Basketball Caleb McConnell declares for NBA Draft

[PSAL_Hoops]

For those who think Caleb will transfer - just circled back to that line from senior day. “I feel like I’m not done here and I have so much room to grow.”

TheKnightReport - Rutgers Hoops to honor Caleb McConnell as part of Senior Day on Sunday

Rutgers Basketball's Caleb McConnell is all set to be honored as a part of Senior Day on Sunday afternoon.

rutgers.rivals.com

Maybe things could change, but is that really something you would say if transferring is on the radar. Seems more like some of Geo’s comments from the end of last year. Just saying.

 

[NickRU714]

Why not enter the portal now then so he can start talking to other schools?

Agreed. I'm not sure where the "NBA or Transfer" talk is coming from.

Alternatively, last year Kofi declared for the draft and then entered the Transfer Portal later on in the process.
He ended up going neither route and ended up back at Illinois.
https://www.si.com/college/2021/07/01/kofi-cockburn-illinois-enters-transfer-portal

 

[robjknight]

Hope he comes back. The Notre Dame game showed he can be an offensive threat. Coming back he can prove that he does have an offensive game to go along with his defensive prowess. If he comes back, the outlook for team success is much better particularly if his ND game was not a fluke.

 

[NickRU714]

To clarify in case fans aren't familiar with the rules.

Just for clarity on procedure, a college player with remaining eligibility must “declare” for the NBA draft to even work out for any NBA team or have direct communication with NBA teams. That’s always worth keeping in mind if you see a player “declare for the NBA draft."

April 24, 11:59 p.m - Early entry deadline.

May 16-22 - NBA Combine.

June 1 - NCAA set deadline for college players to withdraw and retain college eligibility.

June 13, 5 p.m. - NBA set early entry withdrawal deadline (not really material to college players with remaining eligibility).

These are the key dates.
Along with early May for the Combine invite list.
Once the invite list goes out it should clear up a lot (do Caleb, Jaden or Ron receive invites?)
For example, once Ron and Geo didn't get invites last year they were basically a lock to return (even though they waited until the last possible moment to make it official).

Unlike last year, there is no need to wait until mid July to find out if everyone is staying in the draft or returning.

Last year I put this in a separate "2021 NBA Draft" thread.
I'll probably copy this and create a 2022 NBA Draft thread after the championship game.

 

[NickRU714]

I always love the "he's declaring so he can get an evaluation and what he needs to improve upon".
And then the thread is filled with exactly what needs to get improved upon.
There have been 2022 mock drafts since last year.
They don't need an "evaluation". Everyone (including the players) already know their evaluation and projection.

He was BIG Ten DPOY. Pretty sure his name is out there to scouts.
He's declaring because he wants to talk a team into taking a shot on drafting him.
Same as RHJ/Geo last year.

Also, I'm sure it feels cool to say "I'm declaring for the NBA Draft" and put together a fancy IG post.
And then you also get to put together a fancy "I'm returning. #BusinessNotDone" post (or long video in RHJ's case) and get all the accolades from the fans for coming back.

 

[Big boy stan]

I dont agree with the idea Caleb has little chance in the NBA. I posted in another thread but he reminds me of Matisse Thybulle who is playing 25 min for the 76ers right now. He was drafted 20th overall with little offensive game to speak of. To compare them:
- Caleb is 2" taller and 10lbs heavier.
- In Thybulle's last college year, he scored 9 points per game, 3 rebounds, and shot 31% from 3
- In Calebs's last college year, he scored 9 points per game, 5 rebounds, and shot 27% from 3

Here is what NBADRAFT.NET had to say about Thybulle before the draft. Sound familiar?

Overall: There’s a lot to like about Thybulle from a defensive standpoint … He blocks shots and gets steals at a phenomenal clip and with improved offensive abilities has the potential to be a really good two-way player in the NBA … If his offense can improve, the sky is the limit to what he can accomplish … If his offense remains shaky, he projects to be much more of a defensive specialist … He’s one of those players where fit matters a lot … He needs to get with a team that is able to utilize his unique skillsets and be patient with him as he develops … He’ll probably need to spend some time in the G-League, underscoring the importance of finding that right fit …

I do think that Caleb coming back for one more year when he could be more of a focus on the offense could really help his stock. If he could get his 3pt% up a couple points he would make a big difference.

