KU's Mario Chalmers has a decision to make. Why he should stay is the subject for tonight’s “On the Mark”. Whatever Mario does from here, his legacy is secure.
He’s the Jayhawk that sent the national championship game to overtime. While the shot is immortal, NBA people understand only about now.
And, they don’t care just about one shot. It’s my impression that NBA people think Mario Chalmers is draft worthy, just as long as its more toward the middle than the beginning. That would put Mario on the roster of a professional basketball team; recognized for his ability to hit clutch shots, and waiting his turn for the chance to do so. Or… he can stay another year at Kansas. The first time he’s introduced next season, Allen Fieldhouse will shake like a cannon shot. Mario Chalmers will be an All-American candidate on a team trying to defend a national title. It is significant that his Dad is the program’s director of operations.
Father and son can have a marvelous final season, cry on senior night together, and then come back to have Chalmer’s number 15 jersey hung in the rafters. Take it from LaFrentz and Vaughn, who both stayed for their senior seasons.
Both have had good pro careers, but Raef and Jacque remain Jayhawk icons on a first name basis because they stayed for the full deal. It’s an easy choice.
Legendary status in a collegiate program steeped in history makes a payday in the pros worth the wait.
That’s “On the Mark”.

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