SMU's Hopkins to enter NBA draft

[EastStang]

If he gets the rep of not liking coaches, NBA personnel types won't touch him. They have enough uncoachable prima donnas. I have no problem with him testing the waters. I think when he goes to the camps, he'll find out there are some areas of his game that need some work, and he'll see how he stacks up against the competition. If he chooses to polish his game back with the Mustangs great. If he wants to go to Europe and eat borscht and find that racism is still alive and well across the Pond, more power to him. He can't support a family on a CBA salary, and once you go CBA the odds of making the big time drop dramatically. He'd be better served finishing up at SMU, getting his degree and finding a job in management somewhere.

[youngalumpony]

This is the first I've heard of him not being a big fan of Tubbs, that's interesting because I think Hopkins improved his game and become a little more fundamental this season. I also thought that Hopkins was one of the leaders of anti-Dement group, didn't think those two got along at all. Again, I'd be surprised if he isn't back next year.

[Hoop Fan]

young, I've seen mixed body language from Hopkins. I think he respects Tubbs alot. If you watched the Boise game on the road, you might have noticed Hop come over for a timeout and put his arm around Tubbs as they talked strategy. I doubt he ever did that around Dement. But I also think Tubbs is pretty demanding and critical of Hop. Tubbs doesnt treat him with kid gloves. He might not like that at times and I bet he is frustrated that the team isnt better. I wouldnt underestimate him having to support a kid either. Thats a big deal and in a tiebreaker, could make Europe hard to pass up.

[abezontar]

Hop has a kid?

[Hoop Fan]

Hop has a kid?

I honestly dont know for sure, but I thought so and somebody up above seemed confident that he did. If he does, thats alot of pressure on a 21 year old.

[abezontar]

that's a lot of pressure for just about anyone

[giacfsp]

I talked to someone in the athletic department who said Hop absolutely loves Tubbs. He had a real adjustment to make when Tubbs asked him to be a point guard instead of a short shooter, but his game has come a very long way under Coach Tubbs. Hopefully he'll realize that and stay for his senior year.

[DickerJames]

The actual quote regarding who will play point next year reads

"If Hopkins does return, there is a strong possibility he would move to shooting guard. Dez Willingham, a DeSoto graduate who is transferring from Kansas State, will probably play point guard next year."

Very Interesting