Lost in all the recent talk about John Jenkins’ decision on whether to forego his senior year or return to Vanderbilt was Ross “Jumpstop” Montague’s own difficult decision.
The 6′ 5″ 190 lb. combo player can play the 2-5 positions on the court and has been a dominant force on the Vanderbilt rec league courts since the fall of 2008. While there was talk of his declaring for the draft after his Sophomore year, the then wiry player decided against hiring an agent in order to continue his education and gain some weight. Without the promise of a first round pick and having not been invited to any pre-draft workouts, Montague realized that spending more time on his education could be a valuable investment for his future.
Following disappointing losses early in the playoffs for both of Jumpstop’s teams and serious questions on whether or not he would be granted a fifth year of eligibility, declaring and hiring an agent seemed like a real possibility this year.
However, due to injury concerns (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBgTDUIumZo) and his current lack of physical conditioning, Montague decided on Sunday to return to Vanderbilt for a fifth and final year.
The press conference was held in a common room of Carmichael Towers 4 in front of one member of the press, myself. Speaking from a somewhat battered and suspect-smelling couch, Jumpstop declared, “I just don’t have an NBA ready body at this point, and I’d also like to improve my handles and get back to playing point guard as I did for the national champion Blackhawks team that I was on in 4th grade.”
Added Montague 30 seconds later, “Has someone talked to Rachel? Are we still dating? Are my nurses hot?”
Great reporting, champ! Champ!