Vernon Macklin's enigmatic career at Georgetown ended in head-scratching fashion earlier this week when the 6-foot-9 sophomore center announced his decision to transfer from the Hilltop.
The burning question, of course, is why?
Why now? Where to? And for what reason?
While there were few answers given to the media for public consumption in the aftermath of the strangest episode of the JTIII era, a reliable source assured us that Macklin's decision wasn't triggered by academic issues nor the competitive challenge of the program's elite trio of incoming frontcourt recruits (Greg Monroe, Henry Sims and Chris Braswell). Rather, Macklin's decision was based on the advice of those inside his circle but outside the program that his growth as a player was being stunted at Georgetown.
Said the source: "Ticket [Macklin's nickname] chose to listen to what he wanted to hear from some folks outside the program, rather than what he needed to hear from those within it. When expectations don't meet reality, the hardest thing to do is point the finger at yourself."
The picture of Macklin as hoops prima donna isn't pretty.
From a strictly basketball perspective, Macklin's timing couldn't be more perplexing. After waiting his turn for two years behind an All-American center (Roy Hibbert), Macklin was finally going to be given the opportunity to shine next season. ... and in a more up-tempo scheme that would have accentuated his strengths (transition speed) while de-emphasizing his weaknesses (halfcourt post-up strength). And yet, Macklin chose to walk out the door just when his ultimate window of opportunity as a Hoya was opening.
Unlike the other five transfers during the JT3 regime -- Ray Reed (2005), Cornelio Guibunda (2005), Josh Thornton (2005), Marc Egerson (2007) and Tay Spann (2007) -- Macklin's evacuation came at a completely illogical time relative to that opportunity.
While there is little doubt among insiders that 6-10 newcomers Monroe and Sims already are far more polished players with far tougher constitutions, few freshman walk into a system as complex as Thompson's -- nor a league as rugged as the Big East -- without experiencing some growing pains. Given that learning curve and the departures of graduating frontcourt fixtures Hibbert and Patrick Ewing Jr., Macklin was going to be given every chance to display his "Big Ticket" game next season.
Now, he'll either be sitting out the season at another Division I school or suiting up for Podunk U. in an arena which literally and figuratively won't do a thing to improve his perceived NBA draft stock.
For Georgetown, the loss is ephemeral, the blow to next season's frontcourt depth perhaps offset by the hastened growth of youngsters with higher ceilings and greater resolve. For Macklin, the decision (for better or worse) could resonate for the rest of his life.
