Should They Stay or Should They Go?

Each week, we'll take two of the best underclassmen in college basketball and discuss whether they should remain in school or make the leap into the NBA draft. It is a discussion Billy Packer would not want any part of. This week's candidates: freshman Greg Oden of Ohio State, and freshman Kevin Durant of Texas.

These two are obvious, right? The day after OSU and Texas are ousted from the NCAA tournament, both of these players should withdraw from classes, take out insurance policies (if they haven't already) and hit the gym under the stewardship of whoever got Ben Wallace so jacked.

I guess the only question is: What does either player have to gain by staying in school? For Oden, it would be the opportunity to polish his somewhat robotic offensive game. Drop-step dunking on kids from Minnesota aren't going to prepare him for guys like Dwight Howard or Eddy Curry. His averages of 15.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks are impressive, but with another year under his belt, who is to say he can't develop a back to the basket game or a baby hook? Then again, look at Joakim Noah and Al Horford in Florida. Both could have bolted after winning the National title, and has either player improved? All they're seeing is double-teams in the post, and right now, neither is being talked about as a top three pick, like they were last year. Still, it's a no brainer - if Oden's in the draft, he's going first.

I'd actually say of these two, Durant (24.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.8 blocks) should definitely make the jump. I don't think Texas will challenge for the National title, and they won't be contenders next season. He'll either be the top pick, or second if Oden comes out. I see him as a Tracy McGrady-type player, except longer (if that's possible). Then again, I'm a bit impartial here - because I absolutely, positively love Durant's game and I think he'll be an NBA star sooner than Oden will.

In summation, it'll be difficult for either player to stay, but because Durant's ready to contribute at the NBA level now, I'd advise him to go. It's almost the same deal for Oden, but I think he's got more to gain than Durant if he remains in college.