By: Craig Yamada

 Part 1 of 2…

 

College has quickly become merely a pit stop for future NBA draft picks. The “one and done” rule is simply ruining the college game and its coaches and fans are left to pick up the pieces once athletes have moved on to greener pastures.  NBA requirements of a one year wait post high-school has created a scenario where players have two choices after high school graduation:

 

1)    Attend College for a minimum of 1 year

2)    Play professionally overseas

 

“Two and Through” Player: Terrence Ross

 

The latter is becoming a more popular choice as the years go on. Players who don’t necessarily have the means, but do have the talent are looking to make money overseas as they wait for their turn in the NBA draft the following year. The others who want to play in front of their families and friends, attend college for a year and then quickly leave whether they are ready or not. Those that do leave too early end up spending a long career in the D-League and never make it to the big show and have no degree to fall back on.

 

The basketball landscape is changing and with it, so must the rules of the game. Players need to have the option to opt for the draft out of high school if they are ready for it. And if they do opt to go to college, two years minimum should be required. “two and through” will soon become the new reality.

 

To be continued…