WSU NEWS AND NOTES: Would DeAngelo Casto Really Turn Pro?
by Jeff Nusser on Mar 18, 2011 11:47 AM PDT
in 2011-2012 WSU Basketball News
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PrintWell, this is enough to potentially ruin any joy you'd get out of watching the tournament today and dreaming of the Cougs being there next year.
Ken Bone joined Jim Moore on 710-AM in Seattle yesterday, and Moore asked him about the team right now before venturing into next year's team. What Bone had to say will startle you. You can listen to the entire interview here (hat tip to Vince Grippi for the heads up this morning), but this is the relevant part:
Moore: If Klay [Thompson] returns, there's no reason you guys wouldn't be a Pac-12 title contender, is there?
Bone: Well, we need more than Klay. It would be helpful if DeAngelo [Casto] is back, and I'm not positive on that. Ah ...
Moore: What, is he thinking about going to Europe?
Bone: Well, he's had those thoughts. I mean, he's got a child now, and he has no money whatsoever. He has no real family support. So, there's been those thoughts. But ... I'm just saying there's a chance - there's a chance - he won't be around. We're hoping he is, we think he will be, but it's not a for sure thing.
Moore: You think it's 50/50 right now, Ken?
Bone: Ahhhh ... yeah, I think that's fair to say, yeah. I think that's fair to say that yeah, it's about 50/50.
Think about the idea of next year's team without Thompson and Casto, then think of Arizona State this year, and then feel free to brush your teeth after you get done throwing up. Ugh.
Last thing here for you. The baseball team opened up a big series with No. 17 Fresno State with a 7-5 loss. Adam Conley struck out a career-high 10 in his 6 2/3 innings of work, but he also gave up all seven runs.
Those of you who value the "earned runs" statistic will note that Conley only gave up three of those. However, it was the inability to get a big out in the fourth that led to four of the seven runs. The Cougs had a chance to escape the inning with no damage, but an error with two outs prolonged the inning, then Conley gave up a walk and a triple.
The offense had its chances, too, but also couldn't come up with the big play at the right time. They loaded the bases down two runs with two outs in the eighth but failed to score, then threatened in the ninth with runners on first and second and one out, but Jason Monda was thrown out at the plate trying to score on a singe. A long flyball ended the game.
The series picks up again tonight at 6:05 p.m. PDT. Lefty Bret DeRooy makes his second start for the Cougs after a strong showing against Utah Valley State. You can follow the action on GameTracker or via Fresno State's webcast if you have CBS College Sports' XXL membership.
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That's quite the dichotomy we have there.
Until further notice can we just go with the idea that they are both coming back? The alternative is depressing.
"If you want your dreams to come true, don't sleep in."
I heard about Casto considering leaving over a month ago
I sort of thought it was common knowledge, but perhaps just not taken seriously. I wouldn’t blame him for a second if he left, but I really hope he doesn’t.
I feel like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football. Ugh
But he doesn't really have family
but I’m interested to know what you mean
I feel like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football. Ugh
I suppose
but we know nothing about either of them. Given what we do know about how much of a foundation Casto has in eastern Washington, perhaps it’s not such a stretch to think that the three of them wouldn’t jump at the opportunity.
Remember, they are in their early 20’s. I would have killed for the opportunity to relocate to Europe after graduation. I had to settle for San Francsico and that wasn’t exactly easy.
I feel like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football. Ugh
I just am talking about the nature of Euro basketball
Lots of team changes throughout a career, lots of different countries … it’s tough enough for a single guy to continually relocate around a continent.
Yes, this.
I know one guy who has been playing basketball in Europe. It’s not like Casto would be lucky enough to even get a 2-year guaranteed contract. It would be one thing if Casto got a long-term commitment in Germany or France. But the odds are he’ll bounce around and very likely spend some time in some less than desirable countries, moving around a lot and living frugally.
It would be one thing if it was just him and his girlfriend, but with a toddler… ugh, I can’t even imagine. And I don’t even know what the visa situation would be like?
Lets just say theres a lot more to it than “Aww, travelling around Europe playing basketball and eating croissants by the sea!”
Its tough-going out there.
by Kenneth Arthur on Mar 18, 2011 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Exactly.
My buddy is currently playing in Syria. Didn’t even know they had basketball in Syria. He’s played in Holland, Israel, China, Australia, Germany, Japan, and now Syria. He graduated from Western like 5 or 6 years ago. That’s a lot of countries in not a lot of time.
by Kyle Rancourt on Mar 18, 2011 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions
And cheques bounce over there all the time.
Or they just don’t even bother paying you.
by Coug Friendly Canuck on Mar 19, 2011 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions
I hope I didn't imply that I thought it would be a breeze
but I think it is an amazingly realistic chance that he jumps to a Euro league given everything we know about his background. I would imagine, and here I am strictly speaking for what I believe, that he wants nothing more than to be able to provide for his new family. The best way for him to do that is to jump at the first chance to make some money. I hope he stays. I hope he graduates. But to reiterate my first point, I wouldn’t blame him for a second.
