Loyalty No Longer in the Vocab of Professional Athletes

On one of the most exciting days of the high school and college basketball seasons, the Illinois Fighting Illini received a bit of upsetting, yet all too familiar, news. Today is the fall signing day and former Illinois commit Quentin Snider decided to go back on his commitment to Illinois and instead resign with his hometown Louisville Cardinals. Most believe that former Louisville commit JaQuan Lyle's choice to decommit is what swayed Snider back to the blue grass state. Regardless of what caused the choice, it will not justify Snider's lack of loyalty to his original word. The entire situation is something that brings back painful memories, dating back to 2007.

Frazier welcomed Gordon in understandable fashion

Who could forget Eric Gordon just a few years ago? A highly-touted recruit who had committed to Illinois only to suddenly end up at Indiana with the cheating and dishonest coach that was Kelvin Sampson? The number two recruit of the 2007 class was all set to attend and play for Illinois before choosing to back out and attend Indiana University. Gordon became a spineless enemy in the eyes of Illinois fans and was greeted as such when he took the floor at the Assembly Hall that same season. It began with Chester Frazier's shoulder bump during starting lineups and was followed by a resounding "boo" every time Gordon touched the ball. Gordon's choice to decommit from Illinois left a feeling of discouragement in the hearts of Fighting Illini fans and Snider's recent antics have once again brought those same feelings to the surface.

The point is this, there is no such thing as loyalty in sports. We have always been told that sports is a business. But has it always been that way? Take a look at the NBA, for example. Kobe Bryant, though going through a few seasons when he demanded a trade, is about the only player in his generation who will retire in the same jersey he wore in his first game as a rookie. Other players have chosen to team up to form "Big Threes" or have just been passed around the league via trades. Guys like Ray Allen don't have any sense of loyalty. I can understand wanting another championship, obviously that's the ultimate goal. But Allen took the easy and cowardly way out and joined the very team that was keeping the Boston Celtics from achieving that goal. His decision to take less money and join the Miami Heat is one that is still unforgiven and one that will be remembered for quite some time, no matter how often his game winner in the 2013 Finals is replayed. Never in a million years did you see John Stockton and Karl Malone try to recruit a third guy when they lost to Michael Jordan and the Bulls. Reggie Miller never left Indiana after all those classic battles with the Knicks that never resulted in a Championship. That is why players like those guys will forever be respected. They didn't follow Ray Allen's motto of "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em". I respect Ray Allen's game, always have and always will because he's one of the best shooters to ever touch a basketball. But his character? Not even worth talking about.

Allen's choice to leave didn't sit well with NBA fans

Another example is Dwight Howard, who lacks loyalty as much as anyone. He showed no loyalty to former coach Stan Van Gundy as well as the Magic organization. And I'm sure if you ask any fan of the Los Angeles Lakers they would say he's about as cowardly as they come. Howard couldn't, or wouldn't, live up to the standards of the Lakers organization as well as Kobe Bryant and decided to bolt for Houston in order to get out of the shadow of Bryant. It doesn't take a whole lot to pinpoint Howard as someone who could use a lesson in loyalty and how to handle yourself professionally.

It's not just a problem in basketball though. Think of Pete Carroll and all the trouble he caused the school of USC. He put that school under serious duress with the NCAA and rather than accept the consequences and take it like a man, he decided to take a coaching job in the NFL where the NCAA couldn't touch him. Obviously nobody wants to get busted and serve the necessary punishment. But if you're going to put student-athletes and an entire school in trouble and strip future players of the chance to play in a bowl game then you owe it to everyone to suffer the consequences. But as so many other coaches have done when they get a school in trouble, Carroll left and didn't have to face the NCAA.

Loyalty is something that is hard to come by nowadays. Players move around the league and the majority fail to care about their coaches or front offices. It has all become about the player and the player alone. Their contracts have seemed to replace the competitive aspect of sports and players just don't seem to care. I understand sports is a business and that winning is what it eventually comes down to. But there comes a point in time when you have to stand by your word or take the punishment you're given. Athletes and coaches who back out on their schools or teams are hard, if not impossible, to respect.

College Basketball 2013-14 Top 25

Kentucky's six McDonald's All-Americans

How to define college basketball? Is it a guard's game or a big man's game? Is it a freshman's game or an upperclassman's game? Is the focus on who left or who stayed? Here's the answer to all three questions: both. In the ever-changing landscape of basketball at the collegiate level there will not a year more undefinable than this one. Some teams (Kentucky) will rely heavily on freshmen, but others (Michigan State) will call on their veterans to take them to Dallas. Guard play is the backbone for some schools while others will score through the post.

