The consensus is that Sullinger will enter the draft after this year. However, his stock has plunged a bit this year after some disappointing performances. The latest ESPN mock draft has him falling to pick 13, whereas he was projected as a top 8 pick had he entered the draft last year. When I watch him, I see a kid whose game (at this time) does not translate well to the next level. He simply is not tall enough to play the 5 (height has given him problems all year. See Leonard, Meyers.) and is not athletic enough to play the 4. I really think his game could use some refining for one more year at the collegiate level where he could further develop a perimeter game and improve his conditioning.
Also, many believe Thomas is likely to enter the draft. I believe he projects much better as a pro than Sullinger. He's the prototypical NBA swingman who can score in bunches. Plus, he's a superb rebounder when he shows the desire to do so (generally on the offensive end.) His defensive deficiencies will be less- pronounced at the next level, where defensive disasters like Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Martin have thrived.
I'm curious as to the thoughts of others on whether or not these 2 guys will forgo next year. I'm equally curious as to how others believe we project as a team if we lose Buford, Sullinger, and Thomas. Matta currently has zero recruits for next year. It's quite possible that we stay at that goose egg if we lose out on Tony Parker (who would alleviate the loss of Sullinger.)
I think Sully and Thomas are goners, unfortunately. Thomas could be player of the year next year if he stayed; Sully has a great game and I agree it is a better college game than pro game.
To me, Sully plays like he has always/usually been the most talented on the court. He has some areas of his game that are fundementally sound but others that are not developed in a way that is very surprising since he father was a coach?! For example ... very little effort into squaring up to the basket, going up strong and getting fouled or being in a better possition to make a basket. He goes up lazy and when he doesn't get a call, he moans. I think you get less calls when you are in a poor position to shoot like he is a lot of times. Doesn't mean it is right but I think that is what happens.
They are both gone, I don't really think if sullinger came back his draft stock would rise any higher at this point. And thomas is playing out of his mind and will only further push him into the draft. Next year will be a down year but they should be solid. Craft is a best, smith Jr, is pretty decent, we just need a few shooters to emerge. I thought sibert would be that guy but he must have done something wrong, and Williams needs to get a lot better as well.
Anyone notice Thomas acts like he can't run really well? He's very stiff legged until its time to shoot then he is quick as a cat. Thomas also was very slow responding defensively at the start of the 'Cuse game. Alot of switches were late or completely screwed up.
I think Sully needs to stay, he was projected this year to play more PF than center, but yet again Thad played him as the center, Amir could be the center and if Thad had started him day one, maybe he would be a more polished first year guy. Amir can block and rebound and he needs to be our Center. If Sully stays and plays PF and Thomas stays (needs work on defense) that could be a monster rebounding squad. The lineup could be C-Amir, PF-Sully, SF-Thomas, SG-Lenzelle/Thompson, PG-Craft, and when in foul trouble or a refresher. You have a stout bench Ross, Scott, Ravenel, Weatherspoon.
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i'm not sure Sullinger's draft stock has dropped these from last year to this year, but assuming that's true, why would that argue for him staying another year? I don't think it's all that common for someone's draft stock to fall and then rise again.
Thomas might hang around; there's some competition at the small forward spot in this year's draft, and if he stays he might just challenge as the leading scorer in Division I next season. Staying one extra year after his breakout year didn't hurt Evan Turner any.
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To be honest I would rather have thomas stay then sullinger, only because we don't really have any shooters coming back besides maybe smith jr. We have Amir and possible tony parker coming in, and ravenal is a decent back up.