Am I the only one who finds it a tad bit hypocritical that we complain about graduation rates in NCAA bball?

Question

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We make superstars out of the players for what they do on the court yet we expect them to care about their academics?

Plenty of people get on their high horse about education. Given the opportunity, however, to jump to the NBA and be financially set for life how many people would honestly give up the opportunity?

I could care less what they do in school. They are only at the school because they were able to do things on the basketball court that normal individuals can't do. Who am I to begrudge them of that opportunity?

If we wanted these kids to graduate we wouldn't be handing out full scholarships to them. When you pay their tuition what incentive do they have to get their diploma with millions waiting for them?

Answer 1

The purpose of going to college is to find a "career". Playing ball is a career, hell a great one at that. where else can you get fresh out of school and instantly make millions legally? A lof of people complain about it but in reality in case you find someone who has turned down the opportunity to play professional to finish school and THEN injures himself, what's left? A bitter man with the coulda woulda shoulda blues.

Answer 2

I think it's just all too big of a deal anyways. Why would ANYBODY complain about free tuition, free education, and a glimpse at a future besides basketball? Let's face it, the majority of HS players thrive on the chance at the NBA, but whats one more year to improve your game? I honestly could care less about this issue, it's a great way for all players to improve in life and basketball. Another thing, there are a few players that came out of HS that are doing horrible in the NBA, they could have used those few years in college to strengthen their game before the NBA.

Answer 3

Unfortunately very few collegiate basketball players go on to the NBA, CBA, NBA Europe, or WNBA. The percentage that drop out early to do this does not even significantly decrease graduation rates.

The problem lies in all of the athletes that never graduate and never even play any Pro or Semi Pro ball again. These student athletes reflect the true problem because they did not finish their educations and were not good enough to further their basketball careers. I think this is what they are really complaining about.

Giving them full rides is a necessary evil to get them to go to school in the first place. If one school didnt offer a full ride then someone else will. Think about how many violations actually occur in the recruiting process to get good athletes to a school. If you think to hard about the subject then it gets very depressing.


Excellent question and comments although I did play Devil's Advocate.

Answer 4

You can find a hypocrisy in anything.

Very few basketball players at the high school level go on to college ball. Very few players at the collegiate level go on to the NBA.

However, when they sign to go to college, they are given the opportunity of a college degree which will give them an edge financially.

They are given full scholarships so they can play basketball but they take on the responsibility to get that degree.

Answer 5

When Denny Crum was at the University of Louisville, he said players that come to college for basketball scholarships should be able to pursue a college degree in basketball.

I agree. We don't make med students try to achieve on the basketball court. And not everyone that enrolls in pre-med makes it as a doctor. Yet, we don't ask the students to learn basketball as a fall back career. So, why should we ask student athletes to go after degrees in areas they don't plan to pursue?

I do however think they should study the same basis general education as everyone else. And I do care about these students progress as human beings. I just think they should have the opportunity to major in their sport.

Teach them things about hiring agents. Teach them about contract negotiation. Teach them how to maintain their wealth. Teach them some of the other facets of professional sports besides playing, coaching and managing. Make it a well rounded specific major like law or medicine would be.

Answer 6

I have to agree with you, in my honest opinion I bet these kids who get to play college ball enjoy the fact they get to miss class to play the game. I have friends who participate in the tournaments who are awarded passing grades just for representing the school. They do no work, yet they are guaranteed a minimum of a B. Also as you said it does present them a chance for more money in the NBA if they make it. Education will always be available but the chance to make millions for showcasing your skills in march is too good of an oppurtunity to pass up.