Luka
Doncic,Giannis Antetokounmpo, and LaMelo Ball are just
A few
names of those found success without the
exploitation of the NCAA and College Basketball. James Wiseman is the only name
you need to hear for it to be evident that change is DESPERATELY required. To
reflect on the dark episode potential #1 draft pick James Wiseman was punished with a 12-game
suspension by the NCAA, As his family accepted $11,500 in moving expenses from
Memphis coach Penny Hardaway in 2017. Although Hardaway did not become the head
coach until 2018, and he also donated $1 Million to Memphis University in 2008
but was still labeled a “Booster”. Wiseman was notified that to regain his
eligibility he would have to pay back the money given to him. It is important
to note that the NCAA does NOT allow its athletes to make any type of income
during the season. Wiseman was not even allowed to access a GoFundme page set
up by ESPNs Jay Williams. Regaining eligibility became an impossible task as
the stress and anxiety ate away at his mental well-being. James Wiseman came to
Memphis the undisputed #1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft but he left the University
of Memphis a controversial top 10 pick. The NCAA displayed how
inconsiderate and ill-mannered they
truly are. CHANGE IS COMING!
Although
you may be thinking to yourself “Hey, I love college basketball…March Madness
is my favorite time of year”. That point is valid, in fact some of your
favorite players have played college ball and the rich history of legendary
players that played in the NCAA Tournament is enticing. Some rookies of the
2019 draft such as Zion Williamson and Ja Morant reaped the benefits of what
comes along with the NCAA. Zion was a for sure top 3 pick at the beginning of
last year prior to his debut at duke. He then quickly rose to the number #1
pick as his combination of size, speed, and agility went unmatched. Ja Morant
went under the radar for most of the year at Murray State, but his spectacular
skill set led the way to the NCAA tournament. This tournament is where he
displayed the art of basketball on a larger canvas for the world to see, which
locked him in for the number #2 pick. The NCAA system works…but it is intensely
morally corrupt and the area for improvement is tremendous.
With the
diverse options we have available and even more emerging in 2020, the
exploitation of College Basketball is easily avoidable. NBA G-League,
Euroleague, NBL(Australia League) are just a couple to name. Not only do young
oversea prospects make significant more money than college athletes, but they
also face tougher competition. Could oversea basketball be better for player
development? Luka Doncic is a HUGE supporting factor as he played with Real
Madrid for 4 years before entering the NBA Draft. During those years Luka had
time to refine his skillset against grown men. Doncic development of his patent
smooth step-back jumper could be attributed to constantly shooting over large
defenders. Luka Doncic came into his 2nd season and took his already
established game to another level, as he was an early MVP candidate and became
a 1st time All-Star. LaMelo Ball started his overseas adventure at
16 as his father Lavar Ball pulled him from high school. Unknowingly a blessing
in disguise, Melo started his journey in Lithuania and ended in Australia’s NBL.
In his short stay with the Illwarra Hawks LaMelo Ball left a significant impact
on the League as he won Rookie of the Year averaging 17ppg 7.6rpg 6.8apg and
became the youngest rookie to get a triple-double. He even purchased the
illwarra Hawks after departing early due to a foot injury. Imagine playing for
an organization and buying that same team within a year. The creativity and shiftiness
that LaMelo brings to the game is unique for a prospect of his age. Since 16
years old LaMelo has always played against grown men and found himself
assembling a variety of different ways to score the ball. Melo had the option
to enter College but decided to development his skills to a level that would
send Micheal Jordan back to the gym.
Recently California
has signed a law allowing college students to profit from endorsements. Cali
has laid the red carpet for the rest of America to follow through. These kids
deserve to get a bag just as much as YOU! They don’t all make it to the NBA!
