The consensus was Pittsburgh’s point guard shooter deluxe Ashton Gibbs probably shouldn’t and he didn’t. But others think Texas point guard Cory Joseph probably should. D-League tweener by way of Providence then Europe Jamine Peterson has no such worry.
Underclassmen must declare by midnight tonight for the NBA Draft. That’s the decision Gibbs, an All-Big East first team player, faced before announcing his intention to return to Pitt. And it’s the same decision awaiting Joseph, a freshman who several NBA scouts, coaches and executives touted as one of the standouts in yesterday’s draft combine at the Nets’ East Rutherford practice facility.
Many of those same NBA types felt Gibbs, out of Scotch Plains, N.J., should stay put for his senior season. And that was the way he went. Meanwhile, Peterson, after leaving school, played in Europe and became automatically eligible for the draft.
“The NBA can wait a year,” Gibbs said in withdrawing his name from the draft, hours after claiming he “wouldn’t be crushed” if he ultimately stayed in school for the reigning Big East champs.
Joseph, a Toronto product who spoke with Raptors coach Jay Triano afterward, also is split. One Eastern Conference executive said in his estimation Joseph and Peterson “were the standout guys” among the 22 draft hopefuls who auditioned for 29 of the 30 NBA teams (no Detroit). Another group of 22 auditions today.
The combine is jointly conducted by the Nets, Knicks and Rockets. Many sure-bet first rounders declined invitations while others, such as Boston College point guard Reggie Jackson withdrew.
“Very rough decision. Right now, it’s 50-50. It could go either way,” said Joseph. “I’ve got to sit with my mom and make my decision [today]. Everyone has their opinion but everyone is telling me to do what’s best for me.”
Joseph described himself as “a guy who will try to do whatever it takes to win, whether it’s taking a charge, passing distributing the ball, knocking down open threes. People describe me as someone who works hard gets out there and is able to shoot.”
Peterson went to Providence from Brooklyn’s Boys and Girls High. He was dismissed from the team for “violation of team rules.” According to an article on hoopsreport.com, Peterson was asked to show recruits a good time and may have shown them too good of a time with a female friend. So he played in Greece, ended up in the D-League with New Mexico and automatically became eligible for the draft.
“Basically, I’m showing [NBA brass] that I’m not baggage,” said Peterson who has an agent. “I’m not worried [about the past]. I don’t know what the outcome of the situation is going to be. I’ve just got to move on and move forward.”
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The Nets and Knicks were well represented at combine. Nets GM Billy King and assistant GM Bobby Marks led the Nets crew. Knicks GM/pres Donnie Walsh headed a large Knicks contingent.
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King, asked if anyone impressed, said: “They did. I’m not going to give any names because as we go into draft, I don’t want to tip my hand on any guys I might like. But there are guys I do like.”
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King said Brook Lopez is doing well after upper arm surgery to remove calcium deposits. “He stopped by (Friday) to get his bandages changed, and we spent an hour visiting. Next week, we’ll try to get him over to Brooklyn, check out the site.”
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King recently toured the Nets’ Brooklyn site with Deron Williams who was all positive. “You saw his comments. But for me and for him both, it was great to get there for our first time,” King said.
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Gibbs was not the only family member facing a decision. Younger brother Sterling signed with Maryland – but with now-retired coach Gary Williams – so he needs to see what happens before deciding whether or not to try to get out of his letter of intent.
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Among those up today are 6-6 Ohio State shooter Jon Diebler and 6-10 Fresno State PF/C Greg Smith.
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Good genes at combine: Indiana’s Jeremiah Rivers, Doc’s kid, and Pepperdine’s Mychel Thompson, son of former No. 1 pick of same name, competed. Minnesota’s Ralph Sampson III and Clemson’s Jerai Grant, son of former pro Harvey, will be in today.