Another day, another Marquette University basketball player leaving. This time it was Vander Blue who has foregone his senior season to enter the NBA draft.
The buzz
around campus has been whether or not this was the right move. While none of us
are Vander Blue, we all have an opinion on if this was a logical choice. Well
place me in the “What in the world are you doing Vander” category.
From a
purely untainted perspective this move was not the best Blue could have made.
He could have returned for his final year to be a part of one of the deepest
teams in Marquette history. Blue could have risen his stock value even more by
continuing to showcase his athleticism while tutoring the plethora of fresh
faces that will be on the squad next season. Vander could have fine-tuned his
average jump shot and added more bulk to fill out his frame. Of course these
are what could have been instead of what actually will happen.
Blue has decided
to do what is best for him personally rather than what is superior for the program,
which may be his downfall.
Vander Blue, as of April 16th, 2013 is
not an NBA type player. He is too small to have a specific position, or even
play a particular role on an NBA team. One year removed from a season that can
be labeled as average (8.4 PPG), Blue still lacks a consistent perimeter shot.
Yes, Vander is one of the most athletic guards in the draft. His scoring has
risen significantly this season (14.8 PPG). Blue’s defense caused havoc for
opposing teams all season long. However, he is still a work in progress.
Buzz
attempted to convince him to stay but to now avail. Here is the problem. Vander
Blue seems to be a guy that was just waiting to have one year of above average
play.
He was a one and done in the making when he arrived on Marquette’s campus
three years ago. After two years of not living up to expectations he shined on
the big stage that is March Madness. One cannot blame a guy for chasing his
dreams, but this announcement was a rush to judgment. An attempt to take advantage
of a weak draft class.
This move is similar to Blue’s mindset when he was on
the court his first two years at this school. The ball starts rolling his way
so he makes a decision based on this temporary confidence. A baffling judgment,
but not surprising. Good luck to Vander with his basketball career wherever it
may take him. He should make sure he is stocked up on Rosetta Stone, you know
just in case his journey lands him to Europe.
Follow Nick Kapetan on Twitter @KapN93
Tune in to The Sports ReKap Fridays 6:30-8PM CT on
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