college sports, I enjoy getting to see the studs at least a year before they go pro but being an American, I feel if an 18 year old is good enough to be drafted, they should have the right to go pro. They can serve our country in the military, but they can’t play pro ball? That’s just not right.

He knew when he did it he was simply cow-towing to the owners. And Grasslands said it best….old enough to vote, old enough to carry a gun, and old enough to serve your country in the military….old enough to play in the NBA……or any other profession for that matter.

or drink. ;-)

… Bissinger makes a compelling, rational argument. I would totally support returning to drafting kids right out of high school.

In fact, I would like to see it work like this — all kids may declare themselves eligible out of high school. If the kid hires an agent and is undrafted and wants to go to college, he must repay 100% of all money accepted from any agents and provide proof of that. He may then play in college but cannot be eligible for the draft again for 4 years. This is a one-time deal. He may not enter prep school after high school and get a second bite at the apple.

If the kid decides not to enter the draft out of high school (or prep school), he may do so at any time thereafter. When he does declare after entering college, his amateur status is forfeit — no more “testing the waters.” The paying back of the agent thing is a one-time, out of high school deal. There are no more Randolph Morrises — once you declare, you might as well sign an agent because your amateur status is revoked at that point.

This gives the kid another year to mature and hone his skills.
The NBA has another year to evaluate a player.
The Athletic Associations have another year to profit from a gifted amateur.

It prevents the student-athlete from “… retaining their first year’s college eligibility without ever going to a class after their first semester.” (Bobbie Knight paraphrase in linked article)
It may even help instill a value for education in the student and allow him to finish an Associates Degree.

I agree with Stern on this. Two and Done
It’s pragmatic.
The NBA — Player’s Association — NCAA — Behemoth is far too big for more than a baby step.

ALSO, my dear sisters and brothers in Big Blue Land: Imagine knowing that Wall, Cousins, Bledsoe, etal — would be with us for TWO years. With that class as Sophomore’s, GOD might fear our future. Go Big Blue, right??

Footnote: Prayer to God
“Cincy: No offense to you, God
God: None taken
Cincy: Shwewh :)”

have to stay in college one or two years to earn a living in the land of the free. I had a full ride and left after one semester for a better opportunity. Yes, I would of been able to go back if things didn’t work out, but by no means should anybody have to go to college to pursue their dreams. We as selfish fans love to see the guys have to play at least one year in college, but to make it two is just wrong. Football is a little different because of the size, but basketball is not IMO. Plus in pro ball with the investment the team has they can mentor the player, in college you can’t even watch them practice most of the year.