Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The NBA and Its' Age Barrier
For many years high school phenoms were allowed to test their skills in the NBA. Now however, this is not the case. Athletes wishing to make the jump from the high school ranks to the NBA now have to be one year removed from high school. This age barrier is foolish because not only does it detour young athletes from accomplishing their dreams, but it sends a discriminatory message by excluding a particular ethnic group. African Americans are the majority of the athletes in the NBA, and for the most part African American people are usually the only persons to make the high school to pro jump. Brandon Jennings is now the leading candidate for rookie of the year and a possible all-star selection, yet his road to the NBA was altered due to the new age rules. Brandon didn't have the academic background to go to college in America so he played pro basketball overseas for one season. I don't mind the athletes having to be 18 years of age, because that only makes sense. Historically in America the age of 18 is the defining moment of when a minor becomes an "official" adult. I believe the NBA should allow these athletes to enter the NBA draft and leave it up to the teams to choose wisely. Jonathon S. KIN 332I Section: 3017
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4 comments:
I think it's foolish of the NBA to have the rule that players must be removed only ONE year before they can enter into the NBA. I feel that it should be longer than one year. Have you ever heard the phrase "like a kid in a candy store?" That's what these young players are experiencing when they enter a world of riches and fame and they are only 18-19 years old. Players at this age can very easily get "distracted" by extracurricular activities at the NBA level. As you said, many come from poor socio economical backgrounds where they did not have many of the luxuries that they would receive once in the NBA, so i believe there is a great chance for them to abuse it or get caught up in other things besides basketball; which could let to a short career.
By forcing players to sit out a year or two or three, organizations are allowing time for a player to develop athletically and mentally as an adult. The world of the NBA is much different than some pick up games or H.S. basketball. Yes, it's true that some players in the past have made the jump, but what's the percentage? What's the percentage of those that have been successful? very small. Now look at all the players that have busted while trying to make the jump? I'm willing to bet it's much higher.
I also disagree that by implementing this rule, there is a discriminatory message being sent to a particular ethnic group. Any male in that age range of any socio economic background would benefit from having to wait a couple of years before entering into the NBA. If it was any other ethnic group the verdict would still be the same. I think you are letting race in the way of a much bigger picture. In a sport like basketball which technically doesn't have a "minor league" system, should encourage it's players to strive for college or to play overseas. This time allows players to mature and become accustomed to life away from home and high school.
Kurtis G. 332I S.2 T/TH
I would have to agree with Kurtis, I think one year isn't enough. 18 is just a number. It doesn't guarantee any sort of maturity level. The N.B.A is encouraging high school athletes to go to college. College athletics give under privileged young adults the chance to get an education. As soon as they hire an agent, college is no longer an option, regardless if they get picked up or not. Players like Lebron or Bynum are not bad people, but college could have only helped them become a better person. Going straight to the pros sends a bad message, Michael Scott believes he doesn't need a business degree because Kobe and Lebron don't have one(joke). I'm pretty sure high school basketball players that can make the jump to the pros are in a league of their own anyways. They should have no problem succeeding in college(sports wise). And if they do, then they had no business going anyways. I heard of some high school athletes skipping their senior year(basketball) so they can enter the draft right away.The question is, will a basketball player focus on his academics more if he knows he has to play at least one year of college ball to go to the N.B.A.? I believe the answer is yes, and that influence alone makes the world a better place..haha. Look at Derrik Rose, he apparently didn't take his SAT exam. NCAA stripped Memphis's record that season. This is hopefully an example for future players to show the importance of a proper academic career. That entire episode didn't paint a pretty picture for the N.B.A..
Max Jones,..........I just posted that last message!!!!!
332i .S2 T-TH 930
I thank the two of you for your comments. By the looks of each post I can tell that each of you are NBA fans. Furthermore, the two of you would like to see a change in the NBA age related rules as well. At least we have that part in common. Yet, the beauty of disagreeing is that each person gets to rebuttle. Moreover, the jump to the NBA is a great jump indeed. For there is an abundance of money, women, and other temptations that a young 18-19 year old may not be able to handle. Furthermore, these are the risks that NBA teams take when they draft these players. I'm not sure if what I said was truly understood. The athlete can obviously play, yet if he is deemed unable to handle the pressures of the NBA then a team shouldn't draft that player. Race only blinds those who aren't seeking the bigger picture. With that being said, what is the percentage of African Americans in the NBA? The percentage is pretty high I would assume. Look at our basketball team at CSULB. What is the percentage of African Americans on our team? Athletes should be allowed to enter the draft upon graduaitng from high school if a team has determined the player is ready. College basketball is being hurt by the 1 and done players, yet this issue is brought up. These athletes go to school for one year, and then enter the NBA draft. I wonder how many of these athletes attend their classes, which is another issue in itself. I would want to hope they all do, yet I wouldn't be that foolish to beleive that. Lastly, what are the benefits of waiting several years? I can name a few such as maturity, physical growth, and mental toughness, yet can't these be learned while sitting on the bench or playing limited minutes? Professional athletes have to be mentally tough but by the actions of such professional phenoms such as Tiger Woods and Kobe Bryant we see that age isn't always an ingredient for a "mature" athlete. Hopefully we can keep this discussion going. I enjoy it very much.
Jonathon S. Sec. 3 T-Th 12:30-1:45pm
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