Bob Hurley says two of his former St. Anthony players should explore the NBA Draft after their sophomore seasons in college.
Rutgers shooting guard Mike Rosario and Kansas wing Tyshawn Taylor (pictured at center) are both excelling at the FIBA U19 World Championships in New Zealand and Hurley says they could be ready to go pro after next year.
“Mike’s dream since he was 9 years old is to play in the NBA and he’s one where I would think he would want that information and want to know what people think about him,” Hurley said by phone Wednesday morning. “Based on the year he has and Rutgers has, he ought to explore it and just see where it stands.”
Playing for Puerto Rico, the 6-foot-3 Rosario is currently leading the FIBA World Championships in scoring at 26.7 points per game. He dropped a career-high 54 points on France and scored 22 Wednesday in a 99-71 victory over Egypt.
Another former St. Anthony player, Fordham guard Jio Fontan, added 9 points and 10 assists in the win. Fontan has received offers to play professionally in Latin America but said he may attend junior college next year instead of returning to Fordham, which has declined to give him a release from his scholarship.
Meanwhile, Taylor scored 13 points, including three late acrobatic scoops, and dished 4 assists as the U.S. beat Lithuania 76-69.
“I played with a kind of chip on my shoulder because I didn’t play so good yesterday, so I just wanted to come out here and play a good game,” Taylor said.
Hurley said he was especially proud of Taylor and Fontan, who have proven themselves against international competition.
“I was at the Eastern Camp yesterday and I told the story about these three kids when they were in high school having a dream,” Hurley said. “Both Ty and Jio, there were a lot of question marks in people’s eyes about how good they’re going to be.
“To see it [now], it’s tremendous.”
Jeff Goodman of FoxSports.com recently posted a mock draft for 2010 and had Taylor going at No. 26.
Still, Hurley said he wasn’t certain if Taylor would be ready to go after next year.
“Tyshawn, I don’t know if Ty personally would be ready to to it,” Hurley said. “He would have to go through the same process.”
Hurley said it’s advantageous for players like Rosario and Taylor to come out early because NBA executives places a premium on potential. Once players are in school for too long, their stock can drop.
“Mike’s had a chance to show what he can do against guys his age all over the world,” Hurley said, referring to the fact that Rosario has played in Spain, France and New Zealand this summer.
“I think at the end of sophomore year, I think you need to take a look. Go in with the intention of finding out if it makes sense and not committing yourself because you can go back to school [if you don’t hire an agent].
“I think you should test the waters at the end of sophomore year. I think you’re only exploring something that makes sense.
“The NBA has put you in a position where the longer you’re in college, you diminish you’re own value.”
BEATTY TO RUTGERS OFFICIAL
Point guard James Beatty is now officially a member of the Rutgers basketball program, according to a Tweet by head coach Fred Hill.
“Very excited to welcome JB into the Rutgers bball family. A great day 4 the Scarlet Knights and a tremendous summer so far for the program,” Hill tweeted.
The addition of Beatty should add tremendous depth to the Rutgers backcourt, enabling Corey Chandler to play shooting guard and on the wing.
“Throughout the whole process Rutgers was always my top choice. It took me a while because I wanted to be comfortable and with my family, I wanted them to support the decision I made,” Beatty, who averaged 26.3 points at Miami Dade, told the Courier News. “More so I just wanted to make sure that, because I have only two years left, I could make an impact on the team wherever I went, and Rutgers was the best fit for me because I can go in right away and make an impact and help change the win-loss column.”
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DocBean / July 8, 2009
In his first year in college Taylor had improved probably more then any kid coming out of High School. He’s worked hard, and the coaches at Kansas have really pushed him. I’m glad to see it’s paying off.
If he keeps working this hard, I expect him to have a great year at KU, even with the loaded team they’ll have.
If he does, I think a lot of pro scouts will take note.
I wish him the best.
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RockChalkWoody / July 8, 2009
With all due respect to Carl Henry, I think that CJ will have a tough time taking minutes away from Tyshawn. I expect him to really step up his offense in his sophomore year (and we already know that he can play defense).
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tahoejoe / July 8, 2009
I think Bob Hurley and Mile Rosario should learn from history. Do they remember Quincy Douby? Mike is a great player with a game similar to Douby’s, but not yet even the quality of Douby when he left after his junior year. As most know, Douby has not had much of a pro career.
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