HoopsWorld: Meeks not on first round NBA Draft boards

HoopsWorld has to love UK fans right now. We are flooding their site and prompting them to do in-depth checking for a borderline first rounder who likely would not be talked about that much if not for UK fans caring so much.

The Jodie Meeks Decision: Yesterday we covered some of the players considering opting to return to school and our note on Jodie Meeks got the Kentucky fans up in arms. HOOPSWORLD sat with Meeks in Chicago and covered a wide range of topics, but returning to school was the one that matters most. Meeks was very clear that if he did not feel he’d be a first round selection he would return to school, saying he’d been in regular contact with new Kentucky coach John Calipari. In talking with team sources and league source it a given that Meeks has a tremendous amount of talent but we could not find a single team that has him high enough on their board to think he’s a first round draft pick. There is a belief that Meeks might not have a strong season if he returned to Kentucky, but there is little doubt that Meeks would make Kentucky the front runner for the National Championship next season. The big question remaining is how hard is Calipari “recruiting” Meeks to return and what guarantees will he make about roles in the offense? Coach Cal’s track record says Meeks’ stock should go up, but as players often find out if you do not stay while you’re hot, you might not get hot again and for Meeks the decision may come down to the idea of “Will I ever be this hot again?”

This talks about an interesting issue that we haven’t really covered that much: John Calipari trying to convince Meeks to return to UK. Calipari has said over and over (and I believe him) that his goal is to use his contacts and his knowledge to help his players make the best decision possible and “fulfill their dreams”. I do not think John Calipari will advise Meeks to do anything else other than make the best decision for his future.