Why Not Go Pro?

[SMEngmann]

I agree with the comments that the kids are often not in the proper position and don't have the proper perspective on life to make a decision on whether or not to enter the NBA draft. As was mentioned, many HS players who declare for the draft don't get drafted in the first round and aren't guaranteed any money, plus they lose out on the chance to play in college and get an education. Many of these kids are surrounded by bad influences and yes men and cannot properly evaluate their talent level, making decisions with inflated egos rather than sound judgements. Do I think an age limit should be put into place by the NBA? No, I think the NCAA should be more flexible in its rule prohibiting players who've signed with an agent from being eligible.

As for the comment in the article that college athletes are neither interested nor qualified to get a college education, that statement is pure ignorance. Athletic scholarships have opened the door for thousands of student-athletes, enabling them to get a quality education while bettering the school's sports programs and generating revenue. Many athletes take advantage of these opportunities that they might otherwise not have had and parlay them into successful careers. Most student-athletes that I know take their academics very seriously, although I agree that basketball and football players may be a bit more lax. That, however, is a commentary on the individual and not the system.