I've heard James say there is no reason for Oden to come back, and from a financial aspect that is certainly true. In fact, it's hard to make a good argument for any reason I've heard so far, EXCEPT for one. And it came from the most unlikely of sources. Normally I can not stand Bill Walton, the guy is usually a moron, but he had his "even a blind squirrel occasionally finds a nut" moment when he was asked if he thought Oden should go pro (paraphrasing):
"I can't speak for Mr. Oden, but I know what I would do. When I came out of college and signed my NBA contract, I instantly became not only the highest paid basketball player at that time, I was the highest paid athlete in the world. Yet my quality of life actually dropped when I left school! There is nothing like going to college as a young man, and it's not the same if you leave and come back later in life."
Now is that enough reason to turn down the dollars? That I can't say; however, if Oden loves college, his teammates, and his coach, there is reason for him to consider returning, and that's even if OSU wins the title.