[Brickcity]

I wonder. As the season's progressed, I think the door's opened wider for him to stay another year. He has obvious things to work on, he has muscle to put on his frame, his team has a good thing going and he could be a big part of it next season, he's surely bonded with this team (especially given the circumstances), he sees players developing under this coaching staff and he might see that he could do the same, and he's been deprived of a normal year on the Farm, complete with fans in the seats, students (including prospective dating material) on campus, and live, in-person classes. Perhaps the biggest factor is his parents, but he came to Stanford for a reason -- and it wasn't to contend for a national championship (or maybe it was?!).  :^)

You're being WAY too logical! :-) Seriously, it would make all the sense in the world for Ziare to return next year. First, assuming he has a breakout year, his draft stock will go up. I have little doubt he'll be a first round pick after this season based purely on potential. But, staying another season could be the difference between being a top 5 to 10 pick vs. taken late in the first round. Moreover, if he does leave after this season, I really have a hard time believing he'd get court time next year other than in the D-league. Eventually, he'll be a good NBA player but he has a lot of progress he needs to make first IMHO.

[Brickcity]

I wonder. As the season's progressed, I think the door's opened wider for him to stay another year. He has obvious things to work on, he has muscle to put on his frame, his team has a good thing going and he could be a big part of it next season, he's surely bonded with this team (especially given the circumstances), he sees players developing under this coaching staff and he might see that he could do the same, and he's been deprived of a normal year on the Farm, complete with fans in the seats, students (including prospective dating material) on campus, and live, in-person classes. Perhaps the biggest factor is his parents, but he came to Stanford for a reason -- and it wasn't to contend for a national championship (or maybe it was?!).  :^)

You're being WAY too logical! :-) Seriously, it would make all the sense in the world for Ziare to return next year. First, assuming he has a breakout year, his draft stock will go up. I have little doubt he'll be a first round pick after this season based purely on potential. But, staying another season could be the difference between being a top 5 to 10 pick vs. taken late in the first round. Moreover, if he does leave after this season, I really have a hard time believing he'd get court time next year other than in the D-league. Eventually, he'll be a good NBA player but he has a lot of progress he needs to make first IMHO.