// BEGIN editorial data var i = 0; var spt_2009_BKC_stayGo = new Array(); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.ID = "spt_2009_BKC_stayGo"; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.ID_WB = 30508499; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.sPubDate = "5/19/2009 9:12:44 PM GMT"; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.navsectionID = "3038997" spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.appFmt = 9; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.itemsPerPage = 1; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.appWidth = 624; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.appHeader = "College basketball | Go back to school or stay in the NBA draft?"; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.sTitle = "2009 NBA playoff matchups"; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.appFooter = "By Mike Miller, NBCSports.com"; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.rowSpacer = "
"; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.rowAlt = "#FFFFFF"; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.appNavStyle = 4; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.navCols = 1; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.bDhtml = 0; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.appLayout = 3; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.copyHeight = 500; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.copyWidth = 450; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.copyMargin = 9; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.aColWidths = "1"; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo.headlineStyle = "color:#CC0000;text-transform:uppercase;"; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/g-090328-spt-thabeet-730a.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Jim Prisching", "AP file", "273", "361", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Some early entrants to the NBA draft -- Hasheem Thabeet, James Harden or Blake Griffin, for instance -- were no-brainers. If you're a lottery pick, you go pro. Simple as that.

Sure, there are exceptions. Kansas' Cole Aldrich and Georgetown's Greg Monroe probably would've gone in the first 14 selections, but opted to return to school. They're the exceptions. Usually, guys want to know what aspects of their game needs work.

That means of the 55 or so underclassmen who declared for the draft, most are going to be back in school next season. But who should stay in the draft and who should go back to school?

Here's a look at 20 notable players and what they should do."; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Go back to school","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "273", "390", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Derrick Brown","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Williams%2C%20Ed/Photos/CBK%20for%20Miller/090430_DerrickBrown.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Elsa", "Getty Images", "276", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Derrick Brown, Xavier

At 6-8 and 225 pounds, Brown’ll get dogged by scouts and draftniks as a “tweener” because he’s not a swingman and is a little short for a power forward. But that’s an old, tired argument. NBA rosters are filled with guys like Brown – explosive, long-armed athletes who can just play. If he returns, Xavier will be the favorite in the A-10 and a Sweet 16 candidate. He’s not a sure-fire first-round pick"; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Nick Calathes","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/080306/NCAA%20to%20watch/Calathes.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Doug Benc", "Getty Images", "198", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Nick Calathes, Florida

Calathes is rumored to be signing with an agent, which would be too bad. He’s not a sure-fire first-round pick because his shot is inconsistent, can be turnover prone and isn’t overly athletic. Not to say he doesn’t have potential. At 6-5, he’s big for a point guard and his passing skills are evident. He’s the type of guy who needs to be in the right situation to have an NBA impact. Stay another year, play in an NCAA tourney and then Calathes can be a mid- to late- first rounder."; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Austin Daye","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/080306/NCAA%20to%20watch/Daye.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Jonathan Ferrey", "Getty Images", "198", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Austin Daye, Gonzaga

The Zags’ sophomore forward has the right size (6-10) and skill set (adept ball-handler, good outside shot) of an NBA player, which makes sense. His dad, Darren, played in the league. But – and there’s no other way to put it – Daye’s soft. He averaged 12.7 ppg and grabbed 6.8 rpg, but never impressed against defenders his size, or seemed willing to play down low. He’d be a first-round pick, but that applies for next season, too."; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Luke Harangody","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Jervay%2C%20John/Big%20Man%20Photos/080307-Luke-Harangody.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Santiago Flores", "AP", "298", "174", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Luke Harangody, Notre Dame

If Harangody stays in the draft, it’d be a huge surprise. Sure, the 6-7 forward led the Big East in scoring and rebounding as a junior and was the league’s player of the year as a sophomore, but he’d be classified as a “tweener” in the NBA: Not big enough to be a power forward and not mobile enough to be a 3. Stay in school, Luke. Get the Irish back to the Big Dance and enjoy your last year of dominating opponents."; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Damion James","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Williams%2C%20Ed/Photos/CBK%20for%20Miller/090430_DamionJames.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Streeter Lecka", "Getty Images", "293", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Damion James, Texas

