What do Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley all have in common?
Each of these three future National Basketball Association hall of famers gave up their senior year of college basketball to make the jump to the NBA. Needless to say, all three were successful.
So how does this relate to UB?
Our own Turner Battle has decided to follow suit with the past greats and skip his senior year to go pro.
Why now? Why not finish school and then test the waters of the NBA draft?
All those questions went into play when he made his final decision.
"It's not like I'm not going to graduate from UB, have you seen my GPA?" said Battle in a conference call with The Spectrum. "I'm going to finish my degree with summer classes, so I'll still be a UB alumnus."
Battle led the team in scoring this year with just over 14 points a game and proved to be the key ingredient in Buffalo's success this year. At six-feet, three-inches, Battle is the prototype NBA point guard. Battle's quickness and superb ball handling has also helped in surprising more than just the scouts at the First Energy Mid American Conference tournament.
"(Turner) Battle has something that the MAC has not witnessed in quite some time," said MAC Commissioner Rick Chryst. "It's like Wally World part II."
When asked about where Battle's stock might be in the draft, Chryst was quick to note that Battle could go early.
"I think he has a chance to be a first round or even top 15 pick," said Chryst. "The NBA could use a player like Battle."
While Battle knew his destiny was with the NBA, he notes that he would not have made his decision without the guidance of one man.
"I asked Coach Witherspoon what he thought of me making it to the NBA," said Battle. "Witherspoon told me to go with what I thought was best for me and the school."
Witherspoon was quick to point out Battle's decision was a hard one for him to make.
"You know, we had a pretty solid season this year and I think with everyone including Turner coming back we could have a shot of winning the MAC and going into the NCAA's," said Witherspoon. "That's a dream that I want to live as did Turner, I guess he changed his priorities."
Apparently, the glamour of the NBA has blinded Battle as he is set on pursuing a career in the NBA.
"Have you seen the cars that Michael Jordan owns?" said Battle. "He has his own clothing line and I'm sure he has a few golf courses in his backyard. I mean hell; acting isn't out of the line either-look what Dennis Rodman did with Double Team."
According to ESPN college basketball analyst Andy Katz, Battle has the necessary work ethic and skills to make him a productive NBA player.
"When I got wind that Battle was going to be an early entry for the NBA, I sat down with Jay Bilas and we went over some game footage," said Katz. "At first we didn't know Buffalo State was even in Division I, but we feel Battle will be an asset to any team that drafts him."
Battle also notes that he will not forget his roots as he notes that he will try to keep ties with UB.
"Buffalo gave me a shot, UB believed in me and I delivered. I know I'm leaving a year earlier than expected, but with all the money I'll be making I'll have that new recreation center up and running before you know it," said Battle.
One thing is for sure, if Battle does not make into the NBA, there's always the D-league.
In other basketball related news, freshman Yassin Idbihi will have a press conference later this afternoon to announce his decision to join the Continental Basketball Association.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
