Marcus Smart could have been a top five pick in this Summer’s NBA Draft, so why in the world would he chose to stay in Stillwater, Oklahoma? In a league riddled by the daunted one-and-done rule, Smart, 19, will return for his sophomore season with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. This move is extremely rare, but the guard is making the right decision by waiting at least one more season to make the leap to the NBA.
Although it is pretty selfish, I would much rather have Smart returning to the NCAAB ranks than play for a hopeless team like the Orlando Magic in 2013. Declining the professional game could cost Smart millions of dollars, but with three years of eligibility the risk is not that high for Smart. This kid is a future All-Star with excellent court vision, and with another year of college ball under his belt, his sophomore year will be one for the ages.
The bracket was not kind to the Cowboys in 2012 as the committee pegged them as a five seed, but gave the club with a tough match up of the Oregon Ducks. Smart was a one-may show in that contest as the Ducks handily sent the ‘Boys packing–perhaps the sophomore guard has some vengeance to take care off in 2014.
As a freshman, Smart was the Big 12 player of the year and the most outstanding freshman, something that only Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley have accomplished. Smart could very easily be playing alongside Durant and the NBA’s best stars before long, but as of now the Cowboys are already title contenders for the 2014 National Tournament.
