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Saying that Max (or Kevin) should declare for the draft now because of ORU's fairy tale NCAA run is missing the point. Getting to the Sweet Sixteen provided those two great exposure, and gave scouts a good look at what they can do against Power 5 competition, but it has no bearing at all on whether or not they would be drafted any higher or lower next year, if they return to school and ORU doesn't fare as well. What matters, as ORUBlue82 points out, is if they return and subsequently develop the weak points in their games (namely, defense and ball-handling). As so often happens with Max, take a look at Steph Curry: after bursting onto the national scene as Davidson advanced to the Elite Eight his sophomore year, Curry returned to school his junior season and proceeded to lead the country in scoring while setting all kinds of school and conference records. His team, however, fell in the semi's of their conference tournament, failed to make the NCAA tournament as an at-large selection, and lost in the second-round of the NIT to another mid-major (St. Mary's). Did that hurt his draft status? Heck, no. He was coveted even more than after his sophomore year, having honed his skills as a point guard while putting on a little more muscle. The additional year in college was just what he needed, and just what the scouts wanted to see, despite the team not equaling their previous season success. IF (and that's a significant "if") NBA scouts like what they saw of Max or Kevin this year, they will like them next year, too; hopefully more so if those two improve their games, and REGARDLESS of whether ORU advances out of Sioux Falls in March, or goes on any kind of post-season run again.

Wow, quite a pick up. ESPN had him as 4 star recruit when he committed to Kansas. I’m guessing we will be taking 40+ 3 pointers a game next year. Next season can’t get here fast enough!

I completely agree that the ORU program opportunities are are at an all time high for recruiting, donations, ticket & merchandising sales, fan support and media attention etc. As an old timer, I can remember the 84-85' ORU team, "Next year is here" that for a variety of reasons did not have the expected success of the 83-84' NCAA tourney team. That team was very good (3 NBA draft picks, including Mark Acres who played 10 years in the association), but there are no guarantee's and the preseason media can quickly turn into a double edged sword. Next year Max will see every opponents entire defensive scheme designed to stop him, box and 1's, zones, double and triple teams, etc.. College basketball is a coaches game, professional basketball is player dominated. NBA, G-league and overseas coaches work exclusively with and develop professional players. Coach Mills is outstanding, but his primary job is to develop the ORU team and program. The closest NBA player comparisons for Max are probably Trae Young and Lou Williams, Trae went to OU for 1 year and Lou went straight to the pro's out of high school. Max will get maximum individual player development at the pro level and with a average career being at best 8-10 years, every year in college is approximately 10-12% of his pro career gone. College basketball players with any hope of playing professionally dream of the exposure Max was able to generate for himself. His decision is a great problem to have, but as far as the risk of staying as opposed to the possible reward isn't worth it. He really isn't going to improve his stock, he biggest liability is his size and he isn't going to get any taller if he stays and 10 lbs of weight strength is easily added at the next level, where as an injury or less then expected season could easily drop his draft stock considerably!! It's his time!!! Whatever he decides, what he and the team did this year was incredible and will live forever in ORU hoops history!!