Pons declares for draft

If he is as torn as Rob Lewis seems to indicate, I see no reason to not withdraw today, and leave your options open over the next two weeks. Seems pretty simple.
 
Only thing I can think is that waiting this long he’s been waiting to see who else on the fence decided to either go or stay...obviously the more fringe 2nd round guys that declare for the draft the lower his chances are. However on that topic, seems like most of the recent decisions from players have been to return to school, so I could see that playing a factor.
 
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It's weird that a decision hasn't beeb made yet. Not sure what else could really change in the final 8 hours of the day that would alter his draft chances. As @cncchris33 said, might as well withdraw today if you're still not sure and spend an extra two weeks deliberating.
 
I would love to have Pons back but, as BTO mentioned, the number of players announcing returns for a season shrouded in mystery is staggering. Unless Pons is supremely confident in his opportunity to truly show-out this year, assuming a season happens, it seems almost insane to not stick with the draft.
 
I would love to have Pons back but, as BTO mentioned, the number of players announcing returns for a season shrouded in mystery is staggering. Unless Pons is supremely confident in his opportunity to truly show-out this year, assuming a season happens, it seems almost insane to not stick with the draft.
We are going to be so loaded
 
Seems like nearly every guy on the fence has announced their return, have to wonder if each guy announcing their return pushes Pons towards leaving.
 
He's a lock to be on no less than a development league roster but I don't think there is much of a guarantee in $. I don't think anyone believes he'd be on an NBA roster next year. I think his best would be something like Alexander got this past year. I'd probably come back if given the same choice as he can do nothing but improve his stock. He's got to improve his handles before he makes any roster at 6'6" and he can do that in Knoxville. He'll go undrafted if he declares I think.
 
Would think the best career move is to actually play basketball this coming season, no?
I think he needs games anyway if he wants to improve his versatility and develop. Right now he's a one trick pony as a defensive specialist and an offensive liability. I don't think he was our best on the ball defender last year either.
 
I think he needs games anyway if he wants to improve his versatility and develop. Right now he's a one trick pony as a defensive specialist and an offensive liability. I don't think he was our best on the ball defender last year either.
Offensive liability? He may not have a huge offensive game, but 3rd on the team in PPG, 4th in 2pt% and 4th in 3pt%...definitely wouldn’t call the guy an offensive liability, saying he has room to improve might be more appropriate, but when you put up 24 points against Kansas and are virtually unstoppable I don’t think liability is the right word.
 
Offensive liability? He may not have a huge offensive game, but 3rd on the team in PPG, 4th in 2pt% and 4th in 3pt%...definitely wouldn’t call the guy an offensive liability, saying he has room to improve might be more appropriate, but when you put up 24 points against Kansas and are virtually unstoppable I don’t think liability is the right word.
He can't dribble, it's the only thing he struggles with. If he had handles and could get to the rim whenever he wanted he'd be a top 5 pick. On an NBA roster, against the best players in the world he is an offensive liability at guard or forward because of his handles. He improved his offensive game tremendously and if he makes a similar jump this year in Knoxville he will move up to 1st round status. If he's ever going to be on an NBA roster he is going to have to learn how to dribble or become an elite spot up 3 point shooter. There have been a ton of freak athletes simply not have the hands to play in the NBA, I don't think anyone is sure of what Pons potential is just yet.
 
He can't dribble, it's the only thing he struggles with. If he had handles and could get to the rim whenever he wanted he'd be a top 5 pick. On an NBA roster, against the best players in the world he is an offensive liability at guard or forward because of his handles. He improved his offensive game tremendously and if he makes a similar jump this year in Knoxville he will move up to 1st round status. If he's ever going to be on an NBA roster he is going to have to learn how to dribble or become an elite spot up 3 point shooter. There have been a ton of freak athletes simply not have the hands to play in the NBA, I don't think anyone is sure of what Pons potential is just yet.
I think the 3 point shot continuing to develop is a much easier path than becoming some elite ball handler at this stage...his open/spot up 3pt% is already pretty high.
 
He can't dribble, it's the only thing he struggles with. If he had handles and could get to the rim whenever he wanted he'd be a top 5 pick. On an NBA roster, against the best players in the world he is an offensive liability at guard or forward because of his handles. He improved his offensive game tremendously and if he makes a similar jump this year in Knoxville he will move up to 1st round status. If he's ever going to be on an NBA roster he is going to have to learn how to dribble or become an elite spot up 3 point shooter. There have been a ton of freak athletes simply not have the hands to play in the NBA, I don't think anyone is sure of what Pons potential is just yet.
Great post. That is true all he needs is a better handle and he could definitely be a top 5 guy.He is a demon on defense and his back to the basket and face up game improved a ton in one year.
 
Pons himself says he can handle the ball well, but the offense doesn’t show off that part of his game
And if you ask me, I think I am definitely at least a 9 although most women might say ehhhh, more like a 5 on a good day. Barnes has seen him play and handle the ball more than anyone else. And Barnes apparently doesn't trust him to take more than a couple dribbles to attack the basket. In the limited amount of ball-handling I have seen him has not instilled confidence that he has good handles.
 
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