I know! Let's re-dig up old controversy in A.J. Ogilvy!
I think we can all agree that we're thankful for what A.J. has done for the program and that if he had to go, well, he had to go. I'm not going to criticize him for what he's done in the past (playing too soft), but with the NBA Draft coming up in two days, I think it's fair that we're honest.
A.J. Ogilvy is not coming off the board. No way. No how. As a result, if you want A.J. Ogilvy stats, better start following the Australian National Basketball League or some other European entity.
Chad Ford doesn't have him in his top 65 (both rounds plus a first five out). NBADraft.net doesn't have him selected either. A.J.'s gotten a couple of workouts, and to be fair, he may prove everyone wrong and find his way on the back end of an NBA roster as an undrafted player a la Matt Freije. But given the impasse that Vandy hoops is at right now, wouldn't we rather have him back at Center for us for one more season?
This isn't any offense to Festus or Steve. Both have been working hard by all accounts, and I have no doubt we'll see great improvement out of them. But A.J. really was a nice insurance policy, and the SEC road isn't shaping up to be easy.
Sorry to break out the shovel, but given that some had thought he might improve his draft stock with a workout, and that his supposed agent had indicated he would be worth a first round pick (which was a bold-faced lie in my opinion), I am of the opinion that if A.J. wanted to play in the NBA, he made a huge mistake.
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I concur 100%. I'm not sure his stock would have improved much if he stayed another year, but he'd have at least had a senior season where he finally landed on some All-SEC lists again. Oh well.
I am commenting to say that I am glad the sports line has been updated.
Also, go 'Dores.
re: "he may prove everyone wrong and find his way on the back end of an NBA roster as an undrafted player a la Matt Freije"
Freije was drafted in the 2nd round, right?
Yep. Freije was drafted. So was Dan Langhi.
Good riddance to AJ. He was a soft, negative presence, and while I'm sure he would have contributed next year, I can't take another year of having a tease in the middle. When you need him, or bank on him, he's not there. I think Festus and Steve bring and energy and enthusiasm that AJ couldn't muster, and they'll contribute in the near term.
I predict AJ will be running a tour boat in Sydney Harbour in about 3 years.
Disagree. AJ was not improving, and is not currently good enough to play in the NBA. Why not come out and give the big board a shot, then go play in Europe, where he probably should have gone 4 years ago.
On thoughts pertaining to Vandy. AJ was NOT, by any stretch of the imagination, an insurance policy. 13 and 6 (& 4 TOs) never is.
Bottom Line: with Beal gone we will not be able to compete at a top 25 level next season. HOWEVER, is we develop our talent -- tinsley and jenkins in the backcourt & festus and steve down low -- then we can give Taylor enough support in 2 years to compete at a very high level.
AJ gone is good for Vandy and no better-no worse for AJ.
Lets talk about Possible Nicknames for current players, not softy-mc-softerson anymore please.
Woohoo NBA Draft Drinking Game!
My bad on the Freije analogy, I had forgotten he was taken by the Heat.
I disagree that AJ was not an insurance policy. He was a solid free throw shooter when he got to the line and was talented enough on offense to be a factor that couldn't be ignored. If he were returning, then I would not be concerned about our points in the post b/c all the pressure wouldn't be on Steve and Fez. Believe me, I hope they improve tremendously in the offseason, so that we aren't devoid of points in the post.
I do agree that the guy we'll miss most is Dolla.
not drafted. congrats AJ
Chad Ford has Jeff Taylor ranked #15 on his initial Top 100 for the 2011 draft. This seems to be based primarily on physical tools rather than performance at this point, but with a more consistent season (or two, hopefully) he could end up being the first VU 1st round pick since Will Perdue.
AJ is like american idol.
They both blow posterior.
AJ is like american idol.
They both blow posterior.
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