Oden and Co. go pro
It has been reported that Greg Oden has confirmed he will declare himself eligible for the 2007 NBA Draft.
Oden, along with teammates Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook, will leave THE Ohio State to pursue a career in the pros.
The official announcement will come Friday. Oden will sign with an agent while Conley Jr. will be represented by his father, Mike Conley Sr., and can pull out of the draft if he does not think he will be a lottery pick only because it is his father representing him. Ironically, Conley Sr. is likely to represent Oden as well. Cook will not sign with an agent for now, but instead will test the waters and see where he will fall.
Oden has only played for Ohio State for one year, but in a less-than-full season, he met and exceeded every expectation and helped lead the Buckeyes to a runner-up finish in the NCAA Tournament.
Conley Jr. is the best point guard to come out this year, and the lack of talent at his position might have pushed him to take the plunge and go pro.
Cook, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, averaged just under 10 points a game.
All three were freshmen.
Thad Matta has to wonder where his team will be next year. Did he sell his soul for a championship and missed his chance? Or will the program rebound with the recruits coming in next year?