With the season just around the corner, here is the World of Wadley Top 25. Apologies for the incredibly long post, but that's what happens when you have to rundown 25 teams. Enjoy...

1. Kentucky Wildcats -- SEC
Can you have too much of a good thing? We're about to find out. John Calipari has six McDonald's All-Americans in the freshmen class and those have fans thinking national title in Lexington. Combine the six freshmen with two key returners in Alex Poythress and Willie Cauley-Stein and the 'Cats have a title team.

2. Michigan State Spartans -- Big Ten
Talent, depth and experience. This is how Michigan State usually gets the job done and this year is no different. Gary Harris decided to stay in East Lansing for another year and that means Tom Izzo and MSU should be in the Final Four. Adreian Payne anchors the inside and Branden Dawson is now fully recovered and confident after his ACL injury. If these Spartans stay healthy they could make the school's seventh Final Four trip during Izzo's tenure.

3. Duke Blue Devils -- ACC
There is not a team in the nation with a more lethal lineup at the wing position than Duke does. Rasheed Sulaimon averaged 11.6 points during a solid freshman campaign and he is joined by a transfer, Rodney Hood, who has the potential to be great. Hood comes from Mississippi State where he averaged 10.3 points two years ago. Add in one of the most talented freshman in the nation in Jabari Parker and this is a team with some serious talent.

4. Louisville Cardinals -- AAC
When Russ Smith decided to stay in Louisville for another season it immediately put the Cards in the title talk. Winning back-to-back titles is no easy task, but with their leading scorer, Smith, back and the return of last year's Final Four Most Outstanding Player, Luke Hancock, maybe Louisville has a chance. Several other returners will help carry the Cards to an AAC title and the Final Four.

Marcus Smart

5. Kansas Jayhawks -- Big 12
KU has had the Big 12 in a choke hold for about a decade now and the hype surrounding their star freshman Andrew Wiggins is immense. Wiggins is hailed the best player since LeBron James, but how far can he take the Jayhawks? Perry Ellis must make big strides inside this season. The other addition to the program that many have overlooked is the transfer of Tarik Black. A 6'9" beast in the paint, Black's addition is huge for Bill Self.

6. Arizona Wildcats -- Pac-12
Sean Miller has landed several McDonald's All-Americans at Zona, but none bigger than star freshman Aaron Gordon. Gordon is tabbed an All-American by several different media outlets and will be added to a frontcourt that was already solid. Sophomores Brandon Ashley and Kaleb Tarczewski both had solid freshmen campaigns. Nick Johnson will anchor the backcourt.

7. Michigan Wolverines -- Big Ten
Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. both went to the NBA, but there is plenty left in Ann Arbor for the Wolverines to have another great season. Start with Mitch McGary, who came on strong at the end of last season and, if he can stay on the floor for extended minutes, is going to be an All-American. Glenn Robinson III is also back and so is sharpshooter Nik Stauskas. Expect the winner of the Big Ten to come from the state of Michigan.

8. Oklahoma State Cowboys -- Big 12
It's a rare day when a lottery pick decides to stay in school for another year, but Marcus Smart did just that. Because of his decision, OK State is a real threat to dethrone Kansas in the Big 12. Also returning is Le'Bryan Nash and Markel Brown, meaning that the Cowboys have the top three scorers from the conference back on their roster. Depth may be an issue, but there's no denying the talented trio in Stillwater.

9. North Carolina Tar Heels -- ACC
Here is the biggest question mark in the nation. P.J. Hairston was surrounded by controversy all offseason, but somehow will get to play basketball this season. That's good news for the Heels because they need his shooting. They also need James Michael McAdoo to continue making strides. Add in some development from Marcus Paige and Brice Johnson and UNC could have a very good team.

C.J. Fair

10. Syracuse Orange -- ACC
It's all about C.J. Fair for the Orange. He is the returning leader in points, rebounds and assists and is one of the few proven players on the roster. Rakeem Christmas and DaJuan Coleman are the others, but Syracuse needs Christmas to be more of a presence of this season. The Orange will hand the reins to Tyler Ennis at point guard. Ennis is a true freshman.

