I got this article of the washington post, and it's a pretty interesting read. I don't know if you all have kept up with it but the NCAA is trying to ammend its drafting policies with regard to declaring and comming back to school. I don't know what's going to happen because this doesn't seem to answer half the questions that are already out there. But there's a recommendation to allow High School players to declare for the draft, and be drafted while still maintaining eligiblity and the ability to play for a college team. I wonder what this will mean if it gets passed by the NCAA board of directors. It could very well mean that colleges become a form of minor leauges for drafted Highschool players. The NBA can pick their young talent and send them to college to develop and pull them up when they're ready. Rather than taking the time; roster spot; and money to instruct the young player. I'd have to assume the highschool player would have to defer his contract while he plays in college. Once his NBA carear starts he'd start that initial draft contract. NCAA Votes To Amend Draft Rules Take a look for yourselves, it certainly muddies the waters about things, and doesn't really solve anything in my mind. It could result in a ton of High School kids declaring because they have nothing to lose even if they get drafted. But let me know what you all think. It also poses some interesting questions about scholarships. If the player is drafted does a University have to hold scholarships for players they may not even get to play? It makes a mess of recruiting for Coaches with players futures left up in the air.
I do not know what the answer is, but this is not it. MLB for the longest time has been dealing with the HSers, so maybe their approach would be worthy of consideration. I think in MLB that a player can be drafted out of HS and it is his decision whether or not he goes pro or to college. If he goes to college, I think he is not elligible for the draft for two years, essentially commiting him to two years in college??? Of course there are significant differences between the NBA and MLB. MLB has a multi-tier minor league system and baseball players have longer development periods before they are MLB ready. Baseball also need twice the number of players per team and individual players have less of an impact on the team's ability to win.
If they are going to do something like that, make it apply only to players selected in the 2nd round (high schoolers, if they choose) and undrafted players (both high schoolers and collegians) who have not signed with an agent. Some may view it as similar to overseas players not coming to the NBA for several years after being chosen (in regards to 1st rounders), but to jilt a team like that by sessentially saying you won't play for them is simply wrong.
larry bird was drafted as a junior but stayed in school for his senior year. then i think the nba changed their rules.
