Does anyone else find it interesting that almost every player who has utilized the new rule where they can hire an agent, but still return to school, have all decided on staying in the draft EVEN BEFORE THE COMBINE HAS HAPPENED?
It seems like this rule, while well intentioned, has put kids in a position to be “sold” on staying in the draft even before they have complete information.
I don’t see a scenario where Keldon or Tyler can know 100% they are top 20 before the combine, but if the agent swears it while also dangling the keys of a Maserati in front of their face, it seems like that influence will almost certainly lead to some bad decisions.
This is what has been irking me the past couple days with Herro's and KJ's announcements to stay in the draft. Both of them say they heard the feedback they wanted to hear, but how is it possible to receive meaningful feedback without going through the measurements, workouts, drills, etc. in team workouts and the combine? Who is giving the feedback? How are they giving it? Just off of game film?
This tells me that both never had any intention of coming back unless they were told they would not get drafted first round. All they, or any player nowadays, needs to hear is someone, anyone tell them they are projected first round regardless of how accurate it may be. And how can it be accurate at this point? Again, they haven't even gone through the process yet.
And like Rupp'sRunt mentioned, these agents, while temporary until a player decides to keep their name in the draft, are going to have a biased opinion. The agent wants to make money, and they only do that if the player stays in the draft. An agent has no motivation whatsoever to tell a player to stay in school.
Last thing: I don't like speaking on players' personal lives. But they are buying these cars most likely with loaned money from their agencies that they will have to pay back. Maybe pay back with interest. Spending money you don't even have yet? Seems like these guys are not getting the best advice, both with their projected draft position as well as financially. Shame the adults in the situation (agents, scouts, NBA executives, college coaches, etc.) are putting teenagers in these positions. If you dangle a few mill and a Maserati in front of my face at 18 I'd jump on it too.