Question: Would you be ok with American Sports developing European style basketball training? [i.e. one can become pro at 15 ala Tony Parker] Would you be ok with our players being able to join the NBDL at that age? Since we want to rave about how great the Euros are at fundamentals. . . would you be kewl with us stealing this aspect of their training regiment? then they can focus on basketball and not worry about no pass no play, grades money - get a lil something something Rocket River did not know where to put this . . . Spiral's post on the euros made me think of it .. . then all the b*tching and Moaning about EG, Steve etc not knowing the FUNDAMENTALs enough . . . I was thinking DISH but It deals with Houston's drafting position . . . .I'm so confused
This is more a social problem than it is a training problem (flash over substance, dunking over rudiments). It's a mindset. Case in point: Watch an interview with Parker. Notice how he speaks clearly (knows two languages). Case in point: Watch an interview with Mobley. Notice how he says, "Uh, yeh, uhm, Yo, nah..." Who was the better student? And who's more likely to pick-up the intricacies of the game? But, changes to the NCAA training rules and practice leagues would be a great help in the US. The game has gotten better since the influx of International players. So his will kick the US system into high-gear.
By the way, RR. Being like "Euro ball" and "turning PRO earlier" do not necessarily go hand in hand. It's not about the title, "PRO" that makes the player. And it's not about the competition either. Not directly, anyways. It's about the TYPE of training they get from 15 on... There's a lot of factors that go into what make a fundamentally sound basketball player (and that varries on their natural athletic ability). Their coach, the player's mindset (curiosity and willingness to learn the fundaments rather than the flashy stuff), the NCAA training system, the players money situation (social class), the players feelings about education, his athletic ability...etc... There are many factors. The US scouts and owners have been dealing with what the system has given them. And the game has suffered in the 90's. Whoever mentored LeBron knew what he was doing. He's learned a lot of skills, not just dunking or shooting.
Though well-intended, the "minimum age" idea is silly. A player's ability and maturity level should dicate whether he is ready for the NBA, not some arbitrary age level. These kids wouldn't be coming out if teams weren't drafting them. Setting the age limit to 20 essentially makes these kids go to college for two years. I went to college because it was the best route for me. But just because it was best for me doesn't mean it is for LeBron James or Kendrick Perkins. That's a decision they have to make -- get an education and develop as a collegian, or jump into the NBA where he may or may not develop into a star. It's his life -- let him make the decision. If an 18-year-old is ready to play in the NBA (and the team that drafts him is ready to commit to developing his talent and character), let him play.
ok . . .Knowing 2 languages is not the hallmark of intellect of course he knows two languages. .. u put mobley in france a couple of years. . . he'll pick up french Hell How many languages do Gates and Dell know ? My point is. . . I hear about their 2 a day practices drilling for hours on end. . . how much practice does the Average High schooler get. . . at most 2~3 hours a day IF THAT!!! Take a look at the normal PRO Euro Practice day and see if it could be pushed into the American School day Rocket River
