Brandon Rush Leaving on a High Note

There’s no better time to leave college for the pros than after you’ve won the National Championship game. That is, unless you’re the Florida Gators and you can all return and win back-to-back titles (but cost yourself a few slots if you’re Joakim Noah). Well now that his team has peaked by winning the title, Brandon Rush will leave for the NBA draft according to Yahoo! Sports’ Jason King. This isn’t much of a surprise considering the fact that it’s the third time he’s declared for the draft. The first time Rush declared for the draft was in high school, but he decided against it once he realized he wouldn’t be a high pick. He then declared last year but tore his ACL and had to return to school. Worked out well in the end.

With Rush already reportedly leaving — no surprise — hearing Rose and CDR’s response to the question about going pro cracked me up. Everybody and their mother (mine included) knows that Rose is going to the NBA where he’ll no doubt be a top three pick, if not the first overall selection. And though it was a completely inappropriate question because his team had just lost the title game, he was asked about his future plans. Rose mumbled something about talking to his family and making a decision in the future. CDR gave the old “yeah, whatever he said” response. That pretty much says to me that they’re both gone.

And while we’re on the subject, I really appreciate John Calipari’s candor in regards to this issue. He has said and continues to say that he wants the best for his players; if they’re going to be first-round picks, he feels they have to pursue the opportunity. And honestly, if I were those guys, I’d be gone as well. That’s where Bob Knight’s thoughtst on the subject comes in, and he’s completely right. The one-and-done rule is eliminating the integrity in collegiate athletics and making a mockery of the concept of student athletes.