There was never a doubt in anyone’s mind about Spencer Hawes’ chances of making it to the National Basketball Association.

Despite enduring a season of injuries and illness, Hawes showed Husky fans why NBA scouts have salivated over his potential long before he took ownership of the paint at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.

At 7 feet tall, he has the dexterity of a much smaller player and has already developed proficiency in the post as a baby-faced 18-year-old in his first year of college hoops. He can use either hand around the rim, already has the footwork of a savvy NBA veteran, uses a variety of counters and has range on his jumper. He’s equally deadly as a passer and probably has the best court vision for any big man in the country.

It’s no surprise that people have taken notice. In the next month or so, Hawes and his family have quite the decision to make, weighing the college experience against the money and glamour of the NBA.

Here’s one reason why Husky fans should be optimistic about Hawes’ chances of coming back to Montlake next season: going to the NBA this year could be a losing investment for him. In fact, he could bank millions of extra dollars in the future by staying in school for at least one more year.

Just hear me out on this.

Hawes is widely believed to be the second best center in the country after Greg Oden, despite the amount of time he missed on the court this season. Every mock draft in existence projects him as a lottery pick. The only disparity between the drafts is really how high Hawes expects to go in a draft stacked with big men. As it stands, he could be drafted as high as seventh and as low as 12th.

In 2008 and maybe beyond, the situation will be very different. If Hawes stays in school, he figures to be the best center in the country once Oden leaves Ohio State.

Traditionally, NBA teams have jumped early on the “best” center available in each draft because, while scoring two-guards are a dime a dozen, solid centers are hard to come by.

Also, as you might have guessed, the higher the draft position, the higher the salary.

What’s the difference in pay between the fifth pick (Hawes in one year) and a number twelve pick (Hawes this year)? About $3 million over the course of a standard three-year, guaranteed first-round rookie deal. That figure is based upon the amount of money that Shelden Williams (last year’s No. 5 pick) is set to make versus the amount of money Hilton Armstrong (last year’s No. 12 pick) will make.

Of course, money comes and money goes.

There are other things for Spencer to consider, whether it be his legacy at UW, his teammates, the risk of a career-ending injury while still in school or the thousands of pleading, teary-eyed supporters that have started a Facebook group on his behalf.

The deadline for early entry candidates to file for the 2007 NBA draft is April 29, exactly one day after Spencer turns 19 years old. I just wonder if the gifts that Hawes receives on his birthday can ever be matched by the kind of gift Hawes can bestow upon the University of Washington with at least one more season.

Reach columnist Maks Goldenshteyn at sports@thedaily.washington.edu.