Perhaps you checked out the new Dynasty Newswire? Yesterday, Austin Walton posted his thoughts on which early entries would definitely stay in the 2008 NBA Draft, who he believed should stay, and who would benefit most from pulling out and going back to school for at least another year. It looks like a few of them got Austin’s note and took his advice.
Believing that the 6’9 J.J. Hickson of N.C. State would probably end up an 18-24 overall pick (which is higher than most draft boards have him slotted), Austin felt that he would stay in the draft. It ends up that he sealed that deal by hiring Andy Miller of ASM Sports.
As Austin expected, Danny Green and Wayne Ellington decided to return to UNC for at least another year. What he did not expect was that their buddy, Ty Lawson, would return as well. Remember what happened when UF brought back Noah, Brewer, Horford, and Green when everyone thought at least some of them would be leaving? Yeah…NCAA Championship part 2. For UNC, this could be the first championship ring for the trio.
The shorty, A.J. Abrams, will predictably be back at UTexas next year, but Chase Budinger, who Austin felt would definitely stay in the draft, retracted his name at the last moment and will return to Arizona.
Others that took Austin’s advice to go back to school include Robert Dozier, Robert Vaden, and Jeremy Pargo.
Some that did not take Austin’s word and will instead keep their names in the draft are: Richard Hendrix, Ryan Anderson, and Luc Richard Mbah A Moute.
For the full listing of who is in and who is out, stop by the always trusty DraftExpress.com.
