2008 Woodie Awards
The Daily OrangeMBB | One year wonders
By John Clayton
Posted: 11/13/08, 1:53 AM EST Section: Sports
Lorenzo Romar knew the deal three years ago, when he coaxed a 7-foot center named Spencer Hawes to join his Washington basketball program.
Romar knew he was probably recruiting a one-year rental. That Hawes' plan was to use Washington as a tune-up before skipping town for an NBA city to-be-named. "If we had him for two, we would have been ecstatic," Romar said. "But we thought there was a good chance that he'd only be here for one."
Then again, recruiting one-and-done players has become the norm for some major college programs. It's been three years since the NBA implemented its one-year rule - specifying that any potential draftee must be 19 years old and at least one year removed from high school to be eligible.
The edict has had a double-edged effect on the college game. On one hand, it's funneled teenage talents like Hawes into the college ranks by ending the trickle of high schoolers leaping straight to the NBA Draft.
At the same time, it's exposed college coaches to a new type of recruit - one that sees his college career as a one-year buffer separating them from millions of professional dollars.
Most college coaches, including Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim, still like legislation to keep players in college for two to three years.
Most also seem to understand a shift in the status quo doesn't appear likely. The NBA's current collective bargaining agreement runs through 2011, meaning any change in the age limit won't take effect until after then.
The NCAA has no control over the rule.
"I don't think it will be changed," Boeheim said. "It would be nice if it would be, but I don't think it will be changed.
"But a one-year rule is better than no rule."
It's easy to understand Boeheim's statement. Five years ago, players like former Memphis guard Derrick Rose or former Kansas State forward Michael Beasley would have foregone college. The duo went No. 1 and 2, respectively, in this year's NBA Draft.
Romar knew he was probably recruiting a one-year rental. That Hawes' plan was to use Washington as a tune-up before skipping town for an NBA city to-be-named. "If we had him for two, we would have been ecstatic," Romar said. "But we thought there was a good chance that he'd only be here for one."
Then again, recruiting one-and-done players has become the norm for some major college programs. It's been three years since the NBA implemented its one-year rule - specifying that any potential draftee must be 19 years old and at least one year removed from high school to be eligible.
The edict has had a double-edged effect on the college game. On one hand, it's funneled teenage talents like Hawes into the college ranks by ending the trickle of high schoolers leaping straight to the NBA Draft.
At the same time, it's exposed college coaches to a new type of recruit - one that sees his college career as a one-year buffer separating them from millions of professional dollars.
Most college coaches, including Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim, still like legislation to keep players in college for two to three years.
Most also seem to understand a shift in the status quo doesn't appear likely. The NBA's current collective bargaining agreement runs through 2011, meaning any change in the age limit won't take effect until after then.
The NCAA has no control over the rule.
"I don't think it will be changed," Boeheim said. "It would be nice if it would be, but I don't think it will be changed.
"But a one-year rule is better than no rule."
It's easy to understand Boeheim's statement. Five years ago, players like former Memphis guard Derrick Rose or former Kansas State forward Michael Beasley would have foregone college. The duo went No. 1 and 2, respectively, in this year's NBA Draft.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Marc LeVine
posted 11/13/08 @ 10:04 AM EST
I'm afraid that the best place to change this rule is at home, with parents and in the heads of young players. These kids need to understand that their future success is much more likely determined by their ability to effectively communicate and think critically rather than make jump shots. (Continued…)
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