Really? You're going pro? College basketball players entering the NBA Draft prematurely

March 31, 12:43 AMCollege Sports ExaminerJacob Osterhout

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B.J. could use a little more advice from coach.

Bad advice is the toughest to ignore when it is exactly what you want to hear. When someone tells a college basketball player that he is ready for the NBA, it has got to be tough to disagree. Which might be why so many players who never reached their potential in college are deciding to leave campus early for the pros.

1. B.J. Mullens, Ohio State - Yes, Mullens grew up so poor he spent time in homeless shelters. And, yes, the NBA would certainly alleviate his monetary worries. But, as OSU coach Thad Matta indicated, the seven-foot center just isn't ready for the NBA. At best, he'll ride the pine. At worst, he'll be demoted to the D-League. Mullens only averaged 8.8 points and 4.7 rebounds for the Buckeyes this season. How is he going to make an impact in the NBA if he couldn't make an impact in Columbus? Someone needs to sit this kid down and explain to him the difference between a short-term solution and a long-term goal.
    
2. DaJuan Summers, Georgetown - Despite averaging 13.6 points per game, the six-foot-eight forward didn't exactly put on a good advertising campaign late in the season. As Georgetown stumbled to a disappointing finish, Summers failed game after game to pull his team out of its slump. And now he thinks he is ready for the NBA? Both Summers' college coach and high school coach seemed surprised by the decision. And rightfully so. There's a high probability that he won't even be picked in the first round. You're telling me that Stephen Curry, Gerald Henderson and DaJuan Blair haven't decided if they are going pro, and you have already jumped ship? What's the rush? Take your time and think this through.
    
3. Nick Calathes, Florida - The six-foot-six shooting guard has the possibility of becoming a legend in Gainesville. He averaged 17.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game last season. And, as any sports reporter will tell you, he was the only player in the nation to average at least 15 points, five rebounds and six assists. Calathes was good this season, but imagine how nasty he would be next year. Unfortunately, we probably won't know. Calathes has decided to enter the NBA Draft, but not sign an agent, which is smart, considering he's predicted to go early in the second round.