Could family, NIL, and team success keep Murray another year?

[hawkifann]

His best bet would be to come back and put up a great season. I'm not expecting a replica of this year, either. There are chinks in his armor whereas Keegan is as polished as anyone in this year's draft. He's got to show he can perform night in and night out though it doesn't have to be at the Keegan level (unless he wants to be a lottery pick, too). If I'm an NBA team's exec, I'm evaluating Kris on his film and not his genetics. The main reason why is that Keegan is relentless for 40 minutes every game. Kris doesn't have that mentality (yet). Coming back to Iowa is his best bet to develop that consistency. Otherwise, I don't think he'd be drafted as it stands -- unless he blows up in the tournament and takes us to the Final Four. Then, maybe, yeah.

I think there’s a good chance Kris comes back, but it does depend on how he grades out. If you look at a Luka Garza, he had to be head-and-shoulders better than everyone else. He wasn’t especially young and he was limited athletically (in terms of the NBA game). Kris has the athleticism. He isn’t nearly as skilled as Garza was last year, but he doesn’t necessarily need to be.

 

[Ronman]

Even if we ask nicely?

 

[CookyMonster]

Keegan is actually "old" by NBA draft standards (which always seems strange to me). He has to go this year.

That has been the knock on Keegan, but he was also a late bloomer. He has physically finally caught up to guys his own age, and we are seeing the results. I think he still has decent potential compared to most older draft prospects. Many lottery picks look like thirty year olds at 15-16.

 

[LGEND24]

How high was TJD projected to go his Soph and Jr year?

2nd rounder at best. TJD doesn’t have a jump shot.

 

[longliveCS40]

His best bet would be to come back and put up a great season. I'm not expecting a replica of this year, either. There are chinks in his armor whereas Keegan is as polished as anyone in this year's draft. He's got to show he can perform night in and night out though it doesn't have to be at the Keegan level (unless he wants to be a lottery pick, too). If I'm an NBA team's exec, I'm evaluating Kris on his film and not his genetics. The main reason why is that Keegan is relentless for 40 minutes every game. Kris doesn't have that mentality (yet). Coming back to Iowa is his best bet to develop that consistency. Otherwise, I don't think he'd be drafted as it stands -- unless he blows up in the tournament and takes us to the Final Four. Then, maybe, yeah.

I think you underestimate the premium the NBA puts on potential and physical attributes. There just aren't a lot of 6'8" human beings that can stroke the ball from 3 point range, have handles to drive from the perimeter and finish in the lane, and guard basically every position.

I agree that Kris needs to polish his game. He just hasn't had the reps to do so set this point. The other thing to consider is that he's playing out of position here. He's often playing the 5 and guarding at the 5 which has led to fouls and decreased minutes. Scouts are smart enough to see that.

Ultimately, I think Kris is back next season but it's not a guaranteed thing I don't think.

 

[DodgerHawki]

How high was TJD projected to go his Soph and Jr year?

He wasn't, that's why he's been back at Indiana. Jackson-Davis is a marvelous college player, but he has no place to play in the NBA. Can't shoot or defend on the perimeter. Some mocks may have had him in 2nd round, but I believe many have him undrafted.

 

[DodgerHawki]

I think you underestimate the premium the NBA puts on potential and physical attributes. There just aren't a lot of 6'8" human beings that can stroke the ball from 3 point range, have handles to drive from the perimeter and finish in the lane, and guard basically every position.

I agree that Kris needs to polish his game. He just hasn't had the reps to do so set this point. The other thing to consider is that he's playing out of position here. He's often playing the 5 and guarding at the 5 which has led to fouls and decreased minutes. Scouts are smart enough to see that.

Ultimately, I think Kris is back next season but it's not a guaranteed thing I don't think.

Yes. While I really hope Kris comes back, both he and Keegan have been out of high school for 3 years. He would likely be a first-round pick if he leaves, but some morons on here would be mad at him for not "being ready" whatever that means. College stats mean next to nothing for draft position, other than your 3-point percentage.

Totally agree that Kris needs a bit of polish to his game. It's all about whether he wants to do it with Iowa or start getting paid to do it. I hope it's at Iowa.

 

[Eternal Return]

I think you underestimate the premium the NBA puts on potential and physical attributes. There just aren't a lot of 6'8" human beings that can stroke the ball from 3 point range, have handles to drive from the perimeter and finish in the lane, and guard basically every position.

I agree that Kris needs to polish his game. He just hasn't had the reps to do so set this point. The other thing to consider is that he's playing out of position here. He's often playing the 5 and guarding at the 5 which has led to fouls and decreased minutes. Scouts are smart enough to see that.

Ultimately, I think Kris is back next season but it's not a guaranteed thing I don't think.

Hmmm. Don't you think he'd improve his draft stock by coming back and putting up a monster season? Keegan played himself from late first round to top-half lottery pick over the course of this year. Maybe Kris goes late first round, but maybe he drops to the second round, too. I don't know enough about drafting to say this with certainty. Just my opinion (which may not be worth much when it comes to the NBA draft).

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

I hope TJD leaves, but he isn't a great fit for the NBA today. 30 years ago, he is easily a first round pick.

 

[athrilla20]

No inside knowledge here, but I imagine his Estelas deal is worth well into the hundreds of dollars... or at least free burrito once a week or so. I haven't checked nba salaries recently, so not sure how that compares.

 

[Hawkeyes4Life247]

It would be tragic for Keegan to return. Nothing good can come out of it for him, and I hope he focuses on what’s best for him in this situation. He’s done enough for the university and team. He stepped up and carried Iowa to a season it wasn’t supposed to have. Most thought this team would win 16 to 18 games this year. We are playing for a Big Ten title and will be in the NCAA tournament. College is a stepping stone, and he’s maxed out. If he comes back, what changes? He moves from a top ten pick to a top five pick? He might be top five now. As a fan I would selfishly love for him to come back, but he can’t and he shouldn’t. He might actually get me to sit down and watch a complete NBA game again next year for the first time in several seasons. For now, let’s beat Purdue!

 

[Hawkman34]

It would be tragic for Keegan to return. Nothing good can come out of it for him, and I hope he focuses on what’s best for him in this situation. He’s done enough for the university and team. He stepped up and carried Iowa to a season it wasn’t supposed to have. Most thought this team would win 16 to 18 games this year. We are playing for a Big Ten title and will be in the NCAA tournament. College is a stepping stone, and he’s maxed out. If he comes back, what changes? He moves from a top ten pick to a top five pick? He might be top five now. As a fan I would selfishly love for him to come back, but he can’t and he shouldn’t. He might actually get me to sit down and watch a complete NBA game again next year for the first time in several seasons. For now, let’s beat Purdue!

Agree......

 

[isuisshit]

unless NIL comes devises a way to pay keegan mid 7 figures he gone. This was one of the greatest years any iowa player has ever had, he has nothing left to prove. He should be a top 10 NBA pick.