One and Done.

Two years ago the NBA raised the minimum age of players who can compete in the league to 19, essentially eliminating players graduating from high school and jumping straight to the NBA. Now I was 100% behind the move, because I thought that college could help out these kids’ game. When you’re in High School you’re a big fish in the small pond, meaning that you could be a huge break out star in High school, but odds are you’re never going to play against guys who are on the same level as you, in college however, there tons of big fish in a much larger pond, namely the national stage. Larry Bird and Erving “Magic” Johnson started their famous feud that extended into the NBA in college. That would not have happened in if they both jumped to the NBA it would’ve probably have taken them some time to adjust to the NBA game. Now of course there are cases of where people really don’t need college to improve their game. Players like Kevin Garnett, Lebron James and Kobe Bryant really didn’t need college in terms of improving their game. But for every high school success story there are guys like Kwame Brown, Darius Miles who are currently only in the league based off of their ever dwindling untapped potential excuse and there are tons of guys whore are in the D-League or just aren’t in the league at all. I’ve heard many times over that the average NBA career only last 3-5 years. Now you may say wait what about guys like Kobe or Ray Allen who have had lengthy careers thus far? Yes that’s true but have you noticed the third string point guard on your favorite team two years ago isn’t playing anymore. Just think about it.Now with the age limit being raised there is a new trend that seems to be starting this year.

Freshmen superstars such as Michael Beasley, Derrick Rose, OJ Mayo, Jarred Bayless, are entering the NBA draft, and today Kevin Love, another freshman is going to hold a press conference on his future, So this raises the question if these kids are only in college just because they have to be. Kevin Durant and Greg Oden, both huge High School prospects declared for the draft after their freshman year last year, and we have even more players doing so. I’m conflicted on this topic. I do think that these kids should get their education while their in college. Now there are players who complete their degree while in the NBA most notable Vince Carter, and Shaquile O’Neal, but I can only guess that most players don’t follow in the footsteps of these superstars. But on the other hand, you have to understand that there is big money in men’s professional sports and you have to strike when you’re value is its highest. A lot could happen during your freshman year to your senior year. You could be the best player in college one year, and all it takes is one freak accident and you’re done. So I really can’t blame these kids for coming out early. A player like Candace Parker( the top pick in the WNBA draft) can afford to play her all full years at Tennessee because there really isn’t much temptation ( money wise) in the WNBA to come out early, but for the top projected pick in a male sport like the NBA, means you become an instant millionaire once your contract is worked out, and that would be hard for any 19 year old to pass up. The NBA is now considering to raise the age limit with would essentially require two years of college before going to NBA. This would certainly help the NCAA as they would be able to market star players for a longer time, but this would unfair to the players. I’m all for the current rule, which I believe should remain permanent.

Until next time……..I’m declaring myself eligible for the NBA draft. I can’t play very well, but I’m sure I can make more babies than Larry Johnson.