Decision Day has passed for college underclassmen who were contemplating the NBA, and the list of draft-eligible players is complete.
But did every player make the best decision? The answer is yes -- or at least, they made the best decision for themselves. And that's really all that matters.
Still, we outsiders have a need to analyze and judge, and if we could, we would often make the decisions of others for them. With that in mind, here's one man's opinion of who should have entered the draft, who should have stayed in school and yes, who actually got it right.
SHOULD HAVE ENTERED
Harrison Barnes, 6-8, SF, North Carolina
Barnes' stock rose late in the season following a rocky start. Then, there was so much hype surrounding him after the NCAA tournament that he may have skyrocketed to the No. 1 overall pick. (It certainly doesn't hurt that he can also really play.)
Anyway, at the very worst, Barnes was a top three selection. Like the others, his return to college is highly admirable -- especially in an era when everyone says high schoolers should be allowed to jump straight to the pros. Still, it's hard to do better than being No. 1.
Jared Sullinger, 6-9, PF, Ohio State
Sullinger's dad implied all year that his son would stay at Ohio State following his freshman season. What does dad know, we all asked? Well, apparently a whole lot. But Sullinger already possesses NBA low-post skills and the required work ethic. He was a definite top 10 pick, and more likely, top four or five.
The knock against him is overall athleticism -- but is that really something another year of college ball is going to fix?
Terrence Jones, 6-8, F, Kentucky
It's true that scouts questioned Jones' consistency and overall skill level, and insisted his game still needed some work. But those same scouts also listed Jones as a lottery lock. Really, the question a player like Jones has to ask is, would I rather work on my game in college, or while making millions?
On the bright side, returning to Kentucky may help Jones prove he can play both forward spots in the NBA, polishing his game as a member of a national championship contender. But it's believed he returned to school for none of those reasons. Instead, it seems Jones went back for fear of an NBA lockout.
Perry Jones, 6-11, F, Baylor
This Jones entered college hailed as a cross between Tracy McGrady and Kevin Garnett, and displayed flashes making him worthy of those comparisons. He also displayed flashes that had “NBA bust” written all over them.
Either way, Jones would have been a top-five pick based on sheer potential alone (happens all the time in the draft these days). And several scouts predicted his return to school -- and another underachieving season -- will cause him to drop out of the lottery in 2012. Jones had better hope they're wrong.
SHOULD HAVE STAYED
DeAndre Liggins, 6-6, SG, Kentucky
You know it's bad when UK coach John Calipari says you‘re not ready. A defensive specialist in college who still needs serious work at the other end of the floor. Stands a good chance to not get drafted.
Isaiah Thomas, 5-8, PG, Washington
Here's a theory for athletes who hope to play in a league where height is cherished: When you're 5-8 (on a good day), stay in school all four years. That includes players whose names sound the same as a future NBA Hall of Famer.
Josh Selby, 6-2, G, Kansas
Played one year of college ball in which he failed to live up to the hype. So what's he do? Well, naturally, expect NBA scouts to be thrilled. Unless his pre-draft workouts are fantastic, Selby should prepare for a career in the D-League.
Jeremy Green, 6-4, SG, Stanford
A spot-up shooter who played for a team that finished 15-16. Let's just say scouts aren't exactly drooling. With another year in school, they still might not have been. But at least then they might be interested.
MADE RIGHT CALL BY ENTERING THE DRAFT
Kyrie Irving, 6-2, PG, Duke
A top-two pick after just 11 college games. You don't mess with that.
Kemba Walker, 6-0, PG, Connecticut
Won a national championship. Go back to school and don't win another and there's a good chance you take a hit. Plus, with other top prospects returning to school, Walker may have moved into the top five.
Brandon Knight, 6-3, G, Kentucky
Worked out in front of NBA scouts and they indicated he's ready. What? You wouldn't listen? Should go in the top eight, probably top five.
Derrick Williams, 6-8, F, Arizona
Listed in the eight-to-10 range by most experts prior to the NCAA tournament. Now, he could go No. 1 overall -- and certainly no later than second. Safe to say Williams made a good call.
