Stokes to go pro

#101
#101
BowlBrother85 said:
I think of Stokes as a poor man's DeJuan Blair (who by the way almost came to Tenn - his parents loved Bruce). They have the same build and many of the same strengths and weaknesses in their games though Blair is better across the board especially at low post defense which is a problem for Jarnell. Blair was the 37th overall pick in the 2009 draft and is producing some decent numbers for Dallas now that he is getting a chance to play more this year. Stokes is kidding himself if he thinks he will be drafted in the 1st round but he could very catch on like Blair has and have a similar career, As has been said on this thread he wasn't likely to improve his stock very much with just one more year at Tenn and for all we know may not have been going to class the last three months anyway. I think Jarnell planned on this being his last year all along.
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A slight correction on Blair. He was all set to come here and definitely would have signed however he was being raised by his grandmother who demanded that he stay in Pittsburgh where she could see him play. It wasn't great for us but I can see where grandma was coming from.
 
#106
#106
Good Luck J. This is a good call IMO. While I agree he is iffy to make and NBA roster this go around, what would another year in college do to change that? It is not like Martin was going to move him to the three spot to work on his outside game. Would thirty double/doubles in a row next year make him better pro prospect? Doubtful. If his long term goal is to contribute on an NBA team, his best option may be to play in Europe, against bigger skilled players. Pushing around physically immature players in the SEC is not going to increase his skill set anymore, and may be a wasted year in that sense. Would love to have him back and would have agreed with that call as well had he chosen that. But I don't think this is a poor choice for the long term, nor do I think he believes he is guarantee draftee. There are too many experts agreeing on his current value, and Jarnell has handled himself way to well to think he is surrounded by poor advisors. I am sure he has thought of the options if undrafted, or D leagued. Good luck to him!
 
#107
#107
Good luck Stokes! Whether you land in the NBA or overseas, I hope the best. I think some people fail to realize that he can develop while being a pro and make money.
 
#108
#108
Maybe that's why Cuonzo hasn't signed his new contract. Maybe it was contingent on Stokes returning for his senior year.
 
#109
#109
golfballs said:
I just hate to see another Scotty. Its embarrassing. I hope a GM doesn't say that Stokes lives on another planet thinking he's better than he really is.
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I'll bet Stokes interviews much better than Hopson. Stokes also appears to have a strong family support system behind him to help with decisions like this. I'd be very surprised if he and his family are acting on advise from a single source. Surely CCM is also helping them gather all the information to make the best decision for Jarnell. I really enjoyed watching his progress at UT and wish him the very best. By all appearances he was a solid citizen along with being a great representative of the Big Orange. Good luck and I'm rooting for you!
 
#110
#110
Best of luck to JS. It's been awesome watching him grow from a huge but slightly awkward high schooler into the beast he was this year. He also represented our University well, as has just about every player on Martin's squads. His success in the big league(s) does nothing but help our cause.
 
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#112
#112
Big mistake if he wants guaranteed money of a first round pick. Won't get that this year for sure but might if he stayed and developed a 15 foot shot. Good luck to Jarnell and I hope he is drafted but I won't be surprised if he follows the Scotty Hopson route to the NBA
 
#113
#113
whocaresgobobcats said:
Pretty sure more people are disappointed he won't be around to help UT next season, not that he is making terrible career choices.
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I'm sure that's part but you have people talking about him "pulling a Scotty" and "good luck in Europe".
It's ridiculous. Daily wage workers mocking a kid because he may go to Spain and make 750k a year and not have to pay for a thing while over there.
 
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#115
#115
You have to ask yourself if you're Jarnell, "Do I get appreciably better by staying?". I say no and the big fella should go make some coin, whether it be Europe or NBA. I say thank you for your service big man, don't be a stranger.
 
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#119
#119
I can see him playing in Europe. Doubt he will he be a good NBA player, but hope I am wrong. Wish him well.
 
#120
#120
Spartacavolus said:
and he's closer to 6'6 than 6'8, ftr
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Which is why he probably won't make it in the NBA. He is out of position, has a center's game in a forwards body. Works in college but won't translate well in the NBA. It has been a pleasure watching him play as a Vol and will be hoping for nothing but the best for him in the future
 
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#121
#121
Can't blame him for going pro...Next year is going to be a train wreck anyways so why not go make some serious money instead of dealing with all the drama that will be UT basketball next season.
 
#124
#124
1985Vols said:
Which is why he probably won't make it in the NBA. He is out of position, has a center's game in a forwards body. Works in college but won't translate well in the NBA. It has been a pleasure watching him play as a Vol and will be hoping for nothing but the best for him in the future
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I don't necessarily agree with that, Charles Barkley's a Hall of Famer, and played in the NBA for 16 years as a power forward in spite of the fact he was only 6'4" (even though he was listed at 6'6"). He averaged 22 points and 11 boards and won a rebounding title...

Now, I'm not suggesting he's Charles Barkley, but it certainly wouldn't be unprecedented... Clearly, Jarnell's gotta work on things, not the least of which is his mid-range jumper---but in the right situation and the right coaching staff I think he can succeed at the next level...
JMO
 
#125
#125
walkenvol said:
I'll bet Stokes interviews much better than Hopson. Stokes also appears to have a strong family support system behind him to help with decisions like this. I'd be very surprised if he and his family are acting on advise from a single source. Surely CCM is also helping them gather all the information to make the best decision for Jarnell. I really enjoyed watching his progress at UT and wish him the very best. By all appearances he was a solid citizen along with being a great representative of the Big Orange. Good luck and I'm rooting for you!
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LOL! Yeah, but that's a fairly low bar to cross though... IIRC, didn't an anonymous NBA GM or two say something to the effect of, 'Scotty lives on a different planet, or in a different reality than the rest of us'... Haha...
 
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