“I may be young but I’m ready”, is the catching phrase that most standout high school phonemes employ to plead their case of why they should be able to go straight to the National Basketball Association after graduating high school. With the new rule in place, high school basketball players must be 19 years old or one year removed from their high school graduation. In the past, there have been pros and cons to allowing young talented basketball players an option to enter in the NBA after high school. Those pros are Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Garnett who are notable high school basketball players who made the jump from high school to the NBA look smoother than the other side of the pillow. Why the new rule now?
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Among most professional sports, basketball players are arguably the most skilled and ready athletes to play professionally after high school. Tennis players and golfers have the option to turn pro early. Childhood actors and singers also have the option to display their talent on stage at an early age. So why not talented gifted basketball players who have the ability and skill-set to complete at the highest level? Some speculation has been made that the majority of the basketball players that are being drafted are African Americans who comes from plight situations. Some cases, this assessment is true. David Stern, NBA commissioner believes that the rule in place will help young basketball players get educated and receive the adequate knowledge needed to handle the financial windfall. “I think there is a racial implication there”, said Andrew Zimbalist who works for the NBA players’ association. He believes this rule is forcing young athletes to prolong their childhood dream of becoming a professional basketball player and also causing their family to endure another year of hardship.
"College is not for everybody, so if a kid doesn't want to go to college, let him go to the pros.” –Rick Pitino. Many coaches in the NBA and college ranks endorsed the message communicated by the Louisville Men’s Head basketball coach. The sole purpose of attending college is to receive the education needed for your ideal job. Most young basketball players have dreams and aspirations to one day be able to compete at the highest level of basketball. Not to mention, the average salary of a professional basketball players is superlative for any young athlete. David Stern believes that college will give the athlete a backup plan and another option to succeed.
If a high school basketball player has the ability to compete at the highest level, there shouldn’t be a delay in this process. Anything can happen in a year that could cause the childhood dream to never happen. Injury is one of the realistic dilemmas that could occur.
Wise, B. (March 21,2015). High school should be able to go pro. Retrieved from http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25117891/rick-pitino-high-school-athletes-should-be-able-to-go-pro
Medcalf, M. (March 23,2015). NBA should be an option. Retrieved from http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/2015/story/_/id/12533423/louisville-cardinals-coach-rick-pitino-says-high-schoolers-able-skip-college-declare-nba-draft
I believe (as you said), that there are certainly pros and cons to allowing such young adults in a professional basketball league following high school graduation. I would say that if an athlete has the passion, the ability, and the opportunity to play professional basketball, then he should not be stopped. However, I don't support the idea that "college isn't for everyone." I personally believe an education is for everyone, especially in privileged America (land of opportunity). Now whether a person enjoys or appreciates the opportunity to become educated is a different story. I think that using the statement "college is not for everyone" is not exactly an appropriate statement. I see it more as an excuse to skimp out on fulfilling responsibilities.
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