The fact that kids are basically forced to attend college 1 year before declaring for the NBA draft is criminal. (or...a year removed from High School) I have always been of the mindset that if a player is talented enough to test the NBA waters, the league should not roadblock them. Of course most kids aren’t ready in terms of maturity but do Golf & Tennis have these issues? Teens that play Golf & Tennis can make millions before the age of 21. We all know that Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Tracey McGrady and Lebron James are special cases. A generation before these guys, Darryl Dawkins went straight to the league out of high school and had a pretty successful 14 year career. That said, the NCAA does not want to see millions of dollars taken from major universities if these teens are allowed to skip school. We know that large coaching salaries, shoe deals and “Friends Of The Program” all love that good old apple pie. People in the NCAA eat off the talent of our kids and I find it ridiculous that these rules are still in place. So, my questions are below:
1. Do you believe in the current rules prohibiting players from going to the NBA straight out of High School?
2. Do you feel the NBA and the NCAA are working behind closed doors and passing money along to each other?
3. Has College Basketball suffered with kids who go for a year but minds are on the NBA draft? I mean, that one year in school is really a “Showcase of Talent” and not Team collaboration in many cases.
4. Do you believe that if the rule is lifted a lot of young players would declare for the draft and destroy their own careers?
My Verdict: I don’t respect this ruling and players should be allowed to enter the draft. Yes, some family members and friends will influence decisions that will often times not benefit the player but I do believe in “Choice”. If we are being honest, does one year in college really help the player more than it generates cash flow for the Universities?
Yes, I agree with you. A lot of kids would rush to go pro and hurt their basketball futures. I guess I feel for the kids who are truly ready. Now, the NCAA tournament is always exciting b/c its about the schools and teams instead of the individual starts but I feel you. Thanks for sharing your views!