If I take a step back and look at things objectively, I think this was the best for ALL parties involved.
Haarms did get beat out by Tre. So, rather than use his final year of eligibility as a support role and severely limit his professional opportunities, he is going to a team (BYU) that will need/require him to carry a key role offensively. He wants that, wouldn't get it here and so he is going after what he can in his final collegiate season. I saw a list of the top 50 NBA prospects for next year's draft and Haarms is on the list (towards the bottom, but he's on the list). I think if you are a neutral observer, any one can see why this is a good thing for Haarms. He put in 3 great team building and supporting years for us. For that, I am grateful.
For Nojel, he has all the physical tools to be an NBA player, but lacks the confidence and skill. To me, I can't say if his skill level is holding him back because his lack of confidence is preventing him and everyone from even seeing his actual skills. I'm going to say it. Nojel needs a supportive fatherly figure in his life. I don't know him, but I've had my own struggles and know others who have similar struggles from a lack of a father figure. I can almost bet he did not have a father in his house growing up. He didn't have an example to be a man. He is a good kid who wants to do right. No woman, I don't care how good of a mother, can teach a boy to be a man. He needs a coach who he knows has his back unconditionally (like a father) and let's him play through his mistakes and then gives him tough love after the trust is earned. I think if he goes to a MAC type school with a supportive coach, he will man handle a lesser league and once he gains his confidence, there will be no looking back for him. I think if he overcomes his mental confidence problems, he could make the league. I do think his mother, at this point, is hurting him more than helping him and I don't mean that as a negative as she may have done an amazing job to get him to this point. However, she needs to let him be his own man and figure his own way in this world. His creativity is stifled with all the expectations. He needs to be himself and to play freely and aggressively. He will flourish and she will reap the rewards she is after. However, if he is trying to succeed with too many expectations over his head, he will not reach his potential.
Nojel and Haarms left without saying anything negative about Purdue and I wish that Painter could as well. These weren't bad kids who were setting a bad influence to a culture. They were 2 good guys who greatly helped this program, but in their last year, they would benefit to be somewhere else and it just wasn't a good fit for all. Sometimes things don't work out and it isn't anyone's fault. Just walk away and truly wish each other the best. I will be rooting for Haarms and Nojel ... and of course, our beloved Boilers.
Boiler Up!
