Okey: Don't fault players for leaving early

Okey has the size (6-feet-7, 240 pounds) and all-around game that could land him in the NBA someday, but for now he's staying at Wisconsin. While 17 underclassmen were drafted by the NBA this year, Okey stayed true to the Badgers, where he will try and help them improve upon their 17-15 record from last season.

Voted the Big Ten freshman of the year by both the coaches and media last year, Okey chatted with Zone users. If you missed it, here is an edited transcript from his Nov. 20 chat:

Mike Lawrence: With all the defections to the NBA by collegiate underclassmen, do you feel the NCAA should enact some sort of payment or stipend to deter the enticement of all the riches of the NBA?

Sam Okey: I'd like to see players at least get a monthly stipend of some kind. We're short of money just like any other student but we can't have jobs during the season. That makes it kind of tough sometimes.

Darren Smith: Why does the media feel that college stars are robbing us of something? As far as I believe, why stay in school and risk permanent injury and also lose millions of dollars by staying, when you can go play in the NBA and also have the money to go back to school. If you stay and God forbid you get injured, is Dick Vitale going to give you $2 million out of his pocket for staying and getting your degree?

Sam Okey: I can't fault any players for leaving early. They are looking for a greater challenge in the game of basketball. They are lucky to be playing a game that pays them millions of dollars. Each situation is different and I can't blame anyone for doing what they feel is best for them. On the other hand you don't get to enjoy a player like Tim Duncan for four years.

ED: Do you think underclassmen departures will decrease in the next five years?

Sam Okey: I think you will see more players coming out early and more often. Since a guy like Kevin Garnett did it right from high school, more kids will be using that as an example of what they think they can do.

Larry Kuenster: Has coach Dick Bennett ever advised you to work on a specific part of your game (defense, rebounding, etc.) to increase chances of success in the NBA or is the NBA a sore subject?

Sam Okey: Coach Dick Bennett hasn't really discussed the NBA with me. It's obviously a goal of mine and he understands that. He's trying to making me the best player and best person I can be right now.

Wes: Who is the best player in college basketball?

Sam Okey: Having been able to spend about a month with him this summer during the national team trials and the Dream Team game, without a doubt it is Tim Duncan. His work ethic, leadership ability, and overall skills put him head and shoulders above the rest.

BankMan: Who is going to be the go-to guy this season in Wisconsin?

Sam Okey: With the addition of Paul Grant, Ty Calderwood, Duany Duany and the return of Sean Mason, I feel that there will be a lot more people contributing in many more ways. Hopefully that leads us to a successful season. But don't get me wrong, if there are two seconds left on the clock, I want to shoot the ball just as much as the next guy!

Bucky: What was it like for you going up against the Dream Team this past summer?

Sam Okey: It was an experience I wouldn't trade for any other. I learned so much just being around the NBA guys for a weekend. The major difference between the pros and collegians, however, is strength and experience.

James: Why do you think recent Big Ten teams have had little success in the NCAA tournament?

Sam Okey: I feel strongly about this one. I think a conference tournament would help prepare our teams for the NCAAs. Also, it would give a chance, for what I feel is the best conference in the country, to gain more national exposure.

Travis Holte: What's up with the hair?

Sam Okey: Just to clear this up, my hairstyle is just something I did. I'm not trying to imitate Dennis Rodman. I just wanted a different look and thought I'd try it. It's no big deal.

Jetson: You really feel the Big Ten is the best conference in the country? I personally don't feel it can stack up against leagues such as the ACC. I think the tournament results speak for themselves.

Sam Okey: I don't think the only way to judge a conference is how it does in the NCAA tournament. The NBA is filled with Big Ten players. The Big Ten leads the nation in attendance every year. This conference is made up of some of the very best schools in America.

Don: How do you feel the team and yourself have adjusted to coach Dick Bennettt and his style of play with a year under your belt?

Sam Okey: Having a year under our belts helps out a great deal. Everyone knew coming in what to expect. We all respect coach Dick Bennett a great deal as he does us. Hopefully this will be a formula for success for our program.

Rooter: Are you looking forward to playing at the new Kohl Center, or do you think you'll miss the atmosphere of the old building?

Sam Okey: I can't wait to play in the new Kohl Center. But I will miss the Field House. It has become sort of a second home for me. Hopefully we will get the same atmosphere at the Kohl Center only magnified a couple of times.

Thanks for all of your questions. Sorry I couldn't get to all of them, but hopefully we can do this again. Later!