I know Cal takes alot of pride in saying UK had x amount of players drafted in first round. However, the number isnt that important if the guys cant cut it in the NBA.
They say it is the second contract you play for and sometimes player ride other people's coat tails as the saying goes.
Orton clearly wasnt ready. Jones recently was sent to the D-league. Teague was rumored to (not sure if he was or not) and Lamb was seeing very limited action.
If some of these kids arent going in the Top 10 or so, I wish they would rethink their leaving early. Yes as a UK fan, part of that is selfish
, but it would certainly help their developement as well. If Lamb had returned for example, he would be running the point right now and that would be more than likely what gets him that second contract.
As of right now, the only one I can see going this season is Noel but I hope guys like WCS and Goodwin dont leave early just to keep up the Kentucky tradition.
Cal has had the experience in the past but last year's great team probably would never had happened (that particular team I mean) if it had not been for the NBA lockout situation. I doubt Jones and Lamb would have come back for a second year.
I realize the rules are the rules till they change them but this is the first team that Cal has had where there has been no carryover guys Like PP, TJ, Lamb etc. Wiljter came back but he will not be mistaken for Jones anytime soon.
I guess I am saying unless some of these Top recruits like Goodwin, WCS etc start coming back for a second year, this years no experience situation could become the rule rather than the exception.