I know ya think that 's your goal but that's not even close.

Really good thread, guys. You guys who navigate other college sites...do you see much of this quality of discussion there?

Man, that's well said.  So JSF I'm pretty sure you are an NBA fan (Spurs, correct?).  You think Cuban's ideas can work?

Whenever I think of this discussion, I think of Jeremy Fears.... 

Yes and yes. As Cuban said, it needs fleshing out, but it's a great starting point. So many people have said a huge problem is these young adults get too much too fast. That's not as big a problem in MLB, and I think the minor leagues are a big reason why. They have to work their way up. They have to ride buses and sleep in cheap hotels. That tends to give one a great appreciation for the bigs. The NBA has a rookie symposium, but it doesn't seem to be taken that seriously. Allowing kids to turn pro instantly and give them a developmental year would really do a lot, especially if they are committed to developing them off the court. Professional athletes have demands on their time and money we can't even imagine, and there's no way you can prepare them for that in just a couple weeks. Get Magic Johnson in there to talk to them about sexual health. Get Antoine Walker in there to talk about spending money wisely. Bring in someone to talk about how to handle the media. Make them accountable to these things. And yes, let them make some mistakes and learn that way without the HUGE spotlight of the NBA on them. So many of these young adults don't have the right people in their ear. At the very least, it's worth a try. And the benefits would be seen on the court, too. And maybe, just maybe, teaching someone about financial responsibility will lead to a player or two not just simply chasing the biggest contract because they have massive bills to pay. They might instead pick the best basketball fit for them.

Jeremy seems to have done OK for himself, but one can't help but wonder how much he left on the table.



The attention. The money.



That's an uncomfortable subject for schools. Why aren't their students succeeding? Retention rates are a big statistic for colleges, but it's hard to look in the mirror and admit why a rather sizeable chuck of your students can't cut it.



Worthy conversation topic, but that's for another thread.

 

and the fallout from Van Gundy

Paul Hewitt and Izzo on the show today countering Van Gundy's comments and educating the fanbase regarding the rule being the NBA's and discussing their view of how ludicrous it is to change a system of education for the 9 individuals who were one and done last year.

Fascinating.

I do not know how to find a podcast link to Mike and Mike. Dakich...easy ...Mike and Mike ...not so easy.

FWIW...Dakich has long callled college basketball players "coddled" and such.....

so he is in line with a consensus of folks.....go straight out of HS or stay for 3 years. Sounds plausible. Those 9 players a year would just not have to feign going to class. 

You do realize there's nothing to stop an 18-year-old from going professional.

Not sure if this is legal but here's a simple solution to the squandering the riches (big contract cash and all gone in a few years):  Mandate putting some large percentage of the cash  in a trust that the ath-a-lete cannot access until he or she turns 30.  (re the first contract signed by those who leave early)

Thanks 3/4 qnd 3/5 with Van Gundy and Paul Hewitt .....thanks a lot Norris. I need to bookmark this somewhere.