The NBA has recently talked about raising the minimum age to become eligible for entering the league. The ideas talked about raising the age to 20 from 19. The effects of this change would make a huge impact on college basketball. Players like Derrick Rose and Michael Beasely would be forced to stay another year. On the other hand, players may choose to go play overseas for a couple years until they are eligible to play in the NBA. Thus far, the NBA hasn't made any changes to the rule, but if they do change, basketball players across the world will have their opinions.
I think that the NBA should raise the age for entry. A lot of basketball players are extremely good, and good enough to go to the NBA draft directly after high school or after one year of college, but I think that playing a few years of college ball will help to improve their game. Not only that, but education is still really important (Even though I highly doubt any basketball player at a University gives a rat's ass). I think that college basketball tries to help players understand the importance of education, and helps them build teamwork skills, as well as over all skills of the game. There are exceptions, such as Lebron James who will be legend to the sport, but is Michael Beasley a Lebron James? Probably not.
I think that the NBA should raise the age for entry. A lot of basketball players are extremely good, and good enough to go to the NBA draft directly after high school or after one year of college, but I think that playing a few years of college ball will help to improve their game. Not only that, but education is still really important (Even though I highly doubt any basketball player at a University gives a rat's ass). I think that college basketball tries to help players understand the importance of education, and helps them build teamwork skills, as well as over all skills of the game. There are exceptions, such as Lebron James who will be legend to the sport, but is Michael Beasley a Lebron James? Probably not.
I don't think that the age should be changed. I know there are big supporters, like Dick Vitale, who thing that the athletes should go to college for more than a year, but if their game is ready for the next level, why not let them go? There are amazing athletes like Michael Beasley who's dream has been to go to the NBA. His dream isn't to be a college basketball star, and he isn't interested in a college education. Why should we make him stay in college another year when he doesn't have any interest in getting a degree? He is ready for the NBA. He was getting tripled teamed and was still scoring 20+ points. This year had a very talented freshmen class with plyaers like Michael Beasley, Derrick Rose, and OJ Mayo and I would love to watch them another year, but I don't think that is our decision to make.
I believe changing the entry age to 20 instead of 19 would greatly benefit both the players and professional teams that choose to draft them. With the exception of a select few such as Kevin Durant and Greg Oden, I don't believe many players are physically or mentally ready to play at the level of the NBA. Playing with professional athletes who have many more years of experience can be intimidating, and can have effects on the self esteem of these young men. Staying for at least two years in college allows for more development of both skill level and maturity. The education aspect of this argument is another reason I believe the age should be moved up. I am a big supporter of future professional athletes finishing their education, and forcing these players to stay for two years might encourage them to do so. I don't see the point in throwing away a free education, and leaving early for the NBA results in this. If I had enough athletic skills to allow me to play in college, let alone professionally, I would definitely take advantage of the educational opportunities given to me, even if I were going to make millions in the future without using them anyway.