C Greg Oden (Portland Trailblazers)

[OmahaBeef]

Do people think this is all just talk, or is he really goign to stay? I know its not wise to believe anything they say until its official, but this REALLY sounds like he's going to stay.

[Buckskin86]

Greg Oden on NBA Draft: 'I'm Not Ready'
Posted Mar 13th 2007 5:42PM by Michael David Smith

"I know I'm not [NBA] ready," he said. "Take as an example Kevin Durant, a certified scorer. In the NBA nowadays, that's what they are ? scorers. I know you have a Ben Wallace who is a defender, but more than 90 percent of the guys are scorers. I know I'm not that type of scorer yet. I know I'm a defender. I knew college would help me with my offensive game."

http://mlb.aolsportsblog.com/2007/03...-im-not-ready/

['BusNative]

More of the same from the Seattle Post Intelligence:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/cbaske...4_south13.html

[Bestbuck36]

The thing I fear the most is that the NBA will change Greg when he gets there. His humble attitude and youthful outlook are what makes him most endearing. Physically he's been ready for the NBA. Emotionally he can probably handle it since he's very even keeled. Mentally, is where I'm not so sure. He's definitely smart if not a little bit naive. The scumbags of the universe are going to come out of the woodwork once Greg starts getting those checks and his good nature might not keep his defenses on guard as much as he might need at this point. I have been astonished watching Greg in an Ohio State uniform and I'll always remember this basketball season as one of the best I've ever seen.

[LitlBuck]

Originally Posted by OSU_Buckguy

oden was the lead-in for "pardon the interruption." they discussed oden's comments yesterday that he is not ready for the nba because his offensive game is not good enough. both wilbon and kornheiser lauded oden for his comments and his position. oden would be the poster child for the ncaa's restriction (actually, it's an nba restriction) if he decides to stay, that is, as long as nothing bad happens.

I don't think he is NBA ready either He probably should stay at least for another year if not two.

[Thump]

Originally Posted by Bestbuck36

The thing I fear the most is that the NBA will change Greg when he gets there. His humble attitude and youthful outlook are what makes him most endearing. Physically he's been ready for the NBA. Emotionally he can probably handle it since he's very even keeled. Mentally, is where I'm not so sure. He's definitely smart if not a little bit naive. The scumbags of the universe are going to come out of the woodwork once Greg starts getting those checks and his good nature might not keep his defenses on guard as much as he might need at this point. I have been astonished watching Greg in an Ohio State uniform and I'll always remember this basketball season as one of the best I've ever seen.

I see him being a Tim Duncan clone.

[buckeyefool]

Originally Posted by Thump

I see him being a Tim Duncan clone.

Agreed quite good guy who just goes out and plays, while insanity goes on in the league around Him.

[Thump]

Originally Posted by crazybuckfan40

Exactally, about the only thing they have in common is the fact that they are freshmen superstars...

It's spelled "exactly" you know, yes?

[jimotis4heisman]

do you really think he can go bang with shaq? ed curry? howard etc? 82 nights a year? i dont see him being an "impact" player next year at the nba. good player yes. but, the reality is big men hit their stride until thier mid 20s or even a tad later.

[OmahaBeef]

So do we believe him when he says he's coming back next year and he isnt ready for the NBA? I really want to, but countless college athletes make comments about how they are going to come back for another year, but when it comes time to choose taking the money or playing more in college they often take the money.

[Bleed S & G]

Originally Posted by OmahaBeef

So do we believe him when he says he's coming back next year and he isnt ready for the NBA? I really want to, but countless college athletes make comments about how they are going to come back for another year, but when it comes time to choose taking the money or playing more in college they often take the money.

time will tell.. oden isn't the typical college athelte.. not only does he look 30 but he acts it too

['BusNative]

Originally Posted by Bleed S & G

time will tell.. oden isn't the typical college athelte.. not only does he look 30 but he acts it too

Didn't Korheiser say that on pti?

[OSU_Buckguy]

Originally Posted by Thump

It's spelled "exactly" you know, yes?

how "aggregious"!

[Thump]

Originally Posted by OSU_Buckguy

how "aggregious"!

I know!!

[hoopsfan]

Originally Posted by OmahaBeef

So do we believe him when he says he's coming back next year and he isnt ready for the NBA? I really want to, but countless college athletes make comments about how they are going to come back for another year, but when it comes time to choose taking the money or playing more in college they often take the money.

I don't ever recall him saying he is coming back next year -- always says the decision will be made after the season. As for the NBA changing him -- I can tell you Greg has and will surround himself with the right people who will steer him the right direction. He is a unique person who is not as naive as he may seem at times. When the time for the NBA comes, watch closely who Greg has advising and representing him -- it will be people he is close to and comfortable with.