As reported by the AP, Luke Harangody is putting his name in the NBA Draft, but is leaving open the possibility of returning to school. Since the Hooping Irish seem to have a predilection for blogging (see here and here), perhaps Luke will turn to Rakes for guidance. Let's go to the tape.

Point: It's time to get out. Leave now. 

Subpoint 1: Why risk the injury and potential stock plummet? (See Chris Thomas.) Another year in the brutal Big East -- especially without the perimeter help from McAlarney, Ayers, and (sort of) Zeller -- is asking for trouble. He should follow Darius Walker's lead after the 2006 football season and avoid the inevitable physical abuse of a senior year as the only reliable offensive target.

Subpoint 2: Fear of the unknown. The 2009-2010 team will be losing 35 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists per game as Zeller, Mac, Ayers, and Hillesland depart. Who fills in? Jackson, Nash, Peoples, the redshirted Abromaitis, the inexperienced Scott, a couple of transfers who have been out of game action for a year, and freshmen? Where do the points come from? And who's shooting three's? Will we have to reinvent our offense? Too many questions.

Subpoint 3: It's a weak draft class. Reports say Luke should go late first round or early second round, and how much higher could he really move? His innate, beautiful weirdness inside has nothing to gain from another year in college, and he's physically ready. It's a great time to cash in.

Counterpoint: You'd be crazy to leave. Stay and graduate.

Subpoint 1: Luke Harangody is not Chris Thomas. Besides the freak pneumonia bout, he's made it through three full Big East seasons no worse for the wear. And while it's tough playing inside, the average NBA career has more touches than one in the NFL, so the Walker analogy breaks down. There's no real rush. He should enjoy being the big man on campus and earn his degree. The NBA isn't going anywhere (maybe).

Subpoint 2: The team might be losing a lot, but there's plenty left. Jackson's shooting and game control should be at their best, and Luke would be crazy to turn down a year of Stockton/Malone (or at least Kidd/Gugliotta) two-man dominance. Peoples showed a new level of competence down the stretch, Nash has a nose for the ball and will take some of the load off on the low post, Hansbrough and Martin are proven, Scott is the most athletic guy we've had in years, Abromaitis will be a year stronger and more confident, and have you SEEN the Joey Brooks highlight reel? '09-'10 won't be a rebuilding year, but a take-advantage-of-an-undoubtedly-easier-Big-East-schedule year.

Subpoint 3: What does surprise NBAer Rob Kurz have that Luke lacks? A perimeter jumper. Luke has shown more extended range each year, and he could use his senior year to push that out toward the NBA three-point line. An improved outside game could inch Luke up into the middle third of the first round in 2010.

Plenty of thinking for Luke to do. Leave your wisdom in the comments.