Tuesday, June 17, 2008

College hoops: Jordan leaving, others returning

I really believe that DeAndre Jordan (pictured at left) could have used at least two more years at Texas A&M under a terrific coaching staff led by Mark Turgeon. Jordan's got good size (7-0, 250), and although he logged about 20 minutes per game last season, he wasn't even a full-time starter for the Aggies. Given another year or two under Turgeon and he would have blossomed. At least Josh Carter has decided to stay in College Station for another season.

At the same time, I've gotta believe that UNC fans are celebrating this morning as three of their guys decided to pull out of the draft and return to school. With Lawson, Green, and Ellington returning, the Heels will be one of the top three teams in the nation. UNC also had a great recruiting class and now has its best six players returning, so expect big things (again) in Chapel Hill.

UAB guard Robert Vaden made the right decision to come back and play for coach Mike Davis. Coach Davis, a former guard who played in the CBA and overseas, understands pro basketball and will help develop Vaden's game. Vaden wouldn't have been a first-rounder this year. Given some time, he could really improve.

Finally, look for Texas to have a great 08-09 season now that Abrams has decided to return to Austin. The Horns will have four starters back from a team that reached the Elite Eight.