Jacob Pullen is a talented wing from Kansas State, but not a player rocketing up draft boards. As such, he elected to spend another year in school and wait to see if the future with a senior season would be what’s best for him. What’s interesting is who helped lead him to that decision.
Michael Beasley, as Pullen told the Topeka Capital-Journal, was the one who gave Pullen the impetus to stick around.
Beasley told the youngster:
“He said to think about it and not just worry about the money,” added Pullen, who spent a day last week in Lee Arena helping at the Bob Chipman Basketball Camp. “Think about the experiences you want to be part of, because once you make that decision it’s your life. It’s a job. It’s not fun anymore.”
It’s another insight into the life of Beasley, who has not had an easy time of it since entering the league. He remains a tweener, stuck between stations and never catching a ride. He’s had difficulty with marijuana, rehab, public scrutiny, and constant pressure to be the player who keeps Dwyane Wade in Miami. He’s known as a sensitive guy and a little bit out there, so this revelation isn’t particularly shocking.
Beasley could be a fine player in this league, but he still needs a considerable amount of maturity before he gets there. Maybe his realization that he should have stayed for four years at Kansas State with Frank Martin is a signal that at least he’s aware of his problems. First step, and all that.