr 13, 2011 6:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I would think Woods can provide about the same competition as TJ
He was also a 5 star guy in the same class with TJ and at 6’11" and 260 lbs he is a load.
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 13, 2011 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Gorgui can never replace TJ. He is way too Gorgui.
by GOCARDSATTITUDE on Apr 13, 2011 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Gorgui can never replace TJ. He is way too Gorgui.
(read he’s not hot)
"To win the game is great. To play the game is greater. But to love the game is greatest of all."
by kentuckybred on Apr 13, 2011 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I can see how you might read that, but no
He is just not comparable.
As my dad likes to say, “Everybody wants a Gorgui.”
by GOCARDSATTITUDE on Apr 13, 2011 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmm
Aiight then.
"To win the game is great. To play the game is greater. But to love the game is greatest of all."
by kentuckybred on Apr 13, 2011 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Gorgui can't replace TJ like Michael Jordan couldn't replace, um... whoever he replaced with the Bulls
Dieng is going to be a monster. By the time his career is done, if you say TJ was a decent player, they’ll ask “Where did Tom Jurich play ball?”
"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"
My pros and cons if he leaves
Pros:
1. Dieng gets more minutes. He is a beast.
2. Woods, assuming he actually joins the team, gets more minutes. He is beastlier than TJ.
3. We lose one of the most frustrating players on the team.
4. It may solve the roster jam.
Cons:
1. Ms. Tude would be sad. I don’t want her to be sad.
Stout Out!
Exactly
"To win the game is great. To play the game is greater. But to love the game is greatest of all."
by kentuckybred on Apr 13, 2011 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Dieng upside is huge! Great instincts, good shooting range and an awesomr defender, The total package.
Just needs some experience and LOOK OUT!
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 13, 2011 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Even UK fans are saying he'll be a beast.
That’s serious since they barely recognize basketball is played outside of Lexington.
Stout Out!
That is all nice...
But TJ is my TJ and no one can replace him.
I have a really hard time accepting incoming players
(once was hostile towards Siva because… I had no reason)
I can’t lose him without having a full season to savor his goodness in preparation. You just can’t do that to me.
by GOCARDSATTITUDE on Apr 13, 2011 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree that this is actually good news as long as TJ is careful to do everything the right way and not lose affect his eligibility
Due to NCAA rules, you are only allowed to test the draft waters once (w/o signing with an agent), so why not get your one shot in before your senior season to see what NBA decision makers think of your game?
Hopefully, he uses this opportunity to seriously evaluate his weaknesses and takes to heart what the NBA folks have to say.
by quiet cardinal on Apr 13, 2011 6:13 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
My thoughts exactly!
We all know he has not been a good rebounder. The question is, can he be a good rebounder? With one final year to show the NBA what he can do just might get him to perform like we all would like to see. A man his size should be able to get his share with the right technique and some work. As I have said, I’m not sure he has the instinct for it, but hopefully he can improve on that.
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 13, 2011 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Fuller
Losing him will hurt more, especially in the long run.
#samarshmellow'd
only diff is that i don’t think TJ is in the same financial situation, which is a plus for him coming back.
ALL HAIL
by Cardinal_Pride on Apr 13, 2011 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I can think up some other headlines that would logically follow after what we've seen today...
But I’m not going to tempt fate. I would advise the rest of you to do the same.
by cardsinindy2010 on Apr 13, 2011 6:21 PM EDT reply actions
nbadraft.net has TJ projected 58th in NEXT year's draft.
FYI…there are only 60 draft picks.
Stout Out!
Correct.
After he graduates. Luke Harangody was a four-year PF that drafted 52nd last year. 2010’s 58th pick? Derrick Caracter. TJ projected 58th NEXT year means he has A LOT of ground to make up THIS year.
Stout Out!
And didn't Harangody average about twice as many points and rebounds as TJ against the same competition?
TJ really needs a break out year at UL to make a living at the next level.
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 13, 2011 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Smart move
he’ll have a better chance this year with so many top picks looking at the potential for a lockout and staying in school. Draft has gotten considerably weaker and a guy like TJ might be able to fit into it somehow. next year he’ll be the afterthought to an afterthought. You know, unless he is just balls to the wall improved. Which is tough when you are splitting minutes so many ways.
e
This is an interesting take.
Could be his best shot but I don’t think he is currently NBA ready.
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 13, 2011 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I have been shifted.
When Harrison Barnes, Jared Sullinger, and even Perry Jones are going back to school, I think his best chance is now.
"Marquise Teague Sucks!"
-Bryce Cotton
I think you're right. He should give it a try this year.
Still, it’s a pity he didn’t develop more his junior season.
I think he developed alot this year. He didn’t look as lost on defense. He showed a willingness to attempt an offensive move beyond the “dunk shot” and he also drastically improved his FT shooting. Rebounding is about effort, cough-Samardo-, if a team feels they can get effort out of him, he could wind up being a steal as a late 2nd round or as an undrafted free agent.
