He has really been coming on lately. Kind of like what Mike Conley did a few seasons ago. Now do we worry about two players possibly leaving early for the draft? Just thought I throw it out there.

Not yet IMO. Needs to get stronger and develop a little more all around. But he has definately stepped up his game and still has one of the sweetest strokes in college basketball.

Looks further ahead than Daequan Cook at this stage. He looks great recently.

Buford is draft material after he learns to play defense. He is 100% coming back for his Jr. year. He isnt nearly good enough to leave early. Id say he plays 4 yrs at OSU.

But yet Kosta Kufos and BJ were good enough to leave?? Unless you are an established 3-4 year player in college, the NBA drafts on potential. And Buford has plenty of potential. IMO if he left after this year he'd be a late 2nd rounder.

He could go after this year and be a first rounder.

There was talk of him leaving after last year. I wouldn't be surprised if he left after the improvements he has shown so far this year. He would benefit from another year at OSU but who knows.

I wouldn't be surprised if he left, but I doubt he will. He has the potential to be a really solid player, so he would definitely get picked. If he was smart he'd stay for the chance to get picked higher and make major cash.

Koufos and Mullins were drafted based on potential AND size. He will play atleat 1 more year at OSU. Although he does look further ahead than Cook did. (Cook is buried on Miami's bench now too)

wildcats20 wrote: But yet Kosta Kufos and BJ were good enough to leave?? Unless you are an established 3-4 year player in college, the NBA drafts on potential. And Buford has plenty of potential. IMO if he left after this year he'd be a late 2nd rounder.

Uh, being 7 ft and 250lbs sure helps with that potential! Buford, although much more talented then both, is 6'5", pretty wirey, with average handle. Has HUGE upside, but still a ways to go. Would get drafted, 2nd rd my guess. More benefit to stay at least another year, which I think he will.

Im also not sure how much he benefits from another year. Sullinger and Thomas are gonna take away more looks from him than Turner does this year. Not to mention Diebler may finally be consistent.

Thomas WILL look for his shots. He wont settle for a "few" a game. I think Bufords numbers go down next year if he stays.

good point on the size, Buford needs to put on a little bulk IMO

I doubt Buford stays all four years. I say he plays 3 years maximum. If he leaves after this season he is a second round pick. Leaves after his junior year, he will be in the first round. IMO.

CBF...That's what I'm saying, he will get drafted regardless of when he comes out, because of his upside. Not because he has had an amazing college career. Hopefully, for Matta's sake, there aren't people in his ear saying leave.

centralbucksfan wrote:

wildcats20 wrote: But yet Kosta Kufos and BJ were good enough to leave?? Unless you are an established 3-4 year player in college, the NBA drafts on potential. And Buford has plenty of potential. IMO if he left after this year he'd be a late 2nd rounder.

Uh, being 7 ft and 250lbs sure helps with that potential! Buford, although much more talented then both, is 6'5", pretty wirey, with average handle. Has HUGE upside, but still a ways to go. Would get drafted, 2nd rd my guess. More benefit to stay at least another year, which I think he will.

Posted this above you and couldnt agree more!!

I think he needs one more year.

No, but, if the money's even mentioned as being a possibility, he's gone.

Anyone who thinks otherwise is only fooling themselves. It is a mathematical certainty.

Scratch the no. Not sure what I meant by that. He's obviously draft material. I just meant that he's probably not ready to make an impact in the league next year.

But, regardless, I think he's gone. Those I know close to the program haven't said anything to make me believe otherwise.

I dont mean this in a bad way at all. But when I sat down for a few interviews with him while he was still in HS at Toledo Libbey he didnt really seem like the type of kid who would stay at a chance for collegiate success. More like the type who would jump to the NBA as soon as the time came where he could get a decent contract (IE a first rounder).

Again, that isnt a bad thing....and frankly I think most kids are like that. But that is just my personal opinion on the matter. I was surprised he didnt think longer about jumping last season.

That said, kids certainly mature in college, and maybe he wont be as eager to make a rash decision (although I still dont think the numbers will improve enough to warrant staying a 3rd year).

One more year in college and he becomes a sure fire 1st rounder IMO. If he leaves this year, I think it's a big mistake on his part from a draft and financial status. No matter when he goes, I think he'll be fine at the next level.

I think he will be gone.

Buford and Turner both must play the 2-guard in the NBA.

Buford has areas to work on, but Turner has the single biggest deficiency in his game for a 2-guard. This year Buford has made 32 of 90 3-pointers, Turner has only taken 28 3-pointers and only made 7.

fwiw,Buford's uncle was just in my office,and he said Willam will stay AT LEAST one more year--he said in no way does he feel ready to take the next step,and that he's just now realizing how good he can be--and also he's really getting into "playing this defense thing"(Buford's words)...I hope he's right!!!

I think he stays at least one more year.

At least let's hope he does

Very interesting discussion here. Heading into his freshman year I thought for sure he was a 2 year max guy. I thought last year he might have underperformed a little and this year he wasn't living up to his potential early in the year.

But lately he's really finding himself. The NBA sure does love the hype that is created around the end of a year and in postseason play. If OSU makes a little run and Buford plays well, I think he works himself into the first round. He has a lot of potential and will continue to get better. And I don't mean the potential of a 7 footer who is fluid. I mean in his all around game, shooting, ball handling, length, and court awareness.

Could he benefit from another year in college? Yes. Although next years freshman class is loaded, I think Buford is the man on that team and leading scorer. But I don't know if he's ever a top 10 pick.

If by returning to school he works himself up from late first round to a #12 pick, he's looking at a difference of almost $800,000 a year, so it would probably be worth waiting another year.

In comparison, last year Turner was probably picked around #14 which would leave him making $1.4 million per his first season, now that he's returned, if he goes #3 he's making $3.2 million. Although many say that you should go if you are lottery, it seems like Turner probably made the right decision.

However, I do understand that the sooner you get to your second contract in the NBA the better off you are.