11. Florida Gators -- SEC
Billy Donovan has already suspended three of his players for multiple games to start the season, but no need to worry. The Gators are almost always a lock to make a deep run in March and this year will be no different. Contrary to their conference-rival Kentucky, Florida has a veteran-loaded roster headlined by Patric Young. Yet Donovan expects big contributions from freshman Kasey Hill, a McDonald's All-American.

12. Ohio State Buckeyes -- Big Ten
Don't consider us big Buckeye believers, but they do have the talent to be great. However, they have question marks. Aaron Craft is a heady point guard, but needs to be more of an option when it comes to scoring. LaQuinton Ross and Lenzelle Smith Jr. will shoulder the scoring load while Sam Thompson and Amir Williams will be nice complementary pieces.

13. Wisconsin Badgers -- Big Ten
Every year Bo Ryan has been at Wisconsin they have finished in the top four in the Big Ten. It's going to happen again. Book it. The only area to be skeptical of is the post. Frank Kaminsky will be counted on heavily inside. Ben Brust and Traevon Jackson will handle the backcourt duties. Keep an eye on Sam Dekker. The sophomore could be something special.

14. Memphis Tigers -- AAC
There is plenty of experience for the Memphis Tigers this season. Joe Jackson led the team in points and assists last season and he will run the point again. Chris Crawford and Geron Johnson also scored in double figures last season. The wild card of the roster is Michael Dixon Jr. Dixon is a Missouri transfer who played a significant role on Mizzou's 2012 team. One thing to watch: Memphis is no longer in the weak C-USA. The AAC schedule will be more difficult.

15. Gonzaga Bulldogs -- WCC
The Zags had a terrific season in 2012-13, but will have to move on without Kelly Olynyk and Elias Harris. The cupboard is not completely bare though as a trio of backcourt members return. Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell Jr. will be starters and Pangos averaged 11.6 points last year. Bell put up 9.0 and that will most likely go up. David Stockton will come off the bench and and he is an assist machine (3.4 last season in 18.7 mpg)

16. Virginia Commonwealth -- Atlantic-10
VCU returns four starters from last year's team that made a Sweet 16 run. Shaka Smart always has the Rams playing high-tempo, pressure defense, but they still lack the size and strength to play with the big boys. However, the Rams will be great in transition if the risks they take on defense pay off. Juvonte Reddic, Treveon Graham and Briante Weber are the top returners.

17. Oregon Ducks -- Pac-12
The Ducks made a surprise run to the Sweet 16 last season, but there are some expectations this season. Oregon welcomes the addition of Mike Moser to the roster, a UNLV transfer. Moser is an athletic forward who can either play power forward or small forward. Dominic Artis, Johnathan Loyd and Damyean Dotson are a solid trio in the backcourt.

18. Marquette Golden Eagles -- Big East
Marquette is one of the teams that will rely heavily on their post presence. Davante Gardner is a large fellow, but is surprisingly nimble. He put up 11.6 points last season and was named the Big East Sixth Man of the Year. Chris Otule is back at center while Jamil Wilson is expected to be more of a factor this season. The backcourt is a bit of a mystery as of now.

Cleanthony Early

19. Wichita State Shockers -- MVC
The Shockers shocked the nation last year with a Final Four run and nearly upset eventual national champion Louisville in the semifinals. Cleanthony Early is the top returner after averaging 13.9 points and 5.6 rebounds last season. He should be a first round pick in June. Fred VanVleet is a year wiser and he will run the point again after averaging 2.3 assists last season.

20. Notre Dame Fighting Irish -- ACC
Notre Dame is new to the ACC, but the same consistency that Mike Brey had in the Big East should carry over. The guard tandem of Eric Atkins and Jerian Grant is potent as the two combined for 25.5 points and nearly 400 assists. Add sharpshooting Pat Connaughton and freshman Demetrius Jackson to the mix and Brey's Irish should be solid in their ACC debut.

21. Indiana Hoosiers -- Big Ten
Putting Indiana in here is a bit of a gamble, but if Tom Crean is as good of a coach as we think he is and Yogi Ferrell and Will Sheehey made the strides that have been reported then the Hoosiers should be fine. IU lost four 1,000 point scorers, but highly-touted freshman Noah Vonleh can fill a void at the forward position. Transfer Evan Gordon scored 10.0 ppg at Arizona State and he can also provide some help.

