My boss called a little while ago and e-mailed me this story from the Associated Press wire:
Michael Beasley is still grappling with a decision, but his coach expects the Kansas State star freshman to head into the NBA draft.
Frank Martin said in an interview with The Associated Press and the Manhattan Mercury on Tuesday he believes the 6-foot-10 power forward, even though he loves college life, will probably opt to turn pro.
“I think he’s going to go, and I think it’s the right thing to do, because he’s going to be the top pick in the draft,” Martin said.
Nice job by Doug Tucker and Mark Janssen. But, with no disrespect to my colleagues, I’m not sure anything new was uncovered in their Tuesday chat with Frank.
Here’s what Frank told me in the interview I conducted with him March 13:
“We have some decisions that have to be made here in the very near future… If the opportunity presents itself for guys on the team to make millions of dollars, then you know what? I’m going to make them do that.”
Later, in Frank’s Tuesday sit-down with the AP and the Mercury, he added:
Kevin Durant, who set freshman records last year with Texas and was the second overall player taken in the draft, is now worth about $100 million counting salary and endorsement money, Martin said.
“How do you say no to that? How can I sit here and tell that young man that’s he’s wrong to go with that?” the first-year head coach said.
When I wrote a piece on Mike and how much he enjoys Manhattan, I spoke to associate head coach Dalonte Hill about this very topic. Here’s what he said on March 18:
“I honestly think that if the decision wasn’t about the money, the financial gain, he’d definitely be back,” Hill said. “If you hit the Powerball…. If you’re choosing between the Powerball and the Lotto, why not take the $135 million payout?”
Maybe the timing is different, but I don’t think Martin and Hill have altered their philosophical stances on kids being ready for the NBA in a span of what, 12 days max?
“Frank always said if it wasn’t 4 The rule, Mike & Bill wouldn’t be in school,” Beasley’s mother, Fatima Smith, wrote in a text message Tuesday night.
Tucker and Janssen also wrote that Beasley and Smith would be traveling back to D.C. tomorrow to mull over the future. But Smith said Tuesday night she was remaining in Manhattan and Beasley was leaving tonight and would return Thursday.
Because we covered this already in our newspaper, we’re not running anything on it in tomorrow’s Eagle. I just wanted to provide an explanation in case anyone was wondering, and I’m sure some of you would have been.
FYI, I’ve been drafted to help cover KU’s attempt to reach the Final Four, so I’ll be in Detroit starting tomorrow night, probably until Sunday. There won’t be much posting here, but I’m going to be all over “Posting Up,” hopefully able to live up to the ground-breaking work Mr. Wolters contributed last weekend in Omaha. Check me out there…
16 Comments
Is there any danger of losing a scholarship if Mike (or Bill) doesn’t finish his course work this semester?
So you’re ahead of everybody else by abot two weeks.
And how is that different than any other information you’ve been able to provide? Seems to me that the status quo is the same; you want accurate, timely information? You keep up with JMart…simply the best. I will say this, I don’t believe it until Dokish refutes the story
Tucker & Jannsen have been in their respective jobs forever & write whatever it takes to get them by because they are going nowhere. Hi, we work for the Manhattan Mercury & the AP KC Bureau but we don’t want to go on to bigger & better things. Love your blogs & just hope that Frank “Should Be In A Red Bull Commerical” is pleading for just one more year from his 2 NBA prospects.
“Drafted”
You jumped on the first chance to cover KU you got! I always knew you’d leave us J, but to KU? You @!$&^!
If it would help, I’m available to be interviewed regarding my expectation that Beasley will go pro.
I could be wrong but I believe that under the current rule a player has to attend college for 1 full year. This being said he only has to pass 6 credit hours his first semester. He can then basically not attend any classes his final semester and still be eligble for the NBA as long as he stays through the final semester.
But, the question remains… does this ruling have any determination towards a scholarship loss?
Jmart, anyone, am I incorrect?
I don’t think either of these guys leave without finishing courses. It wouldn’t benefit them or their images.
You don’t have to explain yourself to us Jeff. You should, but you don’t have to.
Nicka, with no disrespect, you are wrong. The NBA rule only states that a player has to be 1 year removed from his highschool graduation. He doesnt have to be in college and he doesnt have to pass anything. He could go play for cash in Europe for a year or smash POGs in the playgroud for a year or work at Arby’s or join peace corps or whatever. College does give him the chance to market himself on a bigger stage and raise his stock. Only the school will suffer if a pro athlete stops going to class. Sorry for the rant, but I was bored.
I think we can lose scholarships if a player leaves in bad academic standing.
We’re already going to lose one because of Bennett.
You know I think if Beasley stays and wants to have another year to mature. Not basketball wise but just have another year to be a kid then let him. If he is scared to go out into the world and wants to stay in school and have another year to get ready mentaly for the real world don’t puch him just because he will make millions. Barring injury those millions will still be there, and yes injuries do happen but if that is what he wants to do I don’t think Martin should make him do it. He was quoted in an interview that he did know if he wanted the responability of being out on his own, he wanted more time to be able to goof off. (not an exact quote but you get the point.)
Have you ever had a friend tell you he’d buy you a beer, and then never does it. Do you quote him too? He’s not going to say, “I’m outie!” He told the media what they needed to hear. I often wonder who sits around taking those quotes at face value. Nice to meet you.
I doubt Beasley will stay for one more, but if he does he will most likely add another $50million in added endorsements and salary. If he stays and beats his #’s from this year I would say he doubles his $ value from this year. I could see about a $150 to $200million value with endorsements. It’s possible if he beats this years #’s and KSU makes a deeper tourney run. What would you rather have… An NBA Champ. ring or an NCAA Champ. ring? Hope he stays for one more…
more recruiting news please
Sounds like Martin wants to lose his job. Why would you actively force a kid out the door, especially when you don’t know for sure if he’s ready? If he’s saying the same thing to Beasley as he is the media, that’s probably the worst coaching he’s done all season.