 | Unlike his teammates, Taurean Green could use another year at Florida. Bob Rosato/SI |
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ATLANTA -- As Florida's Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Corey Brewer and Taurean Green -- affectionately known as the Oh-Fours -- pointed to a sea of orange-clad Gator fans after winning their second straight national championship on Monday night, the crowd chanted, "One more year." Some of the Gators don't need another year, as they are ready to move on to the NBA, but others could use one more year of college to improve their draft stock. Here's a look at the underclassmen who should stay in college and who are ready to enter the draft.
Who Should Stay
Taurean Green, Jr., G, Florida
Green has been a big reason for the Gators' success, but isn't quite NBA-ready. He has been overshadowed a bit by his teammates, but if he can work on his defense and prove that he can consistently knock down the three, he'll answer some big questions about him.
What He'll Do: Make himself eligible for the draft, but return to school.
Mike Conley Jr., Fr., G, Ohio State
Conley is super quick and has steadily improved as the season has gone on. He had a terrific NCAA tournament, and at times, was the Buckeyes' best player. Physically and mentally, he's not quite ready for the rigors of the NBA, but with another good year he could move into the top 10.
What He'll Do: Stay
Spencer Hawes, Fr., C, Washington
The 6-11 big man was Washington's best all-around player, but the Huskies struggled and didn't make the tournament. With another year of experience, Hawes could be a top-five pick.
What He'll Do: Go
Thaddeus Young, Fr., G, Georgia Tech
The wiry 6-8 freshman has tremendous skills and is an explosive scorer. However, his game isn't complete, and if he stays one more year, and improves his weaknesses (ball handling, an inconsistent outside shot) his stock will skyrocket.
What He'll Do: Stay
Josh McRoberts, So., F, Duke
McRoberts has already said he's leaving Duke, but he'd be smart to reconsider. He's never lived up to his promise needs to show he can score consistently from the block. With better players around him next year, he could move into the top 10.
What He'll Do: Go
D.J. White, Jr., F, Indiana
White has shown that he has NBA ability, but he's not ready to jump to the league yet. With one more year of seasoning in the Big Ten, White can move from the second round into the first.
What He'll Do: Stay
Tyler Hansbrough, So., C, North Carolina
Psycho T is a warrior and will make a good pro some day, but he needs another year to polish his offensive game.
What He'll Do: Stay
Dominic James, So., G, Marquette
James is explosive off the dribble and is a tremendous leaper despite being just 5-11. He needs to prove that he can shoot consistently from the outside, but if his rise continues, he could be a future first-round pick.
What He'll Do: Stay
Hasheem Thabeet, Fr., C, UConn
Thabeet is no where near ready to play in the NBA, but you can't coach height, and at 7-3 Thabeet is projected as a top-10 pick. If he doesn't improve his skills, he'll get eaten alive in the NBA.
What He'll Do: Go