 

[cm_13]

I’d be shocked if he returned to Rutgers

He can go to almost any school in the country

Yes but he also is going to need to show improvement on the offensive end to move the needle for the draft next year. There’s lots of shot attempts to be had in the Rutgers offense next season and he has already built up a ton of trust and good will with this coaching staff.

If I had one more year to make an impression on an NBA team, personally I’d be sticking with the team that knows me and where my spot in the rotation is basically guaranteed.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Yes but he also is going to need to show improvement on the offensive end to move the needle for the draft next year. There’s lots of shot attempts to be had in the Rutgers offense next season and he has already built up a ton of trust and good will with this coaching staff.

If I had one more year to make an impression on an NBA team, personally I’d be sticking with the team that knows me and where my spot in the rotation is basically guaranteed.

Excellent point. The last thing he needs to focus on is earning a spot and learning new schemes. Total distractions. He needs to have another great defensive year which is easiest to do without learning a new system. And he needs to improve with hitting wide open shots which is way easier to focus on if your not learning a whole new system. In my opinion, these are the reasons I see a good chance that he’ll return. If there was no chance for the NBA I think maybe he would’ve gone the Europe route. The best place to focus on improving shooting form is back at Rutgers where there would be the least other changes to adjust to.

Also - I bet he’d have some NIL opportunities just like Paul. He could easily put him name on a camp or two during a week where the focus is on building defensive skills.

 

[Gudenham]

I dont agree with the idea Caleb has little chance in the NBA. I posted in another thread but he reminds me of Matisse Thybulle who is playing 25 min for the 76ers right now. He was drafted 20th overall with little offensive game to speak of. To compare them:
- Caleb is 2" taller and 10lbs heavier.
- In Thybulle's last college year, he scored 9 points per game, 3 rebounds, and shot 31% from 3
- In Calebs's last college year, he scored 9 points per game, 5 rebounds, and shot 27% from 3

Here is what NBADRAFT.NET had to say about Thybulle before the draft. Sound familiar?

Overall: There’s a lot to like about Thybulle from a defensive standpoint … He blocks shots and gets steals at a phenomenal clip and with improved offensive abilities has the potential to be a really good two-way player in the NBA … If his offense can improve, the sky is the limit to what he can accomplish … If his offense remains shaky, he projects to be much more of a defensive specialist … He’s one of those players where fit matters a lot … He needs to get with a team that is able to utilize his unique skillsets and be patient with him as he develops … He’ll probably need to spend some time in the G-League, underscoring the importance of finding that right fit …

I do think that Caleb coming back for one more year when he could be more of a focus on the offense could really help his stock. If he could get his 3pt% up a couple points he would make a big difference.

Thybulle is a generational talent as a defender. Like, once every 25 years level good. Caleb is an above average defender in college.

 

[RU-05]

I think CM is a good college player. I don't see him playing in the NBA (maybe overseas) whether he comes back or not. If he is coming back solely to improve his NBA stock, which means having a more significant offensive role than in the past, that might not be in our teams best interest. Yes he had a nice offensive game (first half really) against ND, but he has been no more reliable than the others offensively, and that would likely be the same next year. He would certainly be an asset to the 22-23 team but I would hope it would be with the understanding that his role (defense, rebounding, steals, 10 PPG and leadership) would be similar to what it has been in the past. His return should not influence Pike's mandate to add significant scoring to the roster for next year.

If Caleb were to come back I think that ND game could signal an ability to fill some of the offensive void created by both Harper and Geo leaving. The offensive opportunities will be there for the taking.

I also think Caleb focused so much on D, especially this past season, that it took away from his offense. Having now established himself defensively I think he could focus more on his offensive game.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Thybulle is a generational talent as a defender. Like, once every 25 years level good. Caleb is an above average defender in college.

An above average college defender is how you would’ve described him following 2020-21. He was 1 of 10 semi finalists for national DPOY this year. That’s not just above average, that’s moved into the category of elite.

