No, this article isn’t really about dissecting the ‘what ifs’ around Dennis Smith Jr spending another year in Raleigh. In fact, if this rule had been in place, it’s likely Dennis Smith Jr would have never landed at NC State to begin with.
The rule we’re talking would force any player who plays college basketball to stay for at least 2 years.
According to numerous sources, the NBA commissioner met with the NCAA commission to discuss getting rid of the ‘One-and-done’ rule. The thinking is that a new rule would move into its place. That rule would allow players to go straight to the pros if they think they can cut it, however, those who opt to go to college are forced to stay for at least 2 years.
This potential change has the basketball world split. Some like the ‘one-and-done’ rule and thinks it allows players to ‘test out’ college to see how they compete against the nation’s best. If they are dominant, they can leave and pursue their dreams.
The new rule would leave them with a tough choice. See if they can make it in the pros and forgo their college eligibility, or invest a minimum of two years in school before you can make the jump.
Our thoughts:
I completely understand both sides here. One side is fighting for player freedom, the other is fighting for league stability. However, I think if you want the biggest win/win, you go with the new rule and force kids to stay for 2 years.
I say that because you are giving them freedom to choose, albeit a little earlier than they may like. However, it kind of balances the power.
Right now, the players run the show. They come in and use college programs because they are forced to. They don’t really buy into the whole team unity thing, they aren’t really dedicated to winning a national championship. We all know that most are there to improve their stock for the coming NBA Draft.
This also isn’t really fair to coaches. You recruit the most talented kids you can find and you want them to succeed, but if they do, they leave. Then you better have another one coming up right behind them or you could suffer a down year, which in today’s landscape, could cost you your job.
It’s also good for the kids. Look, I know people want to preach freedom for these kids, but they’re 17 or 18 years old. They don’t know what’s good for them and they shouldn’t be expected to. They also shouldn’t be forced to make decisions alongside adults whose eyes are lighting up at the thought of that NBA money. It’s just an overall poisonous situation. We’ve been around recruiting a lot doing this website, and it’s just a grimy game with a lot of people who are in it only for the money.
Make a kid stay for two years and you’re integrating them into a team atmosphere with a coach who hopefully is looking after them and helping them become men. It makes them go to class for at least a year and start earning credits towards a degree. It allows them to be a kid for just a little longer.
The NBA wins too. They get to grow their G-League with the kids who opt to pass on college but aren’t ready for the NBA (gives them a minor league type situation), and it gives them more well-rounded kids coming out of college who are a year older and more prepared for the NBA.
So the NCAA may have a few less talented guys. That’s fine. The draw for most college basketball fans isn’t the ‘one-and-done’ guy playing for themselves. It’s the group of kids who sign up to play for the team on the front of their jersey, in hopes of doing well enough to make it to the next level.
I’m all in for the 2 year rule. What about you?
