Do you think the media's insistance the Durant and Oden will leave early has any impact on their decision?

Answer 1

Great question. I think so, and it's terrible. If the media and coaches and NBA executives were all telling college players to stay in school and get their degree, the college players would listen to them. It would also make them better players when they get to the league and they'll be able to contribute more immediately.

I mean, why did so few players leave before their junior year back in the 70s and 80s? They were allowed to go at any time, but it just wasn't how things were done back then.

Answer 2

Well let's be clear that the reason the media thinks that Durant and Oden need to leave college early is because it would be stupid for them to stay.

The risk of injury is pretty low in basketball, but they do still happen. If Oden would get hurt like Livingston just did his entire NBA career would be over before it ever began. He does that while playing in the NBA at least he would have banked a few million dollars first. Then he can go to college and figure out what to do with the rest of his life.

The biggest shame is that NBA players actually get the money they do. I mean how is it that Lebron James will probably make close to a billion dollars in his life, between playing and endorsements, when pretty much all he does is play a little basketball. Meanwhile doctors only make 100,000k a year and they freakin save people's lives.

This world's got some messed up priorities.

Answer 3

No, because had the NBA not made that stupid rule then they would already be pro.

What advantage does college bring to them? Why should they go to college when they can instantly begin making millions as the top two picks in the NBA draft?

Players go to college to develop their game and get an education. Anyone else goes to college to develop their life skills and get an education. Anyone who doesn't go to college and has success isn't looked down upon, so why are collegiate players?

I mean, the NBA rule practically forces them to go to college even if they don't want to, and risk getting into trouble with tons of immature college students, and more importantly, risks them getting injured and ruining what they WOULD have made a career over.

So, both Durant and Oden SHOULD go early because it's a smarter decision than staying in college. What does a college degree that might get them 100,000 USD a year do compared to an NBA contract that gauruntees them 5 million?

Either the NBA should use some common sense and change the age to 21, to prevent underage NBA players from having illegal access to alcohol, or they should do away with it all together. The NBA is also being targeted in law-suits for age discrimination, and I'd say they have a pretty strong case.

Answer 4

The media is most likely correct that both players will leave early. It would be a mistake for both of them to stay in college. Not only do they miss a year of salary if they forego the draft, but they might not be taken as high in the draft next year as they would this year. Matt Leinart, the current QB of the Arizona Cardinals is a perfect example. He was drafted 10th in the NFL in last years draft instead of being drafted #1 the year before.

So, the media coverage might affect Oden and Durant decision to go pro early because they just point out more that it is the correct decision. The risk of lost money is not worth the justification of staying in school for either of those guys.

Answer 5

Not really.

Still, I dislike when the media analyzes people's lives for them. I'm sure it is a difficult decision to make under any circumstances. If my son were good enough to be in that position, and his game were really developed to the point that I believed he could contribute in the NBA, I'd encourage him to go for the draft, because you can always go back to college.

But some of the kids that try to leave early really aren't ready. Look at the kid the Knicks signed yesterday. He declared eligibility but didn't get an agent, so when he wasn't drafted, he was able to continue in school -- smart move on his part.

Answer 6

who really knows what goes through the mine of a young man looking at making so much money