 It seems that prior to the recent amendment to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, athletes were pouring directly out of high school into the pros. Some of today’s superstars, including Lebron James and Kobe Bryant, never even set foot on a college court. Though these athletes succeeded during their first few years at the professional level, NBA and college officials obviously felt that it was a time for a change.
Under the new draft regulation, players are required to be one year out of high school and at least 19 to enter the NBA draft. While some consider this rule outlandish, others feel that it is absolutely necessary. Aside from any opinion regarding the subject, one thing is for certain: the new rule has had a significant impact on both college and professional basketball.
Let’s first take a look at the college scene. There are schools all over the country that spend significant time, effort, and money in recruiting some of the nation’s top prospects. Analyzing talent is not easy, and the market is extremely competitive. How frustrating must it be to hear that your #1 recruit has decided to serve only one year with your college program? It would almost be more reasonable to allow high school prospects to make a career decision right after they graduate rather than creating turmoil by forcing them to play for one year at the collegiate level.
You also have to consider how it may affect scholarship players. Given that most college athletes are receiving some sort of aid, the purpose of a scholarship is almost defeated if players opt to leave for the pros after just one year. Superstar Greg Oden, along with several other athletes, have had mixed reactions about the new regulation.
“It’s unfair,” stated Oden. “But it’s over with now, so there’s no reason to complain.”
As far as the impact in the NBA is concerned, it becomes more difficult for teams to make draft decisions. Whether college players will opt to go professional after one year is uncertain; therefore, making the appropriate decision come draft time is not always easy. In addition, the players that do make it to the pros may find themselves riding the pine instead of getting significant playing experience. ESPN analyst/commentator Dick Vitale believes that the new regulation doesn’t effectively prepare a college athlete for the pros, even though it does require that a player be one year out of high school.
“Take a look at some of the kids who have made the mistake of coming out early. Do you think by going to age 19 that this trend is going to go away totally? Kids will continue to leave college early, and in many cases will sit on the NBA pine when they could have used another season in school to better themselves,” quoted Vitale on one of his ESPN columns.
Whether it has been for the good or for the bad, NBA Commissioner David Stern has enforced the policy that he felt was necessary. Only time will tell what type of long-term impact this policy will have at both the college and professional levels.
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