One and Done, Again

Every year there are a handful to several college basketball players who will declare for the NBA Draft after just one year in college. This will spark debate every year about whether or not those players should have to stay in college for more than a season or if they should lift the 'One and Done' rule and allow them to make the jump from high school to the NBA. The reason for debate is that many believe, myself included, the rule that requires players to be in college for a year diminishes the college game and if those players are actually going to class. Which, you would think, should be required in order for those players to be eligible for competition. 

LSU freshman sensation Ben Simmons, and potential lock for the number one overall pick in the NBA Draft, is tearing it up on the floor for the Tigers this season although they're likely to not make the big dance. Simmons is averaging 19.6 PPG, 11.9 RPG, and 5.0 APG. But is he tearing it up in the classroom like he is on the court? All indications are no. The 6'10" Australian-born big man was not on the Wooden Award Finalist list because he did not meet the GPA requirement needed to be on the list. Does that mean he's not going to class? Does it mean he's just not book smart? To be honest, what difference does it make? Simmons is done before the semester will even end. He doesn't have to maintain a GPA after the season is over because he isn't coming back for a sophomore year (an assumption he declares), so why should he be criticized for having a poor GPA? Basketball isn't like football where players are there for 3 years and must maintain that certain GPA point. 

The argument can be made for the other side for players who aren't going to the NBA after one season, and likely will not go to the NBA at all, who have to maintain a GPA and have to go to class. If you look at a Division 1 men's college basketball team roster, how many players will end up playing professional basketball either in the NBA/NBA D-League or overseas? Maybe one. Most teams won't have any. So the argument is this; what should the rule be, should players be allowed to go the NBA right from high school or should they be forced to go to college?

Here's how I've always looked at it: If a player is capable of going from the high school level to the NBA level, have them go through a combine-style event for teams and get an evaluation. If that evaluation lists them as a lottery pick or top 15 pick then let them make the decision to either put their name in the draft or sign with a school. If they sign with a school they must remain at the school for 2-3 FULL years. And they have to maintain a strong GPA. If after two season the players evaluation provides better insight, then they can be allowed to enter the NBA Draft. 

This isn't a perfect system but it's a system that going forward would allow those great young players to make the jump and not worry about having to go through the antics that are the NCAA.