 

[chrebet80]

I dont agree with the idea Caleb has little chance in the NBA. I posted in another thread but he reminds me of Matisse Thybulle who is playing 25 min for the 76ers right now. He was drafted 20th overall with little offensive game to speak of. To compare them:
- Caleb is 2" taller and 10lbs heavier.
- In Thybulle's last college year, he scored 9 points per game, 3 rebounds, and shot 31% from 3
- In Calebs's last college year, he scored 9 points per game, 5 rebounds, and shot 27% from 3

Here is what NBADRAFT.NET had to say about Thybulle before the draft. Sound familiar?

Overall: There’s a lot to like about Thybulle from a defensive standpoint … He blocks shots and gets steals at a phenomenal clip and with improved offensive abilities has the potential to be a really good two-way player in the NBA … If his offense can improve, the sky is the limit to what he can accomplish … If his offense remains shaky, he projects to be much more of a defensive specialist … He’s one of those players where fit matters a lot … He needs to get with a team that is able to utilize his unique skillsets and be patient with him as he develops … He’ll probably need to spend some time in the G-League, underscoring the importance of finding that right fit …

I do think that Caleb coming back for one more year when he could be more of a focus on the offense could really help his stock. If he could get his 3pt% up a couple points he would make a big difference.

Lol dude this is so wrong. First of all caleb only averaged 7 ppg last year and that was a career high. Thybulle averaged double digits ppg multiple years in his career and shot 36% or better from 3 in 3 of his 4 years. Also in thybulles senior year he averaged 3.5 steals and over 2 blocks per game. Caleb is a great defender but not close to his level. I love Caleb but he has no shot to get drafted.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Lol dude this is so wrong. First of all caleb only averaged 7 ppg last year and that was a career high. Thybulle averaged double digits ppg multiple years in his career and shot 36% or better from 3 in 3 of his 4 years. Also in thybulles senior year he averaged 3.5 steals and over 2 blocks per game. Caleb is a great defender but not close to his level. I love Caleb but he has no shot to get drafted.

He has no shot right now, but he still has another season to improve his stock.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Lol dude this is so wrong. First of all caleb only averaged 7 ppg last year and that was a career high. Thybulle averaged double digits ppg multiple years in his career and shot 36% or better from 3 in 3 of his 4 years. Also in thybulles senior year he averaged 3.5 steals and over 2 blocks per game. Caleb is a great defender but not close to his level. I love Caleb but he has no shot to get drafted.

His shooting wasn’t that great as a senior but that’s besides the point. His draft potential is more along the trajectory of Jevon Carter’s path. Don’t bother to pull up Carter’s scoring because he played for press VA and got most of his points in transition (irrelevant with respect to NBA potential). Carter was 2 time NDPOY but Caleb’s measurables are much better than his. That’s the kind of player that gives hope that Caleb could find a spot in the NBA. In a half court system, Carter’s offense would’ve been comparable to Caleb’s.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Obviously I want him back…….next year no Harper and no Baker so if Caleb and Paul are back playing 33 minutes that is putting a TON of offensive stress on the other 2 perimeter players.

My vision has next years team on Paul and Cliff surrounded by 3 guys who are threats in the perimeter and scorers. Obviously they have to pass the defensive test. Cant swim in the deep end until you pass the swimming test.

 

[Gudenham]

An above average college defender is how you would’ve described him following 2020-21. He was 1 of 10 semi finalists for national DPOY this year. That’s not just above average, that’s moved into the category of elite.

Caleb is an above average perimeter defender. That's it. Even if I concede that he is elite, he is still 100 steps away from being generational like Thybulle. Watch one (1) Sixers game and you'll see they operate on different planes. That's not a knock on Caleb. He is just not good enough defensively to make up for his lackluster offense (that's putting it nicely)

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

I am going to tune in to a NBA game to see this guy play defense

 

[Gudenham]

I am going to tune in to a NBA game to see this guy play defense

 

[Rokodesh]

Thybulle is a generational talent as a defender. Like, once every 25 years level good. Caleb is an above average defender in college.

Big ten defensive player of the year is an average defender 😂😂😂

 

[Gudenham]

Big ten defensive player of the year is an average defender 😂😂😂

"Caleb is an above average defender in college."

 

[Big boy stan]

Watch one (1) Sixers game and you'll see they operate on different planes. That's not a knock on Caleb.