Seems like James is just getting the NBA out of his system for now. He’s still adjusting to playing the 3 (his future NBA position) and working on his outside shot, which makes him a borderline first-round prospect. Go back to school and challenge Kansas for the Big 12 title."; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Ater Majok","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Ater Majok, Connecticut

Is it wrong to want Majok to play at least one season before he goes pro? The Huskies lose frontline players Hasheem Thabeet and Jeff Adrien, which would give Majok a chance to showcase his skills. That way, he could go from marginal selection to possibly going in the first round."; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Jodie Meeks","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/College%20basketball/Photos/meeks_84797694.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Wesley Hitt", "Getty Images", "264", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Jodie Meeks, Kentucky

Meeks won’t have to carry the Wildcats’ offense next season – yet he should be even better. Even if Patrick Patterson stays in the draft, having DeMarcus Cousins and Daniel Orton down low will force defenses to focus on Kentucky’s post players, leaving Meeks free to do more on the perimeter, if needed. He’s not the type to force shots, which means his draft status may not improve much, but it won’t fall, either. "; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Patty Mills","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/080306/NCAA%20to%20watch/Mills.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Marcio Jose Sanchez", "AP", "198", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Patty Mills, St. Mary's

Mills is a blur with the ball, but plays too fast and his outside shooting is sub-par and probably just a late first-rounder as a result. An injury deflated his season, and the Gaels’. If he returns, Mills could dethrone Gonzaga in the WCC, be a national player of the year candidate, get to the Big Dance and re-establish himself as a lottery pick. "; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Scottie Reynolds","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/g-cvr-090326-reynolds1-1p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Chris Mcgrath", "Getty Images file", "235", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Scottie Reynolds, Villanova

If Reynolds returns to school, the Wildcats will be a national title contender. And if anyone knows what it feels like to have a big moment in the Big Dance (like hitting a buzzer-beater to reach the Final Four), it’s Reynolds. Besides, he isn’t ready for the NBA. Simple as that."; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Jarvis Varnardo","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/ArtAndPhoto-Fronts/SPORTS/080323/g-spt-080323-mississippi-4p.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Sue Ogrocki", "AP", "273", "348", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Jarvis Varnardo, Mississippi State

Varnardo’s in a good spot. He’ll impress NBA scouts with his defensive skills and freakish athletic ability, or he can return to school and improve his offensive skills (read: dunking) and boost his draft stock for next season. Another year would probably cement him as a first rounder.

What happened: Varnardo elected to return to school on May 11.\" "; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Stay in the draft","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Chase Budinger","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Williams%2C%20Ed/StayInSchool/ChaseBudinger.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Stephen Dunn", "Getty Images", "290", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Chase Budinger, Arizona

Don’t begrudge Budinger. He’s had three coaches in three trying, yet statistically impressive seasons. The 6-7 swingman’s always been touted as a potential lottery pick, and now, after three year years, he’s earned his shot. Budinger was planning on hiring an agent, so this’ll become a one-way ticket soon."; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Earl Clark","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_%20new/g-090314-cvr-louisville.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Frank Franklin Ii", "AP", "189", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Earl Clark, Louisville

This one’s a no-brainer. Clark, a smooth 6-8 small forward, could’ve made the NBA leap last season, but opted to return for a chance at an NCAA title. He became more consistent, improved his ball-handling and outside shot and helped the Cardinals to the Big East title. Clark should be an excellent pro."; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Tyreke Evans","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/g-cvr-090317-ncaa-930a.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Joe Murphy", "Getty Images", "273", "296", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Tyreke Evans, Memphis

Evans hasn’t signed with an agent, so he could return for another season. And it’d be quite a season: the 6-6 combo guard would be a national player of the year candidate and help the Tigers make an easy transition to new coach Josh Pastner. But that’s the thing: With John Calipari now coaching at Kentucky, would Evans really want to stay? And as a probable lottery pick, why should he?"; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Gerald Henderson","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/ArtAndPhoto-Fronts/SPORTS/080206/g-spt-080206-duke-903p.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Sara D. Davis", "AP", "348", "278", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Gerald Henderson, Duke

Everything about Henderson screams NBA. He’s an explosive 2-guard who’s increased his scoring average each season (including a 35-point game vs. Wake) and can be a lock-down defender. Sure, his jumper needs work, but he’s ready. But part of me wonders if he’ll be back in Durham. Without Henderson, Duke’s capable of a Final Four run. But with him, they could win it all. Tough call, but my hunch is he goes.

