How does everyone feel about players coming out early? I must admit that I'm kind of torn about it. On one hand, especially this year with the Rockets having a high draft choice as well as multiple picks, it adds to the talent pool, which greatly benefits the Rocks. And as its been well-chronicled, a huge reason for a lot of these young men to declare early is financial stability, which I certainly can't hold against them. But on the other hand, I sure would like to see these young men stay in school for at least 3 years. You have to admit, for those in college or graduates of a college, the whole experience does help you in becoming a more complete, confident, well-rounded person. And the extra years of high-level competition can only help make a player more well-rounded and equipped to contribute. So in a way, I'm glad they're coming out, it just gives the Rocks more choices. But I also feel a little guilty for almost wishing and being happy when a player decides to leave school before his eligibility expires, if he goes to school at all. Am I wrong in feeling this way? ------------------
I don't have mixed feelings at all on the subject. I'm glad for my college education, but it's not as important for everyone. If you can get drafted into the NBA (and make at least, what, $300,000 in a season?) I'd recommend anyone to do it. Your college education can wait if you want to complete it. It won't be necessary for your chosen profession, though. A single year in the NBA will more than pay for 4 years at Harvard. And as long as you don't sign a contract with an NBA team you are taking a chance that injury won't take away your opportunity. ------------------ RealGM Gafford Art Artisan Cakes
I tune at Vitale period. I think he's a self-serving idiot. He's fake also. ------------------ "norm, would you like to buy an indian scalp ? This deal isn't gonna make or break me Norm, so don't jerk me around." Harry Carey "Norm, if I had a mohawk scalp, I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you."
Dickie V is just protecting his territory. We can't blame him for that. NCAA Division I basketball cannot, in the long term, benefit from this rapid turnover of its stars. It's better to have stars for 4 years than super-stars for 1 or 2. I'm not trying to mandate anything, but those kids who were most likely to seek the NBA path would be better served in an NBA-specific developmental league and not using NCAA division one basketball to further their professional aspirations. Create an attractive alternative and both options can flourish. Get on with an NBA developmental league and let the kids who want to roll the dice on an NBA career start their apprenticeship. Anybody can always go back to school. Anyone who has it offered to them cannot be blamed for taking the big bucks. I'd trade my semi-expensive higher education for a lousy $1 Million bonus right now, not to mention some of these insane contracts. Any offers for me? I could invest that money wisely and use interest and principal (if necessary) to get a better education than the one I pursued as a young fool. If you wanted a brewing career and the fine folks at Sam Adams offered to pay you to work for them and to educate you in brewry science and art for 4 years at the same time, would you take that offer or go to State U and try to catch on with Sam Adams or one of their competitors upon graduation? ------------------ Time is a great teacher-- only problem is it kills all its pupils. PowerbizOnline.com [This message has been edited by RichRocket (edited April 10, 2001).]
I am in full agreement with Juan. It really bugs me when college commentators (Dick Vitale) talk about certain players destroying their stock when they go early and keep harping on it. Its funny how he completely forgets to mention the ones that saw their stock plummet after a poor senior season. Scotty Thurman ring a bell? Loren Woods and Terence Morris are quickly finding out what this is all about as well. Dean Smith used to tell his players to go pro if they were a lottery selection. Considering that all first round picks are guaranteed contracts, I would advise a player to go pro if he is a lock to get selected in the first round. As far as education goes, if someone truly wants the education, they can always come back and finish up their degree; higher institutions of learning arent going anywhere. However, one major injury or a poor senior season can completely destroy a player's NBA worth. ------------------ Check out the Best Source for Draft Info Draftsource.net
Yeah, I really tune out Dookie Vitale when he begins to rag on players who leave early. IMO, it's their life to live. You don't think a big part of it has to do with him being a TV personality with an obvious professional interest in the "star quality" of NCAA basketball, huh? ------------------
