Two years ago Alabama University point guard
Ron Steele erupted on the national scene and quickly became one of college basketball’s best floor generals. He was considered a surefire first round pick for the 2006 NBA Draft, but delayed the pros to return to school for his junior year. Back then, NBA scouts pegged Steele as the top returning point guard in the nation because of his leadership and clutch play, but unfortunately, his recent medical redshirt points to a future that isn't as bright as originally forecasted.
Steele suffered from ankle sprains last season and is currently recovering from arthroscopic surgeries to repair tendonitis in both of his knees. These ailments severely slowed Steele’s play, robbed him of quickness and energy, and affected his confidence and development. I hope he’s able to return to the game with guns blazing, but it’s not realistic, especially since history begs to differ. If you don’t agree with me, there are probably some key factors you haven’t considered.
Ron Steele erupted on the national scene and quickly became one of college basketball’s best floor generals. He was considered a surefire first round pick for the 2006 NBA Draft, but delayed the pros to return to school for his junior year. Back then, NBA scouts pegged Steele as the top returning point guard in the nation because of his leadership and clutch play, but unfortunately, his recent medical redshirt points to a future that isn't as bright as originally forecasted.Steele suffered from ankle sprains last season and is currently recovering from arthroscopic surgeries to repair tendonitis in both of his knees. These ailments severely slowed Steele’s play, robbed him of quickness and energy, and affected his confidence and development. I hope he’s able to return to the game with guns blazing, but it’s not realistic, especially since history begs to differ. If you don’t agree with me, there are probably some key factors you haven’t considered.
The point guard position relies a great deal on explosiveness and tremendous lateral movement, not to mention fast and hard cuts to the basket. What are the chances of Steele regaining these abilities? He may, in fact, become the next Randy Livingston.
Livingston was the nation’s top high school player in 1993. Standing at 6-4 his talents closely resembled Chris Paul, capable of scoring with ease while setting up the offense with his passing ability. Livingston had it all, but multiple knee injuries devastated his development and ruined his chance at stardom.
It’s extremely critical for talented NBA hopefuls to sit down and carefully consider the pros and cons of their decisions. Back in 2006, Steele didn’t even declare for the draft to at least test the waters. He obviously made the choice he was comfortable with, but the next time a young talent is criticized for declaring early, remember Ron Steele.
If Steele had opted for the NBA back in 2006, he’d be receiving care from some of the best physicians in the world right now and his pockets would be filled with millions. Despite the odds, I truly hope Ron Steele is able to recover 100% and achieve everything he desires out of basketball and more. I’ll be pulling for him, just like I did for Randy.
Livingston was the nation’s top high school player in 1993. Standing at 6-4 his talents closely resembled Chris Paul, capable of scoring with ease while setting up the offense with his passing ability. Livingston had it all, but multiple knee injuries devastated his development and ruined his chance at stardom.It’s extremely critical for talented NBA hopefuls to sit down and carefully consider the pros and cons of their decisions. Back in 2006, Steele didn’t even declare for the draft to at least test the waters. He obviously made the choice he was comfortable with, but the next time a young talent is criticized for declaring early, remember Ron Steele.
If Steele had opted for the NBA back in 2006, he’d be receiving care from some of the best physicians in the world right now and his pockets would be filled with millions. Despite the odds, I truly hope Ron Steele is able to recover 100% and achieve everything he desires out of basketball and more. I’ll be pulling for him, just like I did for Randy.