Critical to Oregon State’s hopes next season is the return of Cunningham, who has talked about coming out to the NBA after this season.
“I want to come back and help this program,” he told me after Monday’s game. “But if other things come up, I have to take advantage of those.”
Cunningham said he will make a decision “around April 11. I’ll talk to my parents when they come here, and talk to the coaches.”
Current mock NBA drafts don’t mention Cunningham as going in either the first or second round of the draft. While that can change a little, it seems highly unlikely he’ll be a first-rounder, which would make leaving early a rather foolish decision.
“My advice would be the right advice,” Robinson said. “If you’re a first-round pick and have a guarantee, I’d be behind him 100 percent. If he’s not, then it becomes the family’s decision.
“Some people have to take the risk. I don’t think Jared does, because each year he’s gotten better. But I’m not ready to say he’s not ready to go yet, either.”
Oregon State’s $12 million practice facility project is soon to become a reality. The fund-raising efforts have already yielded close to $9 million.
“Once we get to $10 million, we’ll break ground,” Robinson said. “It’s...
http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/p ... 0611399200
