NASHVILLE, Tenn. — This could become more than just a devastating end to a season that began with such promise.
This is, possibly, the end of the Luke Era in Oregon basketball.
And, of all people, Utah head coach Rick Majerus doesn’t want to see Luke Ridnour leave school early for the NBA.
After Oregon’s 60-58 first-round loss to the Utes in the NCAA Tournament, Majerus, one of the most respected college coaches in the country, stopped Ridnour in the hallway of the Gaylord Entertainment Center to offer his advice on the star point guard’s highly anticipated decision.
“I told him that he’s a hell of a player and that he should stay,” Majerus said. “I believe all kids should stay in school. I haven’t had anybody (at Utah) leave early.”
You can’t argue with results. Majerus has led the Utes to 10 NCAA Tournaments, including four Sweet 16 appearances and a trip to the 1998 National Championship game when Keith Van Horn (now of the Philadelphia 76ers) was a senior. The Los Angeles Clippers’ Andre Miller also stuck around for his senior year at Utah.
Majerus tried to convince Jared Jeffries to stay at Indiana last year, but Jeffries left after his freshman season and was the 11th overall draft pick by the Washington Wizards.
Many scouting services have
projected Ridnour to be a lottery pick in the June draft, and his parents have reportedly met with prospective agents.
Throughout the season, Ridnour has deflected questions about his future — instead focusing on the team — and was visibly upset after the Ducks’ season-ending loss, preferring not to discuss the issue.
“I can’t even think about that right now (because) I’m so disappointed; I can’t even think straight,” said Ridnour, the Pacific-10 Conference Player of the Year who set the school’s single-season assist record with 218.
Junior forward Luke Jackson has also hinted that he may go pro this year. Underclassmen have until May 11 to declare for the draft.
“For those two guys, they have to do what’s best for them and their families when that time comes, and it’s not here yet,” Oregon head coach Ernie Kent said. “I don’t speculate at all. I go on reality. I haven’t even thought about that yet.”
“Anything I can give you right now would just be adding to
the speculation, and I don’t want to do that.”
Majerus didn’t speculate, either, but made his point clear. He said there is little reason for Ridnour to worry about hurting his chances
at a pro career with an injury
next season.
“Nobody has ever gotten hurt when they came back for their senior year,” Majerus said. “He’ll be fine. He can get an insurance policy (through the NCAA). I’ll help him do it. He can call me.”
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