In basketball, there is an interesting debate whether or not high school players should be able to jump straight into the NBA. In some ways this is good and in others ways this is a bad thing to do. I think that some players are born stars and are ready for professional careers early on while others have to work hard and may not ever make it or have a back up plan.
One good thing about going right into the NBA is that a player has an early start and can gain valuable experience. This gives players a better chance at breaking and starting new records. Also, players would not have to worry getting hurt in college and never getting a chance to play for the NBA.
The downside to going pro after high school is that you do not have the time in college to let your game and body mature. Also, you miss an opportunity to have a backup plan with an education. Getting an education will help you make better decisions and if you enter the NBA at a young age you might not be ready to take on the responsibility yet. When your career is over, you might not know what you want to do to support yourself outside of basketball. All in all, it is a tough choice and one the player has to think hard about before deciding.
Monday, August 10, 2009
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4 comments:
This is a good question Hakim. There will be superstars who are the exception (Kobe, Garnett, Moses) but for 99% of the kids considering the move they need to mature a little bit. We all want as much money as we can get as soon as possible and that's normal, but an 18 year old with only high school experience may not be able to handle all that goes with the contract. A mandatory 1 or 2 years in college(or overseas) is good for the NBA and the players in the long run. Great article!
Hey, Hakim, while I agree with Dan that it is a better decision to go to college before turning professional, I don't believe that this course of action should be mandatory. Freedom and personal responsibility mean that people makes decisions about their live, good or bad. I do think, however, that the people who have influence on the athlete should attempt to counsel the athlete as to the wiser choice. In my opinion, that choice is to take advantage of the opportunity to continue one's education.
All the best, Bob.
In the third line above, I should have used the plural "lives." And this mistake provides a good opportunity to make the point that one should probably proofread what one writes before posting it or turning it in as a written assignment.
Bob
Hi Hakim. This is such a timely subject Now so many players have the option of not going to college and playing pro ball right out of high school. I agree with you, this is a difficult choice for any player. I am on the side of going to college and maturing before entering the NBA. But I understand the other view point as well.
Kudos for getting this conversation started. It's thought provoking.
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