The 2011 NBA Draft was full of surprises, starting with the Cavaliers’ selection of Tristan Thompson at No. 4 overall, and the Knicks’ pick of former bench warmer Josh Harrelson 45th overall. One player who didn’t get drafted was Kansas State guard Jacob Pullen. That outcome was to be expected because Pullen wasn’t considered a top prospect, but it didn’t make things any less disappointing for Kansas State coach Frank Martin. The fiery character objected to his star player getting the draft snub and sounded off on twitter as The Dagger pointed out:
“I don’t work 4 the NBA nor do I understand the NBA but I do understand winning. Look back at Jacob Pullen’s record vs. The guys that got drafted. You will find that he won a lot and also had a better game from a matchup standpoint. Some people like team pictures I like winning so give me Jacob and Denis Clemente every time.”
“A couple of things on Jacob, he led the Big 12 in scoring in league play, top 5 in assists, only player that was a unanimous pick 4 all def team. His team won over 50 games his last 2 yrs, his team finished in top 4 of Big 12 every yr. However he is 6′ not 6’3″ so he is not good enough. Give me a break..jacob stay strong and keep ur faith u will succeed. I’ve said the same things 2 Haslem and Barea. U r a winner.”
“One more thing on Jacob Pullen, he had all his individual success & led our team 2 all the wins in the league that has had the most 1 rd picks. In the last 2 years, that being the BIG 12!!! Jacob keep ur head up u will b fine. U have proven it over and over.”
I love coaches who defend their players, and this will always help when it comes to recruiting high schoolers, but let’s be real. Success in the NBA isn’t based on winning in college. If it were, then Christian Laettner would have been a superstar rather than just a one-time All-Star. They’re two different games, and succeeding in college doesn’t always correlate to succeeding the NBA. Plus, it’s not like the end of the world — if Pullen is good enough for the NBA, he can prove it by tearing up the D-League or another foreign league.
