I get it. I watched Duke Auburn. My knee-jerk reaction is the same... he isn't going to hit the floor much more with that Freshman guard !
But when I slow down and think about the bigger picture - However, I would take JPs 400K (or whatever $$$) over playing at Furman every time.. you just can't replace a 400K (?whatever he got) start on your professional life. Money talks. AND IF they get to a FF or win a national title I would take that ring over Furman too. I get the sentiment. I had the same thought as you. but in talking with others we decided suck it up and put that money to work in an IRA. WHAT A START to your REAL life. can't compare. Auburn all the way. And I HATE Auburn. I am just saying any kid given a choice between 0$ or 100K or whatever and (guessing) $400K.. well, I am GONE. He's not an NBA player ... THIS is his chance to capitalize on his ability. Good for him. He did. And you never know - this is a single data point. Many of Auburn's DUDES - like Player of the year candidate - came from small schools. POY Candidate Johnni Broome - A STUD among STUDS - came over from Morehead State !
Heck, another STUD in Chad Baker-Mazara came from Northwest Florida State College ! So those dudes are making BANK and playing a lot. you just don't know. But yeah, we can take pot shots, and I get it... but he's got BANK now. And going forward into real life the BANK is what matters.
Especially for the JP type guys who aren't going to make the NBA. I mean if you are Steph Curry it's different - you can stay at Davidson even today or say Damian Lillard at Weber State who was drafted number 6 in first round. EVEN THEN, there is the advantage of taking a transfer for 800K in college to go to a P5 in case you get hurt. Gotta get the money while you can
Wonder how JP enjoys