Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart had the opportunity to enter the NBA draft after his Freshman year at Oklahoma State and by all predictions would have been a first round selection.  Instead he chose to come back to school for his Sophomore season and he's done so without regret.  He said you can always go back and get your degree, but once you go to the NBA you can never be a student-athlete again.  Its a refreshing point of view from a talented player who is willing to wait on the big money of the NBA to enjoy college life a little longer, but this season has been anything but a glory ride for Smart.  Oklahoma State is currently on a 7 game losing streak, Smart has been suspended 3 games for an incident with a fan where he made physical contact with the fan and he's seen his draft stock drop.  Still Smart doesn't regret his decision to stay and believes he will better as a result of going through this season and suspension. "It's brutal, just to see those guys out there struggling," he said, adding that "it's a learning lesson. It just shows you can never take this game for granted because it can be taken away from you faster than it was given to you."

Hopefully this season and most recent event will be a learning experience for Smart and others as well.  There is no place for a physical altercation between fans and players.  Having basketball taken away even for 3 games could have an incredible impact on a young man.  I look forward to following Marcus Smart's journey from here.