By Andrew Krumme
A few months ago, Cardinal coach Rick Pitino thought star swingman Francisco Garcia would go pro.
“He’s the best wing player I have ever coached, and I have had some great ones,” Pitino said during the annual men’s basketball media day last October.
This is quite the complement for Garcia considering Derek Anderson, Ron Mercer and Antoine Walker all rose under Pitino’s tutelage.
Pitino further doted on Garcia during media day activities. “I can’t see [Garcia] staying. I wouldn’t let him stay even if he wanted to, which I know he doesn’t.”
But as the men’s 2004-05 season is winding down and the NBA draft is quickly approaching, one can’t help but wonder about Francisco’s future.
Franc is no longer a lock for the lottery; in fact, Garcia has dropped out of the first round in numerous mock drafts. The Web site http://www.NBADraft.net has Garcia going late in first round while several others have dropped him into the early second round. Translation: no guaranteed contract.
So what should the “‘Cisco Kid” do?
The perks of going pro
At the beginning of the season, Garcia had everything going for him. He was coming off a huge sophomore campaign which was basically his coming-out party to the entire nation.
For his efforts during his sophomore season, Garcia was named a National Player of the Year candidate and was considered a strong favorite to win the award. He was also one of the top 20 candidates for the Wooden Award and All-American team, was among the 20 finalists for the Naismith College Basketball Player of the Year and was among the final 15 candidates for the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Player of the Year Award.
But what does his junior campaign show? Has the Bronx, N.Y., native fizzled?
Francisco still has the handle, vision and sixth sense on the court that only great basketball players possess and could allow him to play the point in the NBA. His height would be a huge match-up problem for any team at the next level, however.
Garcia also has the swagger that so many players in the big league possess: confidence, fire for the game, and the uncanny ability to make the big shot when it’s dreadfully needed. Garcia averaged more points last year than he did this year, but he does seem to be holding steady with virtually the same number of assists, rebounds and steals as as last season.
But is it enough to give him a free ride into the first round of the draft?
Why should Francisco stay?
The first and foremost reason is that Garcia has essentially played himself out of a sure- fire first-round selection. He has been good at times this season but has not exhibited the greatness we all expected from him.
Garcia failed to show the pro scouts what he is made of. Both Cincinnati games had arguably the biggest number of NBA personnel on hand to watch, and Garcia only averaged a mere nine points between the two games.
Garcia also has a history of battling through injuries. He is listed at 6’7”, 190 pounds and is incredibly injury-prone. He was playing on two bad ankles by the end of last year and there is always some little nagging injury that hampers his play.
It has been widely acknowledged that Garcia needs to pack on the pounds. If he even dreams about making it through an 82-game schedule in the League, he needs to put on at least 20 pounds of muscle. So many players come right out of high school and don’t make an impact in the NBA right away, not because of their talent level, but because their bodies are just not ready to take the beating. If Garcia leaves early, he should go ahead and reserve a spot ahead of time for about half the year on the I.R.
Don’t leave, Franc, don’t leave
During media day festivities, Pitino asserted his belief that Garcia would go pro.
“This will be his last year playing for us, God willing,” he said.
Rick, do yourself, the fans, and Franciso a favor, and tell him to come back and play another year for the University of Louisville.
Andrew Krumme is a sophomore pursuing a Finance major, and is Assistant Sports Editor for The Louisville Cardinal. E-mail him at: akrumme@louisvillecardinal.com
