With the end of the SU basketball season comes the inevitable question: Will Donte’ Greene go pro?

He told us Tuesday night after the loss to UMass that he really hadn’t made a decision yet.  He essentially said that he wanted to take some time and get as much information as possible.  Let’s look at some of that information.

When Greene arrived on campus in the fall, he was considered a top five pick.  Now that his freshman season is complete, most draft experts have him listed as a mid-first round selection.  That’s a big difference in terms of money.  Consider that last year’s #15 pick, Rodney Stuckey, is making about $1.5 million this season.  Last year’s #5 pick meanwhile, Jeff Green (out of Georgetown), is making twice that.  Green’s 2008 salary is more than $3 million.  That certainly adds up over the course of a three-year contract.

So, that’s the dilemma facing Donte’.  He has said before that “the NBA will always be there.”  And he’s right.  If Greene comes back to school one more year, he could improve his game, improve his NBA value, and take a shot at winning a national championship.  If he leaves now, he’ll still be a first-round pick, but he’ll require more on-the-job training and have to work that much harder for a big contract down the road.

Donte’ Greene isn’t ready to become a star in the NBA next season.  We all know he has things he needs to work on.  But keep in mind that he has size, athleticism, and a very good outside shot – all things that are hard to find and all things that NBA scouts are looking for.

So should Donte’ Greene enter the 2008 NBA Draft?  Will he enter the NBA Draft?  The answer to those two questions may not be the same.  One thing we do know, is that Donte’ has exactly one month to decide.  The clock is ticking…