I agree that MT is a phenomenal player and I am a huge fan of his but it's not fair to compare Caleb as a college player to Thybulle after playing almost 3 years in the NBA. You need to look at Thybulle as a college player and ask what did the NBA think they were getting from him at that time to make him a first round draft pick. Forget about offense as I don't think anyone thought to draft him for that reason. The fact is that he is still only a 5ppg guy (although many of his shots are very timely) but the reason he plays is for defense.

I dont know that Caleb can be an NBA player as good as Thybulle but watching his impact on games has to make some GMs wonder.

 

[kcg88]

I agree that MT is a phenomenal player and I am a huge fan of his but it's not fair to compare Caleb as a college player to Thybulle after playing almost 3 years in the NBA. You need to look at Thybulle as a college player and ask what did the NBA think they were getting from him at that time to make him a first round draft pick. Forget about offense as I don't think anyone thought to draft him for that reason. The fact is that he is still only a 5ppg guy (although many of his shots are very timely) but the reason he plays is for defense.

I dont know that Caleb can be an NBA player as good as Thybulle but watching his impact on games has to make some GMs wonder.

Thybulle averaged 3.5 steals per game and 2.3 blocks per game in his senior year at Washington.

McConnell averaged 2.2 steals and 0.5 blocks this past season at Rutgers.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

View embedded media

this is actually very similar to how Caleb plays defense (minus the freakish athletic ability). He isn't your classic shutdown defender, but he is very disruptive with his active hands, desire and great awareness and anticipation.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Thybulle averaged 3.5 steals per game and 2.3 blocks per game in his senior year at Washington.

McConnell averaged 2.2 steals and 0.5 blocks this past season at Rutgers.

And what about rebounds?

Also - I’m not that familiar with Washington (games way too late for me) so I have no idea what style they play. We played a slow pace and didn’t press that much. In the example I gave with Jevon Carter, it would matter a ton - to the point where you couldn’t do a side by side of any stat (when you press 100% of the time your going to have more steals). Maybe Washington was similar to us, I have no idea. The point is you’d have to consider that if you are going to compare stats this way.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Caleb is an above average perimeter defender. That's it. Even if I concede that he is elite, he is still 100 steps away from being generational like Thybulle. Watch one (1) Sixers game and you'll see they operate on different planes. That's not a knock on Caleb. He is just not good enough defensively to make up for his lackluster offense (that's putting it nicely)

He was recognized as one of the 10 best defensive players in college basketball this past season. Each year there are only 10 players who earn this honor. The average NBA career is 4.5 years. Let’s round that to 5. There are 450 active players across all NBA rosters. The guys that come from
abroad are rarely defensive stars. That would mean that there are a maximum of 50 defensive players who were good enough at defense at the time they were drafted or made the league to earn the semi finalist honor. That translates to better than 88th percentile of NBA players on defense at worst (if Caleb is the worst one of all those players). I’m not sure how you could classify that as anything other than elite.

 

[Shelby65]

Winning at a high level matters too, so if he feels next year will be a down year he may leave for that reason…and go someplace with more potential next year

 

[Gudenham]

this is actually very similar to how Caleb plays defense (minus the freakish athletic ability). He isn't your classic shutdown defender, but he is very disruptive with his active hands, desire and great awareness and anticipation.

You and I are not watching the same basketball games.

 

[Gudenham]

He was recognized as one of the 10 best defensive players in college basketball this past season. Each year there are only 10 players who earn this honor. The average NBA career is 4.5 years. Let’s round that to 5. There are 450 active players across all NBA rosters. The guys that come from
abroad are rarely defensive stars. That would mean that there are a maximum of 50 defensive players who were good enough at defense at the time they were drafted or made the league to earn the semi finalist honor. That translates to better than 88th percentile of NBA players on defense at worst (if Caleb is the worst one of all those players). I’m not sure how you could classify that as anything other than elite.

Recognized by who? Unless you are a generational defensive player (one of the 10 best defensive players of the decade in college basketball), you're not playing any minutes in the NBA shooting 29% from three. Wrap your head around reality pal.

