High school to pro

[Marc]

What's your opinion on high school players wanting to go pro? More and more are every year and at some point, you've realistically got to think the NBA needs to set some sort of limit to restrict so many young players. Why? It's hurting the league with talented, but young men who aren't ready both physically and mentally. I think they should be required at least two years of college or some sort of two year minimum NBA prep league/course.

[Nate]

Honostly, I don't think any High Schoolers should be allowed to turn pro. I don't like the thought of them leaving college after two years either. What was the point of going to college then? Just to work on your game? Don't get me wrong, I love the game of basketball, but it just doesnt make sense to me.

[lmanchur.]

Why is it that hockey is the only sport with a real "minor league" system, where guys in high school (fifteen to nineteen years old) can play in the junior league, be scouted, and if they are good enough, make it to the pros.

There are some hockey players that make it to the NHL through the college system, but if you look at the top picks from last year's draft or this upcoming draft this summer, they're all guys who have finished four or five years in the junior league (e.g.: they've just finished high school) OR they're of high school age and coming from the European Elite League (or whatever they call it over there!)

Why doesn't any other sport have this system?... I guess I don't see a big deal in basketball players going pro right after high school because these young guys who have just graduated high school are always being drafted by the NHL, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they'll play in the NHL right after their drafted... they may go on to another minor league team, like the IHL or something.

[iFroggy]

My opinion is this:

It is their life, and they should be able to make whatever decision they want to make. I know if I was in my 2nd year od college and being scouted as a top pick, I'd leave ASAP. You never know what could happen, you could blow out your knee, have an accident, ANYTHING, but you won't have a dime and neither will your family. Many of these people skipping school have not had much money all of their life, and if that was me, I'd get the money while you can, you can always go back to school, but a chance to make it to the NBA and sign a big contract isn't something that is offered everyday.

[SC-Jared]

It may be their life, but the NBA would be better off with matured players, rather than immature ones. 2-yrs. required college would be better than nothing.

[PeterDewar]

Here is my take on this. I somewhat agree with iFroggy in that it is there life and they should be allowed to do what they want with it.

I don't think it is RIGHT for them to be able to jump to the pros but at the same time it is their choice.

I really would like to see a mandatory time set for players in which they need to be in college (2 or 4 years).

[theGOATlegend]

I think that the jump makes for less-devoted players, and makes the player think he does not have to work hard in college academically/basketball wise, but dont get me wrong, there are some exceptions... Mcgrady, Garnett, are both well-rounded atheletes and class acts. You need the education to lean back on, incase your career becomes in jeaporady.

[NickHammy]

I personally don't think it's a good idea even if you are good enough. You would be less experienced with all the crowds, and you'd most likely be smaller than most of the other NBA players. Skipping a year or two of college is one thing, but skipping it altogether isn't right.