22. UCLA Bruins -- Pac-12
Steve Alford enters his first year in Westwood with a roster of quality players, but last year was a tumultuous one in LA. Jordan Adams and Kyle Anderson were better than the over-hyped Shabazz Muhammad last season. Adams is the top returning scorer while Anderson is the top returner in the rebounds and assists department. The Wear twins, David and Travis, will handle the inside duties.

23. UConn Huskies -- AAC
Having a good backcourt is essential to success, or at least that is one way of thinking. UConn has arguably one of the best backcourts in the nation with Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright. The pair combined for nearly 50 percent of the team's points and over 60 percent of the team's assists. The Huskies' leading rebounder DeAndre Daniels (5.5) is back as well.

24. New Mexico Lobos -- MWC
Steve Alford is no longer in Albuquerque, but the Lobos should still win the Mountain West Conference under new head coach, and one of Alford's former assistants, Craig Neal. Last year's MWC Player of the Year, Kendall Williams, returns after averaging 13.3 points and 4.9 assists last year. The conference's leading rebounder, Alex Kirk, is also back.

25. Baylor Bears -- Big 12
The Bears would not even sniff this list is it wasn't for the return of Isaiah Austin and Cory Jefferson. Jefferson led the team in points at 13.3 and Austin was close behind at 13.0 ppg. Austin also led the team in rebounding at 8.3 per game. Baylor needs Austin to be a bit more assertive if they are to compete with Kansas and Oklahoma State.

Great College Basketball Players Will Soon Be Hard To Come By

The game of college basketball has changed. It's no secret that the game has now become merely a stepping stone to the NBA for the top recruits coming out of high school. While most of the players that go through the "one and done" process are capable of being NBA players, it proves that a "great" college basketball player is hard to come by nowadays.

Hansbrough was one of the best to play at UNC

Now before there's an uproar, let me explain that my definition of a great college player is a guy who played three or four seasons and left a mark on his team, conference, and the game itself. You can say whatever you want about the players who have played for John Calipari at Kentucky. Obviously guys like John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins have gone on to the NBA and had decent careers so far. But the fact of the matter is that they will never be considered great college basketball players in my mind. I don't say that to directly point at those two individually, I say that to any player that has only attended one or two years of college.

Take Kyrie Irving for example. He is quickly climbing the point guard ranks and establishing himself as one of the best in the NBA. He has the talent to be a memorable NBA player. As for his college career? He might as well have not had one. He played eleven games at Duke before bolting for the NBA draft. As we have seen, he clearly has the talent to have been a historic player at Duke and break a few records. However, young players don't hang around anymore. The mindset has become a "get me out of here" thought process that leaves coaches and fans wondering if the one and done players really attended their school or if they were just passing through.

Personally, I believe the last great college basketball player was Tyler Hansbrough. Hansbrough is a guy that you will always look back at and remember him and his ACC-dominating career. He played all four years at North Carolina and played in 142 games for the Tar Heels. He racked up 2,872 points and reeled in 1,219 rebounds. Hansbrough was also a consensus All-American all four years of his career and capped it all off with a Championship run that culminated in Detroit in 2009. Hansbrough is a college legend and his number will hang in the rafters forever. How many one and done players will ever see their number in the rafters?

Wiggins and Parker are predicted to be one-and-dones

There will always be those players that take us as college basketball fans on a great postseason ride. Last year we watched as Trey Burke led the Michigan Wolverines all the way to the championship and earned a Player of the Year award. Yet Burke, who left after his sophomore year, left too early for his career to be fully defined. Players can have great seasons, but to be a great player you have to demonstrate consistency. With everyone wanting to leave after their first year, there is no chance to see if they are truly great in the college game or not.


So with this in mind, the hype this season has been focused on Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, and pretty much every new freshman at Kentucky. When referring to the excitement built around Wiggins, Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart said it best when he simply said that Wiggins would have to prove that he was the best in the game. The media has formed the distasteful habit of pinning players as "the greatest in the nation" before they even touch the floor for a regular season game. The definition of great has changed through the years. Could Wiggins have a great season? Absolutely, and you're a fool if you're not excited to watch him. However, he will not be a great college player if and when he leaves after this season. Again, greatness takes consistency. The one-and-done process has just about ruined our chances to see another great player any time in the near future. While there are still GOOD players who stay three or four years (Peyton Siva, Tim Hardaway Jr., Aaron Craft), the Tyler Hansbrough's of the college basketball world will be few and far between thanks to the one-and-done culture that has recently been adopted.