SAN JOSE, Calif. —

Dear Darington Hobson,

What’s all this speculation I hear about you considering leaving school for the NBA? I thought you wrote off those swirling rumors months ago, when I asked you the same question, before all this hoopla began.

Remember this?

“Right now, my response to that is I love school. I love my teammates and I want to graduate from school. I want to get a degree. I haven’t really thought about what I want to do after playing basketball. A lot of people think that I will go on to the NBA. I like it here. I don’t see myself leaving early.”

But when the NBA beckons, is there really an alternative? Ultimately, the answer to that question resides with you.

Nobody should scoff at you should you decide to forgo your final year here at the University. Don’t let anyone badger you into staying or let anyone make you feel guilty for leaving. Yes, you did all but guarantee UNM would partake in a trip to the Elite 8, but you don’t owe Lobo fans jack.

If anything, you’re entitled to do what’s best for your career. If that means going to the NBA — by all means, go. I can’t say I’d blame you. The current NCAA system is exploitative of student-athletes. CBS makes a lot of money off your likeness, all the while hoarding the money and not dispersing it among its amateur cash registers — the capital-driving players.

At the same time, I can’t help but recognize the horror stories, for every sprinkle of fortune. For every Danny Granger, you have a Kenny Thomas — the deified Lobo, who, perhaps, turned out to be the biggest NBA flop in recent memory.

In no way am I likening you to Thomas, though. Understandably, Thomas isn’t necessarily an apt comparison. I’d venture to say you have a hell of a lot more upside than Thomas. Thomas was an undersized forward/center. You, on the other hand, are more point/forward, as you like to refer to yourself. I’ve said it before: You remind me of Granger and J.R. Giddens.

While we’re on the topic, consider Giddens’ story. Look at the year he had as a senior — 16.3 points per game, 8.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Sound remotely familiar? Then look where he landed in the draft — as the Boston Celtics’ last selection of the first round. That means he merited a guaranteed contract. However, had he gone in the second round — mind you, only one spot further down — he wouldn’t have been promised one.

I’m sure you have other advisers filling you in on all this. If Steve Alford hasn’t told you this already, I’m sure he will in the subsequent weeks. But, by the nature of college basketball, Alford has a vested interest in you staying. Don’t get me wrong. Knowing Alford, he will stand by your decision, no matter which route you decide to take. In the same breath, he has to be thinking, “Imagine how good we can be next year if Hobson decides to stay?”

The NBA is just as full, if not more so, of swindlers, looking to leech off your brand. It’s possible they will lead you in a round-about direction, similar to the one you embarked on to get to college. It takes a wise and weathered soul to navigate the pitfalls.

You have a strong support group at UNM. Call Granger. Call Giddens. Seek their advice. Ask every question imaginable. They’ll tell you what it takes to be successful in the NBA. All I know is that whether out of necessity or by the luck of the draw, those guys transferred schools and ended up finishing their college careers.

Right now, you’ve played but a year at the Division I level. Would staying another year be such a bad choice?

At the very least, I hope you take this as a cautionary tale. I’d hate to see such a likable, talented player make a decision he’d later regret. In the event that you do leave, I wish you the best.

Sincerely,

Isaac Avilucea