I agree with Nashty. Could be a goodbye, but if her were to write a standard thank you for the opportunity that elevated him to a conference POY and NBA prospect (without intending it as a farewell), I’m not sure it would read much differently than this.
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We’ll see…could just be a prelude to announcing he’s declaring for the draft to test the NBA waters, do workouts and get NBA feedback…and could still return to SCU depending on that feedback. Could also simply be his gratitude on the heels of the POY award.
Regardless, hoping he’s focused on the task at hand over the few weeks.
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Yeah, he will declare and at least go through the combine and then make a very informed decision about whether to stay in the draft or come back. Timme and Strawther both participated in the combine last year and returned. OKC’s GM Sam Presti said during Jalen’s introductory press conference that he came to Santa Clara and had dinner with Sendek (knew each other from the Harden selection) when doing homework on Jalen so I am sure there are several people (along with presumably Bill Duffy) that will be able to make sure Podz has the best available info.
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Shelfishy I would like him to come back. However if he is a first round pick then you got to go and get the money. I would be surprised if he was a first rounder based on only one season but he should get some good advice on that. If we can keep our players I think we could be a force next year. It has been a long time and would be great to see SCU in the NCAA’s again. It’s possible if we win the tournament this year but a real likelihood next year if everyone comes back. GO BRONCOS!!!
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Podz mentioned as a riser.
Two from WCC tells me the WCC is getting more and more competitive.
Similar to what I’ve said.
Hard to argue with many of those points with the exception of Podz’ rebounding. Rebounding tends to translate from college to NBA, don’t know if he’d average ~9game in similar NBA minutes but suspect he’d be at least average or a little better compared to most NBA shooting guards. He has both the knack for rebounding combined with the effort both of which are difficult to teach.
Good for him! I did see where he was projected at either 31 or 39 so if a late first round or second round pick I can’t fault him for declaring. If he isn’t drafted, by maintaining his eligibility he could return. Though I would have liked to see him return for another year I wish him the best.
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Fully expected to enter the draft and go through the evaluation process.
Far from a done deal he stays in the draft…IMO at least.
Corey Kispert, Timme, Strawther all entered the draft but returned to GU.
Kispert might be a great example for Podz…entered the draft, got eval of areas he needed to improve. Did just that, worked on his body to lean out and improve athleticism slightly, improved his defense and then ended up a 1st round draft pick.
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I love Podz but if I am a NBA executive, I would take Strawther over him in 2023
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Thought this article had some interesting takes on Strawther from a few NBA people. Probably not good enough to be a starter but excellent shooting should allow him to be a rotation guy. (Although one was pretty harsh and views him more as just a bench guy)
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All pretty spot on evals. Last night’s game certainly didn’t hurt Timme or Strawther.
I don’t think the final Strawther eval was all that bad. A lot of guys would be happy just to be an NBA ‘bench’ guy…you’re still in the NBA making millions. The knocks on his physique can be addressed with some dedication in the weight/workout room. But can’t deny he’s an NBA 3point shooter in 6-7 frame with solid floater/runner game and at least average athleticism by NBA standards. Last night’s late shot, on top of the similar scenario and made shot @BYU staving off the upset indicate he isn’t afraid of the moment with the game on the line…should be bonus points for him there.
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Agree…IMO, fewer question marks or risk re: whether Strawther’s game will translate to the NBA compared to Podz.
That said, all it takes is a team or two to fall in love’s with Podz effort, toughness, hustle and indicate or promise they’ll draft him if available.
I think the real question is this: would you rather be drafted in the early second round, or spend another year in college, with perhaps a better team that would make you look good, with a chance to go first round next year? The drop-off in rookie salary between late 1st and early 2nd rounds is significant.
I don’t disagree, I would be considering that if it were up to me…but it’s not my decision and he’s not my son.
Some guys are so eager/hungry to get to that next step, they’ll risk going early 2nd round vs. 1st round. And if we’re talking money…the truly crazy, off the charts money/contract comes with a player’s 2nd or 3rd contract and how you get there (1st or 2nd round pick) doesn’t really matter; teams are going to pay the guys who they think are worth it and can help them win regardless of their draft pedigree.
Does anyone know what the deal is with NIL at SCU, is there any interest in paying Podz to stay?
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Podz is being paid already. There are a few guys on the team with NIL deals. I don’t know specifics, and I assume it’s not a huge sum of money, but I do know the athletic department has been forward thinking.
I know last year Timme ended up getting in the neighborhood of 1 million dollars from the Casino (and via alums and supporters) as part of an incentive to get him to come back for his fourth year. Maybe there’s something like that for Podz in the works right now? I’m not sure. But I do know he’s had some deals.
You can learn more about how it’s possible to help here, and the NIL program the department has in place now:
https://themissionnil.com/
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