I feel like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football. Ugh
Difficult choice for him
It would be tough to have a child you are responsible for, and absolutely no means of supporting them. Especially when you have a skill, and people are willing to pay you for that skill.
I don't claim to have any kind of NBA scouting knowledge
But it seems to me, that with the way Casto has progressed in the latter part of the season, he would have a much better chance to get noticed by playing his senior year. Plus, it’s not like he would even need to be a first round pick to make enough money to support his family. I think I saw on ESPN that Kyle Weaver was pulling down over $800k while averaging a few minutes a game while he was playing. How does that compare to Euro league?
One other thing, if basketball doesn’t pan out he would have a college degree. That’s got to count for something.
Again, I don’t have any knowledge of the man and his situation. These are just the thoughts of a fan so I can’t fault him for doing what he needs to do.
by Eramm on Mar 18, 2011 2:08 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
If he stays- and so does Klay- they are legend
WSU legend and a degree makes you pretty bankable as an employee to Coug alum. Casto has grown leaps and bounds in each of his seasons. If he can improve his ball handling and perhaps develop his left hand on the short stuff near the rim… he could have a shot at some NBA, and definitely some years of salaried play in the CBA. Plus, pulling down a bevy of PAC 10 honors, maybe all-pac and for sure another defensive team selection helps his stock. I understand the desire to earn… but it seems short sighted. Get the degree, use the courts and facilities at WSU to improve your game and the future is much brighter long term. Go Casto, Go Cougs…
If you can't Go Cougs... don't go.
Well said, +1
This is a topic that came across my mind just before the Pac-10 tournament. We know that Casto isn’t really the academic minded student; he is tried of class and school. I study decisions that we make on a daily basis (economics), and I just can’t help but think that if he were to stay at WSU for his senior year, it might seem to him like taking a step back (financially) but he will be setting himself up to take 3 big steps forward after he graduates. Given Casto’s annual marginal improvement, it makes sense for him to stay.
by Austin Kittelson on Mar 18, 2011 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions
It might be short sighted to you
but for someone who was, by all accounts, homeless for parts of his childhood, planning for his family is far from short sighted. In comparison to the plans many homeless students, of whom I have had the opportunity to work, his line of thinking is long-term planning.
I feel like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football. Ugh
taking a lesser payday now
as opposed to completing his degree (better long term potential beyond hoop and currently a full ride) and increasing the possibility of being an NBA draft pick (regardless of the round) with a stellar season; again a serious payday by comparison to euro or CBA $$ is in fact, short sighted. I am not unaware of his background, nor am I bashing him in the least- he was adopted and grew up w/ 12 other ‘brothers and sisters’. I know he has had it rough. At his age it isn’t easy to see things in any sort of long view. But a degree doesn’t go away w/ a knee injury. A hoop career does. Nor does the cache of being a decorated alum who took care of business while at his school lose it’s impact over a few years of CBA or euro ball… that stuff will be there. His wanting to help out his family is admirable…I am not belittling it… just saying it is a long road ahead. He increases his stock if he stays, long term.
If you can't Go Cougs... don't go.
by hollyweirdcoug on Mar 18, 2011 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Didn't anyone see the movie The Program.
Our boosters need to do a better job of slipping the cash during the hand shake. (joke of course) I wish there was a way to help out guys like Casto. Stupid NCAA. There should be more of a stipend. People wonder why all these “student-athletes” want to leave college. I know they get a free education, but when I played sports in college I didn’t have time for a job, luckily I had a good job in the summer, that would help me financially through the school year along with student loans. Parents also pitched in a little. Did anyone see the Fab 5 on ESPN? Jalen was tired of being poor in college, he left. I don’t think they should be rich, but a little pocket cash would be good for some.
"Boom, crush. Night, losers. Winning, duh." Charlie Sheen.
by SoCalCoug on Mar 18, 2011 3:16 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree that student athletes need to get a stipend.
As I watch the NCAA Tourney, I am reminded of all the money that is involved in collegiate sports. There is so much money that could be going to the actual athletes, but there is so much paranoia about under the table compensation. The reason why these kids are getting “perks” is because they are broke. As a former grad student, why not treat these athletes like graduate students who teach courses. Give them a small stipend to live on while they are juggling their classes and the job that bring money to the University. Maybe a stipend might give more accountability to student athletes who consider growing pot as a side business.
We need a "don't get your girlfriend pregnant coach".
Might be an easier decision for him if NCAA policy didn’t set it up so these guys little to no disposable income.
Good luck to him whatever he decides. I wouldn’t want to be a 21 year old with a new mouth to feed.
I'd be willing to bet money that he does whatever Klay does.
In my opinion, we get both or neither
Attractive, Intelligent, Short Attention Span, Timbers Fan Reader
Unfortunately...
I see this as well
Attractive, Intelligent, Smart A**
by Neil Vincent Roberts on Mar 18, 2011 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Honestly what do you think it is?
Attractive, Intelligent, Smart A**
by Neil Vincent Roberts on Mar 19, 2011 12:25 AM PDT up reply actions
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