Jeremy Pargo: Is He Ready?

Before I begin to write this let me say that there will be some bias being that I am a Gonzaga fan and would hate to see him leave early.


Growing up a Gonzaga fan, I have had my fair share of letdowns. Unfortunately, the elite 8 season just barely eludes my memory and thoughts of our first round tournament exits against Wyoming and Indiana, the heartbreaking double OT loss to the number 1 seeded Arizona, as well as that certain game against UCLA that had the bulldogs up 19 with only one half remaining until our return to the elite 8 that ended with Adam Morrison on the ground in tears, pop into my head instead. But that was the past, and heading into last year, looking at our remaining core and our best incoming class in history I felt final four. A few months later, instead of going to school I woke up at 9 and watched the then unknown Stephen Curry take a knife and repeatedly stab it into Gonzaga's pelvis. Why I chose pelvis, I dont know.

BUT, next year I am absolutely certain that Gonzaga will have their most talented roster ever, and a deep tournament run will be inevitable. That is, if Jeremy Pargo returns. And that is why I believe he will return.

I have to admit that Gonzaga was an odd decision for him in the first place. Just think about it, a kid who grew up balling in Chicago with a brother whose been playing in NBA choose Spokane. But something special next year is staring him in the eyes.

My reasons why he will stay:

1) Already mentioned, next year will be big for Gonzaga. They will lose David Pendegraft and Abdullah Kuso, which even though they are two valuable players and will definately be missed, is nothing compared to the loss of Adam Morriosn and JP Batista two years ago and Derick Ravio and Sean Mallon last year. Gonzaga would probably therefore have one of the top 5 backcourts in the NCAA with Pargo alongside Austin Daye and Steven Gray.

2) His game still has room to improve. I believe from the moment he first played for Gonzaga that Jeremy was built for the NBA. He has never failed to impress me with his numerous sportscenter top ten dunks. But his overall game just is not ready. Well, actually it could be said that it is, but we just don't see enough of it. Too many times last year he flew completely under the radar in big game situations. Understanding that Gonzaga's roster is so deep that anybody could be the leading scorer in any given game, sometimes I would forget Pargo was on the court. What would be great for him would be to develop his three point/mid range game that would open up new possibilities for him when the defense is shutting down his signature drives to the rack (last year he shot .265% from behind the arc). One more year at Gonzaga would be perfect to do this and he can pick up a few pointers from Daye.

3) Chances are he won't get picked in the first round. Jeremy's future in the NBA is uncertain. While being the leader on a powerhouse team, he has not achieved the status as Morrison, Dickau, or Turiaf had. Pargo's game could flourish in the NBA and could end up being a starter in a couple years, but there is a just as good shot at his talent going unnoticed and being cut right away forcing him to play in Germany along with his pal Ravio. The guarantee of a 1st round pick would be huge for him, and a standout senior season at Gonzaga would move him up to a top 20 pick.

I know it will be rough next year while you are sitting there, bored to death in your classroom on a rainy day in Spokane daydreaming about the millions you could be making, but please Pargo, do whats logical and lets have Gonzaga reclaim the state of Washington as ours.