STAY DANGIT
He has so much potential I would feel bad for him, if he could work hard on rebounding and establishing the post presence, he could easily be one of the most talented big men in the big east. I really wouldn’t like him to leave, since everyone knows his potential, and is waiting for a breakout year from him!
Sees Tim Fuller article
Sees TJ article
Looks at calendar, sees it’s not 4/1/2011
Punches self in face
I heard Denny Crum took Joe Dumars' job at the Pistons
and guarenteed TJ he’d be a lottery pick if he left.
by johnnyjoejohnson on Apr 13, 2011 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions
How 'bout that Derby Eve party?
by Mike Rutherford on Apr 13, 2011 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
NOTHING CAN MAKE ME FEEL BETTER
until TJ says sorry and gives me a hug and stays. and makes a formal CC apology.
by GOCARDSATTITUDE on Apr 13, 2011 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Off Season
With a lot of news stories. Crazy day.
by REALISTICCARDSFAN on Apr 13, 2011 7:44 PM EDT reply actions
Didn't we sorta think the same thing about Samuels?
I thought he’d get evaluated, be told everything Pitino has told him, then come back.
Samardo wanted to be gone. Rick didn’t even know he was leaving. Also, with the rumors about TJ talking about Europe and then Rick making statements about TJ testing the NBA waters, i get the feeling Rick was caught off guard about TJ ‘s thoughts as well. I can see Rick catching wind about tj’s thoughts and telling him to take a breath, go through some draft workouts and then think about it.
On a 1-7 scale of bad news from UL basketball
Tim Fuller leaving is about a 5. TJ testing his draft stock is a 2 or a 3. We need rebounds, and TJ is Mardo-esque in that department.
by johnnyjoejohnson on Apr 13, 2011 8:13 PM EDT reply actions
Why a scale of 1-7?
What is this, the metric system?
by Chris Redman is my hero on Apr 13, 2011 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think it's the other way around
It would be a very logical 1-10 in the metric system and 1-12 in our goofy system that we share with two other countries in the entire world: Liberia and Myanmar.
"We are on a collision course with the national championship; the only variable is time"
I was talking "likerts"
the only thing worse than the metric system. I once met a man with schizophrenia, who claimed, along with any other accomplishments, that he was reason the metric system never caught in America.
by johnnyjoejohnson on Apr 15, 2011 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd rather he stay but I'm not going to los any sleep over it.
Gorgui is going to be a monster, and Woods will be a capable backup (or vice versa). If we have to go small, we have Rock, Swop, Kyle, and others who can play the 3.
TJ needs to board better, and the ideal situation is that the NBA scouts tell him to come back when he can rebound. If he could develop that skill, he would be a legitimate prospect. But if he decides the D-league or Europe is the place to continue his development, I wish him well. Life goes on, and so does Cardinal basketball.
"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"
I REALLY think that Gorgui will be an awesome player!
I have never seen a player improve so much. Most kids his age have been playing organized ball under decent coaches for half of their lives. They are working constantly on those skills and bring 5-7 years of practice to college. Gorgui has very little of that experience and as he gets that instruction, coupled with his noted intellect and desire to learn…………Well, I have been saying for months Gorgui could be SCARY good next year. I mean dominate!
And if Woods is half as good as touted, we should be strong in the paint.
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 13, 2011 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree.
I look for great things from Dieng next season. If T.J. stayed, he might not start, and that certainly wouldn’t help his stock any.
from the minute
i saw the youtube video of Gorgui doing a rainbow to Coleman in the Derby Dunk Contest last year, i loved him no matter what (not like GCA loves PeyPey and TJ). check it… . DAMMIT! I wanted to see Coleman in a Cards uni too!
ALL HAIL
by Cardinal_Pride on Apr 14, 2011 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions
this was supposed to come after "check it"
by Cardinal_Pride on Apr 14, 2011 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions
also
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a06uwz4jcJc&feature=relmfu Jesus, where is Coleman now?
ALL HAIL
by Cardinal_Pride on Apr 14, 2011 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions
This just in:
Titus Teague to enter Supplemental Draft
Yes, that is Kyle Kuric
by TheRealSlimShady on Apr 13, 2011 9:43 PM EDT reply actions
It worked for Earl Clark
Earl did this his Soph year and IIRC he knew a day or two into it that he was not ready for the pro life and came ‘running’ back. TJ may not be that type of guy but I don’t think this or any of the coaching changes (so far) are bad news.
This is a non issue
If not for the likelihood TJ doesn’t find an NBA team, then for the fact that his production will be easily replaced.
I agree. I like TJ and all
but, we’ll have plenty of players who can score 9 points and grab 5 rebounds.
by johnnyjoejohnson on Apr 14, 2011 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
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