Do you think college basketball players should be allowed to go pro early?

Question

Do you think that college basketball players should be allowed to give up their education and go to the NBA early?

Answer 1

Every player should be able to go once they have the abilities to play in this league

Guys like LeBron where 20 point players from the get go and Dwight Howard got 10 rebounds right away.

If you force them to go to college or even as one person suggested to go for an unrealistic 3 or 4 years you deprive them of years of NBA service for all time records, are guilty of age descrimination, and could even limit their progress once they get too good for the college game and are left unchallenged.

You can still get a college degree and play in the NBA as MANY players have done

I don't like the rule now that after declaring and the draft you lose college eligibility. What happened to the old days when guys like Bird got drafted, played 1 more year of college, and then went to their drafted team?

not hurting anybody and it's the least college sports could do since they are making their living off of unpaid workers

Answer 2

We go to college to better our opportunities in life. Through our college experience, we determine and discover what we want to do with our life. There are not many jobs paying close to what a professional athlete gets the first year, degree or not. Million dollar a year contract versus 30-40,000 a year straight out of school.... not really a tough decision. But think of this, schools want the best recruits, right? It's not to educate the best basketball players, it's so the school can have a successful athletic program. The more successful the program, the more revenue coming into the school. Any way you slice it, it's a business decision for the school to recruit certain players, what's wrong with a business decision made by a student/player for their well being?

Answer 3

Yes, as long as the NCAA has strict rules around college players earning money and college eligibility.

It doesn't seem right to hold back a talented ball player, considering he could have a career-ending injury during his college years.

I think there needs to be something in between, like some sort of family assistance, marketing money, booster money, etc. to the players but controlled by the NCAA to keep the playing field fair. This would help keep kids in college and then could allow the NBA to force stricter requirements to play in the NBA, such as minimum of 2-years college experience or Bachelors degree. This would be very similar to how we as individuals perceive college. We invest in our education in order to make more money.

The only difference, the schools and NCAA are making a butt load of money off the talent and the kids should be paid heavily for their marketability, i.e. jerseys, etc.

Answer 4

yes, i think they should have the option of doing it. If a player is good enough to leave school early than that should be his decision. Some kids have a very good reason for jumping to the pros early. Take Larry Hughes for example. His brother was on dialysis and his family was having a hard time paying for it. He left college after his freshman year, and I think anyone would be a fool to condemn him for doing so.

Answer 5

Yes. Basketball is not as physical as football. Basketball is mostle raw talent and brains. You can have raw talent in highschool, and learn the game your first year in the NBA. Just look at Lebron James. Then take a look at Maurice Clarett. Total difference.

Answer 6

EDucation is so important!!! What happens if they hurt their knee or something early in their career and can not play anymore? If they had their degree they have something to fall back on. Without it, they might be flipping burgers. I understand what Bigbo32oz is saying, but NOBODY CAN EVER TAKE AWAY A DEGREE! Once you have it, the oppertunities are endless.
If they do get drafted, can't they do school in the off season?

Answer 7

I think they should be able to leave after their junior year, like football. I wouldnt mind if they had to stay for all four years, but thats just not going to happen, some are ready after 3 years. I'm glad they cant come straight outta high school at least.

Answer 8

i think that every player should have one year of college basketball and then do whatever they want after that, i think the college level helps out so many people become better players anyway

Answer 9

One names rings a bell: LEBRON JAMES..lol

Answer 10

yes