Withdrew from draft but "mulling his options." This goes without saying, but we REALLY need him back next year. I know our staff has been showing him the love and recruiting him to return.

Not terribly surprised on this one. Had heard from multiple people he was likely to go overseas and play pro ball. Wasn't really interested in more school. Further evidence was provided when the North Dakota St. kid narrowed his potential schools down to 4 and we were one of them. I guess there's always a chance Drew and staff can re-recruit him, but my guess is that he's signaling that he's looking for a paycheck, either overseas or from us.

Excellent insight and I had the same gut feeling. You are probably right. Hoping against hope you and my gut are wrong....

He just has to get through one more freaking semester, take 12 hours . You don't have to worry about the Spiring.

I hear ya, Tx! Hope he ends up here after all the smoke clears. We sure could use him.

DanaDane said:

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I hear ya, Tx! Hope he ends up here after all the smoke clears. We sure could use him.

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Wild nearly all the other "top" guys that aren't quite draftable came back no problem to various programs. Not the case for our guys. Flag I understand and think he can slip to late 2nd and if it doesn't work have a great overseas stint. Grown man that has been on a long journey.

Bridges not as much. Just signals the NIL era. Other teams are playing ball and seems still hesitant to jump in. Either way he should probably play college ball bc the upside of performing is pretty high. Could work to a low first round pick with the right showing. Not high profile enough for the Australian league to propel him. Should come back

With Flag gone we probably lead for the Toledo guard transfer. If that is the case this could be a really good team by mid season if Bridges returns.

Quinton said:

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DanaDane said:

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I hear ya, Tx! Hope he ends up here after all the smoke clears. We sure could use him.

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Wild nearly all the other "top" guys that aren't quite draftable came back no problem to various programs. Not the case for our guys. Flag I understand and think he can slip to late 2nd and if it doesn't work have a great overseas stint. Grown man that has been on a long journey.

Bridges not as much. Just signals the NIL era. Other teams are playing ball and seems still hesitant to jump in. Either way he should probably play college ball bc the upside of performing is pretty high. Could work to a low first round pick with the right showing. Not high profile enough for the Australian league to propel him. Should come back

With Flag gone we probably lead for the Toledo guard transfer. If that is the case this could be a really good team by mid season if Bridges returns.

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From what I gather, the Australian league pays between $43k-$109k USD. What are we talking, another 40-50K NIL? There was a topic on this board recently where folks were trying to convince (I suppose ourselves) that we were "blueblood." Anyone think a key starter for NC, Duke, Kansas, any blueblood you want to name, gets turned down for that kind of NIL money? Are we what we think we are, or are we fighting above our weight category?

Pardon my snark, just hate losing a good player if it is a close call.

I agree and guy would grind through another semester if the pay was there. Would be a huge boost to a high potential team and would be a better risk/reward for Bridges as well.

If Bridges leaves Nelson is a must get. Watched some of his film. Kids Uber talented and would be a huge asset

Clearly Bridges isn't interested in getting his degree. Seems he doesn't want to go to class. That's OK it's not for everybody. He gave his all for a year. Australia could be good for him.

He's not a first round talent and returning won't change that. Flagler is a first round talent and should have come out sooner…Now he's too old to go high. But he's making the right decision to go for it for Pro Ball…It's not a career you can stay in until your 70.

Flag was never a 1st rounder… ever. In fact I'd wager he goes undrafted and ends up overseas. Nothing wrong with that whatsoever m. He's going to make a ton of $$ but it won't be in the league

He (bridges) isn't but next yr isn't that strong depth wise and he fits a niche if he can get his 3 pt % up. Could be a high 2nd rounder with the right performance. Scraping the very edge of the first is really far fetched.

Is already graded out in the 70s. Moving up 20 to 25 spots with the right development isn't out of the question.

Yeah. No chance flag is drafted

I think Flagler gets a late second-round pick. But coming out early would have changed nothing for him because he was hurt.

Bridges withdrawing name from nba draft

Said it the other thread, but the interesting tidbit RayJ mentioned in his Field of 68 interview was that he had been working out with Jalen Bridges and that Bridges was the one who recruited him the most to play at Baylor. Maybe that's a good omen?

DanaDane said:

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Said it the other thread, but the interesting tidbit RayJ mentioned in his Field of 68 interview was that he had been working out with Jalen Bridges and that Bridges was the one who recruited him the most to play at Baylor. Maybe that's a good omen?

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Fingers crossed!!