actually going pro TOO EARLY could literally cost him millions of potential future income, IMO. If he were to move up 30-40 spots on the draft board, from mid or late second round to top 15, or even become a lottery pick, one more year at BYU could literally be worth millions in the type of initial contract he signs, and a few mill for one year's work is a smart choice, even if that work is simply just staying in college a bit longer. I really think he's just testing the waters, and getting his name out there a bit more for teams to see and have him work out for them by declaring for the draft.

But the bigger issue is that when an NBA team uses a high draft pick on you, they are WAY MORE INVESTED, and typically (almost always, not counting Jimmer) bend over backwards to help you succeed (ie. Kawhi Leonard). No one in management likes to look bad politically and professionally by wasting a high draft pick on player who becomes a bust. To me, that is the bigger reason that staying one more year at BYU could pay dividends towards Mika's entire career, which is not just a few more million on the initial contract, but can mean millions more over many years if the player becomes a valued commodity. And I think Mika has that potential. I look at him like a hybrid Kevin Love / Blake Griffin type of player eventually.

Not only that, although many have written this team off to some extent, I think with Mika, we still stand a chance to be a very good possibly great team next year, which would get his name out there that much more. I think these guys will really introspect and make a lot better decisions after falling flat on their face somewhat this year, yet knowing they can run with Gonzaga when they make better decisions, and play as a team. With Mika, Childs, and the current players, as well as others coming back off missions and into the program, they could be very good, but without Mika, they would not be the same team, nor have the same potential. I really hope he comes back, as I think it's wisest for his potential future, and I still REALLY want to see what this team can become. With him, it'd be similar to seeing a full Taysom Hill for 3 years without any of the injuries, but without Mika, it'll be like another unrealized
dream / potential. We seldom get players through the program of Mika's talent level.