 

[Shelby65]

And the college three is closer in. He’s not an NBA-level shooter

 

[Proud NJ Sports Fan]

Really hope he returns to Rutgers

 

[SBP]

Really hope he returns to Rutgers

Unless he just hates college he will be back. No shot at pros even Europe where it’s 3 point shooting or bust. He’s not a shooter….yet….

 

[Proud NJ Sports Fan]

Unless he just hates college he will be back. No shot at pros even Europe where it’s 3 point shooting or bust. He’s not a shooter….yet….

Was thinking more in the lines that he transfers

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Recognized by who? Unless you are a generational defensive player (one of the 10 best defensive players of the decade in college basketball), you're not playing any minutes in the NBA shooting 29% from three. Wrap your head around reality pal.

Recognized by whoever voted for DPOY. He made the final 10 out of all college players.

You keep confusing separate things. I’m disputing the notion that he’s simply an above average college defender. Top 10 in nation is not just “above average” regarding defense and shooting percentage has nothing at all to do with this. Anyone who achieves that honor is an elite defender. It may be that the rest of their game still isn’t good enough. But stop making it like his defense is just a little better than ok. Please.

 

[Gudenham]

Recognized by whoever voted for DPOY. He made the final 10 out of all college players.

You keep confusing separate things. I’m disputing the notion that he’s simply an above average college defender. Top 10 in nation is not just “above average” regarding defense and shooting percentage has nothing at all to do with this. Anyone who achieves that honor is an elite defender. It may be that the rest of their game still isn’t good enough. But stop making it like his defense is just a little better than ok. Please.

Whoever votes makes a big difference, doesn't it? You have swayed me though, I do agree he is elite. We are saying the same thing, but if you need the distinction, I can play along.

 

[Plum Street]

The only difference with the 5th year is that the athlete is now matriculated in a graduate program.

So in Myles case, your 100% correct. He chose to move on to a very good program near where he eventually wants to land a job. Makes perfect sense.

I like JY, but sorry, it’s not the same. He didn’t transfer for Oregon’s academics or to go back home after 4 years. He just decided to attend a different college. It’s not different from Mathis moving on IMO.

But I am sure JY could get a grad degree at Oregon. ZDoesn’t hurt to have degrees from two different schools, alumni bases etc.
JY and Kiss are different from Montez . They are rutgers graduates and rutgers men

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Whoever votes makes a big difference, doesn't it? You have swayed me though, I do agree he is elite. We are saying the same thing, but if you need the distinction, I can play along.

You are minimizing the accomplishment by questioning who voted. There were lots of participants. Pike wasn’t one of them. Top 10 in all of college ball….

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

But I am sure JY could get a grad degree at Oregon. ZDoesn’t hurt to have degrees from two different schools, alumni bases etc.
JY and Kiss are different from Montez . They are rutgers graduates and rutgers men

Ok but that’s not why he transferred there and everyone knows it.

 

[Plum Street]

Ok but that’s not why he transferred there and everyone knows it.

True . But rutgers graduates and rutgers men . It wouldn’t make them any more of a rutgers man and scholar if they also had grad degrees . Most of the alumni base on this board only has bachelors degree as well from rutgers , just like young and kiss

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

True . But rutgers graduates and rutgers men . It wouldn’t make them any more of a rutgers man and scholar if they also had grad degrees . Most of the alumni base on this board only has bachelors degree as well from rutgers , just like young and kiss

I disagree. I’m not saying I look down on players who transfer out - I’m grateful for whatever they brought to Rutgers. But I don’t view them quite the same as guys like Geo and Ron. Also - I don’t see Tez as different from JY in that both chose to leave and play somewhere else while they still had eligibility. MJ chose to get his engineering masters close to home where he will look to work. That IS different in my eyes.

 

[Plum Street]

I disagree. I’m not saying I look down on players who transfer out - I’m grateful for whatever they brought to Rutgers. But I don’t view them quite the same as guys like Geo and Ron. Also - I don’t see Tez as different from JY in that both chose to leave and play somewhere else while they still had eligibility. MJ chose to get his engineering masters close to home where he will look to work. That IS different in my eyes.

If student A goes to rutgers undergrad and rutgers law , you would look more favorably on them than student B who goes go rutgers undergrad and Michigan law ?