Have you ever wondered why basketball players stopped going professional from high school? This is an extremely debatable topic of discussion. The NBA had stop drafting athletes from high school in 2005. Players like Kobe Bryant had successful NBA careers getting drafted fresh outta high school. Was this the right thing to do?
The NBA hasn’t drafted high school players since 2005, preferring instead to allow them to develop their skills in college before going to the premier pro basketball league. When a high school player declared himself available for the NBA draft, he couldn’t play for the NCAA any longer, making the decision to go pro all the more risky for a prospect. Rather than help, the NCAA has limited a player’s options moving forward if they don’t get drafted. This is a selfish act by the NCAA. I understand parents want their children to have successful college careers and get a solid education. But if you have the talent to be great you should use it. Also, making it to the NBA would be a life changer for the athlete and his family. Your making millions of dollars!
To solve this problem the NBA enforced that a player must play at least one year in college before they are eligible to go pro. This rule is solid for now. As it gives athletes more time to develop their game in college. But as for education wise leaving after one year; you won’t leave with your degree. After your professional career is over, you have to go back to school if you want your degree.
I believe that the rule will eventually change and go back to how it used to be. If a player is talented enough to go to the league fresh outta high school he should go. A player that got his mind on his dreams of making it to the NBA and making millions is not worried about sitting in a classroom. Also, the fact that these players can’t get paid plays a factor also. Some players might come from poverty and their chance of making it to the NBA to change their families lives would mean everything to them.
Do you think basketball players should go to the league from high school? Do you think the current rule is fair? In the future do you believe the rule will go back to how it used to be? Do you believe the current rule is helping or hurting these athletes? Please let me know what you think?