What happened: Henderson elected to stay in the draft on May 19.\" "; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Jrue Holiday","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Interactives%20and%20Slideshows/College%20Hoops/ss_090318_NCAANames/090318_Jrue%20Holiday.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Paul Connors", "AP", "268", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Jrue Holiday, UCLA

Full disclosure: Russell Westbrook is a better pro as a rookie than I ever thought possible. He’s a great defender, his athleticism translates perfectly to the pro game and he can play both guard spots. Why does any of this matter? This all applies to Holiday. The Bruins freshmen didn’t have great stats (8.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.6 spg), but scouts think he’ll bloom in the pros. Anytime you turn in a freshman season like Holiday’s and still be a lottery pick."; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Gani Lawal","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Williams%2C%20Ed/Photos/CBK%20for%20Miller/090430_GaniLawal.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Kevin C. Cox", "Getty Images", "293", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Gani Lawal, Georgia Tech

The sophomore forward didn’t overwhelm opponents this season, but posted a solid year (15.9 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg) by doubling his offensive production as a freshman. That figures to change with star freshman Derrick Favors coming into G.T. A solid series of workouts could boost Lawal into the lottery’s fringes. If that happens, he should stay in the draft."; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","B.J. Mullens","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Williams%2C%20Ed/Photos/CBK%20for%20Miller/090430_BJMullens.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Jonathan Daniel", "Getty Images", "298", "194", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "B.J. Mullens, Ohio State

Ohio State’s freshman center isn’t ready for the NBA. Far from it. He started just two games and rarely showed any offensive moves other than dunking. But Mullens doesn’t want to be in school, he wants to be a pro, and with good reason. He and his family need the money (they once lived in a homeless shelter). When that’s the case, you go pro."; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Patrick Patterson","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Patrick Patterson, Kentucky

I know Big Blue Nation wants their workhorse power forward back in Lexington. He could certainly benefit from another season in school and one without any issues (injuries, Billy Gillispie). But he’s projected as a possible lottery pick, which probably won’t improve after next year when he has to share the front court with DeMarcus Cousins and Daniel Orton. Patterson could stay in school and possibly help the ‘Cats back to NCAA tournament glory.

What happened: Patterson elected to return to school on May 8.\" "; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Tyler Smith","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-080327-ncaa/ss-080327-ncaa-12.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Kevin C. Cox", "Getty Images", "297", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Tyler Smith, Tennessee

Think Josh Howard. That’s who I see. Smith’s a great college player (two-time All-SEC) who can score, defend and is decent shooter. But he’s never going to be a star. He’ll be a great complementary player (like Howard is to Dirk Nowitzki). As a result, he’s a late first-round pick, who could improve that draft stock slightly with a great senior season. But is it worth another year? He stays in, maybe he plays with LeBron James next season."; spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i++] = new Array("","Jeff Teague","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Interactives%20and%20Slideshows/College%20Hoops/Top%2025%20slideshows/ss_090303_Top25/090304_WakeForest.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Nick Wass", "AP", "266", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_2009_BKC_stayGo[i-1].body = "Jeff Teague, Wake Forest

Tough call here. The Deacs’ point guard could be a lottery pick, but he also could pair with teammate Al-Farouq Aminu to form one of the NCAA’s best inside-outside combos next season. Teague is ready for the pros, but everything will depend on him. If wants to go for some NCAA hardware, he’ll come back to school. Another year should also cement his lottery status, but it’s hard to see him back in Winston-Salem."; // END editorial data