Hoops ain't rocket science,

[stripes]

Originally posted by LarryS
While I agree that the numbers are very disturbing and that these kids would be better served with a college degree, let me ask all of you a question. If, after the first two years of you college experience, you thought you could be successful in the field you wanted to persue, "experts" agreed with you and someone was willing to pay you millions of dollars to leave college who can honestly say they would turn down the chance?

I know I wouldn't. Why should I, college will always be there. With the millions I'm gonna make, I can pay for my own education. Besides, I may be successful and will be set for life. Sounds like a no-brainer. Especially when we are talking about a sport, which means you risk injury that eliminates your playing ability and any chance at a professional career.

Just my thoughts, feel free to disagree.

I agree that if the chance is there you have to go after it because the window of opportunity is small and closing. This article, IMO, is not about the Vince Carters of the world, it is about the other guys on the team who go for four years, don't make the league (or any other paying basketball gig) and still don't graduate.

Whie the players, just like all of us, are responsible to get themselves to class and ultimately are responsible for their education, I think it is the lack of institutional control (reflected in the abysmal graduation rates) that is alarming. Are these coaches simply concerned with winning, or are the concerned with making a difference and helping a kid to a better life with higher earning potential?