On the TUNNEYSIDE of SPORTS February 25, 2013 #425 Up next…One and Done!
After further review…One and done took on a new twist earlier this month. The “twist” was the unfortunate tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of Kentucky basketball superstar freshman Nerlen Noel. The 6’10” Wildcat prodigy of Coach John Calipari landed awkwardly on his left leg, badly twisting his knee. It was an ugly injury that took Noel out for the rest of this season. The Wildcats were ranked 16th in the country (out of 347) and were 18 & 4 that night, when they lost to University of Florida. At this writing, without Noel, they are 18 & 8.
The “one and done” college basketball rule is an unpopular one. The NBA-created-rule states that a high school graduate may not enter the NBA draft until nineteen years of age or has completed one year of college. Noel was predicted to go in the first round of the 2013 NBA draft following the path of another Wildcat, Anthony Davis, who was selected in the first round by the New Orleans Hornets in 2012.
Noel must now dedicate the next six to eight months rehabbing the surgery performed on his knee as well as face the decision of either declaring for the 2013 NBA draft or returning to Kentucky for his sophomore season. Calipari, of course, would like him back on the Wildcats T*E*A*M.
The NFL doesn’t have a one and done, but a player must complete his college junior season (or three years after his high school graduating class) in order to declare for the NFL draft. An interesting case is developing with Jadeveon Clowney (just twenty years of age) who is currently a sophomore at the University of South Carolina (USC-East). Clowney was sixth in the Heisman voting in 2012. He is widely known for a play called “The Hit” which he put on Michigan’s Vincent Smith in the 2012 Outback Bowl, and typifies Clowney’s prowess as a college player.
Some are suggesting that Clowney sit out his junior (2013) season at USC to avoid possible injury which could jeopardize his NFL career. Would not playing for a year weigh heavily on his draft-ability status? At this writing he has not made a decision.
Will you weigh in on what Noel should do (NBA 2013 draft or sophomore year at Kentucky) and/or what Clowney should do (sit out the 2013 season or play for the Gamecocks)?
To contact Jim go to www.jimtunney.com or email him at jim@jimtunney.com.
