Kevin Knox Turned Down $1.4 million to play in China after HS

[gauchoheel]

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/bask...kevin-knoxs-lifelong-path-to-the-pros/2320339

He has already turned down an offer to turn pro as soon as he graduates from Tampa Catholic. A professional team from China called his parents last month, offering $1.4 million for their son to play overseas for a year before entering the NBA draft.

"I didn't put much stock into the offer," said his father, also named Kevin. "We politely said thanks but no thanks. He's going to college."

The article is mostly about how Knox is determined to be OAD (even has it written on his bedroom wall). I have no problem with that, but also thought the above quote was interesting for those who criticize him (or just millennials/OADs in general) as simply wanting instant gratification. Kevin could be a millionaire today, but instead chose to take the long-term view and invest in his development. Also notable is that his family has already taken out a $1 million insurance policy to protect against injury.

 

[NCAAUCoach]

Playing in college will give him more exposure and likely get him drafted higher than playing in China. It likely was Moses about that than instant gratification.

 

[gauchoheel]

Playing in college will give him more exposure and likely get him drafted higher than playing in China. It likely was Moses about that than instant gratification.

Oh that's absolutely what it was about. But someone with an instant gratification mentality does not turn down $1.4 million guaranteed for the potential to build up their future earnings further. That's the opposite of instant gratification.

 

[trestyles]

Playing in college will give him more exposure and likely get him drafted higher than playing in China. It likely was Moses about that than instant gratification.

China didn't stop Emmanuel from being drafted top 10. Terrace most likely will be top 20 this year. Let's not over hype college "exposure".

 

[NCAAUCoach]

When you are about to get 5-10x that amount in a year.....it's not worth being that far away. You are absolutely seen more in college.

 

[gauchoheel]

When you are about to get 5-10x that amount in a year.....it's not worth being that far away. You are absolutely seen more in college.

Well getting picked 14th overall only gets you $4 million guaranteed. Being picked at the back end of the first round is only about $2 million. It's not 5-10x unless he goes in the first couple of picks, and the $1.4 million is the only real guarantee. Plus several foreign players have been the top overall pick, so it can't be an enormous draft disadvantage.