Cuban: "NCAA doesn't need to exist" "D-league better&# (1 Viewer)

[larry_boy_44]

http://espn.go.com/dallas/nba/story/_/id/10538276/mark-cuban-says-nba-d-league-better-option-ncaa

DALLAS -- Mavericks owner Mark Cuban believes it's in the best interests of elite prospects to play in the NBA Development League instead of spending one season in college.

"I think what will end up happening -- and this is my opinion, not that of the league -- is if the colleges don't change from the one-and-done, we'll go after the one," Cuban said. "The NCAA rules are so hypocritical, there's absolutely no reason for a kid to go [to college], because he's not going to class [and] he's actually not even able to take advantage of all the fun because the first semester he starts playing basketball. So if the goal is just to graduate to the NBA or be an NBA player, go to the D-League."

Under the NBA's current collective bargaining agreement, players must be one year out of high school and 19 years old to play in the league. However, the minimum age for the D-League is 18.

Cuban would like to see the NBA take steps to make the D-League a more attractive alternative to players who intend to spend only one season playing college basketball. While Cuban said he hasn't analyzed the situation enough to make a formal proposal, he envisions the NBA working with nearby universities to provide straight-out-of-high school players an opportunity to pursue a college education while playing in the D-League.

Cuban suggests guaranteeing college tuition for such players, whether or not they pan out as NBA prospects, as an incentive.

"We can get rid of all the hypocrisy and improve the education," Cuban said. "If the whole plan is just to go to college for one year maybe or just the first semester, that's not a student-athlete. That's ridiculous.

"You don't have to pretend. We don't have to pretend. A major college has to pretend that they're treating them like a student-athlete, and it's a big lie and we all know it's a big lie. At least at most schools, not all. ... But we can put more of an emphasis on their education. We can plan it out, have tutors. We can do all kinds of things that the NCAA doesn't allow schools to do that would really put the individual first."

Cuban's biggest concern about one-and-done prospects is that they're often not mentally, emotionally and psychologically prepared for the NBA after spending only one season in a college environment.

He believes the D-League could provide a better atmosphere for freshman-age players to develop on and off the court.

it's in the best interests of top prospects to play in the NBA D-League instead of spending one season in the "hypocritical" NCAA.
"You have to develop some level of maturity, and that has to be part of the process," Cuban said. "You don't want to bring kids in and just abandon them. That'd be the worst thing we could do.

"We'd have to make it so where there'd be very strict policies and rules so that, even if you're not going to go to [college] class, there's going be life [skills] classes -- how do you deal with the world? -- and you have to attend those. You have to keep up with those. We'd have very strict [rules] on why you'd be suspended if you didn't live up to them. Things that should be done to student-athletes in college and are just not. Or not always."

Cuban's preference is that the NBA minimum age limit moves to 21 and three years out of high school. However, he can envision lowering the age limit for players who go to the D-League.

"We'd have to think it through," Cuban said. "I'm not trying to jump to conclusions and say I've analyzed this whole thing out. I haven't. But what I'm saying the interest is you're to maximize your ability for your chosen profession but you'd also have to make a commitment of some sort one way or the other, either to life skills training and/or academic training."

One conclusion that Cuban has reached: Playing in the NCAA is not the ideal way to prepare for an NBA career. He hopes the D-League emerges as a clearly superior option.

"Then you wouldn't be under the stupidity of the NCAA," Cuban said. "There's no reason for the NCAA to exist. None."

Thoughts?

 

[larry_boy_44]

I think he's right the the NCAA is hypocritical, but I don't see how an NCAA that allows players to follow the Olympic model of "amateurism" could be beaten by the D-league for basketball.

I almost with Cuban could get involved with the NCAA, but I'm sure it has rules against that. I like his ideas.

 

[Abraham]

Money. That's all. If the d league could have a draft and pay these guys, or if everyone was draft eligible but you had to be 20 to play in the nba a lot would change.

 

[Eephus]

**** Vitale meltdown in 5...4...3...2...

 

[Premier]

D league idea would be great for the Andrew Wiggins types and the other 8 one and dones every year. He completely ignores the other thousands of players who aren't heading to the NBA who get the thrill of a big stage while getting an education.

I'm hardly an ncaa shill. Horrible unjust organization. But he's pretty much talking about one half of one percent of NCAA players here.

 

[NutterButter]

Not sure why you'd play in the D League in its current state. College ball seems like a much more exciting atmosphere.

 

[Premier]

Not sure why you'd play in the D League in its current state. College ball seems like a much more exciting atmosphere.

That's the other problem Cuban ignores. Nobody cares, or ever will care for D league. Wiggins could be playing in that league right now, and they'd still pull in 1500 a night at some barn/high school gym. No player wants that.

 

[larry_boy_44]

D league idea would be great for the Andrew Wiggins types and the other 8 one and dones every year. He completely ignores the other thousands of players who aren't heading to the NBA who get the thrill of a big stage while getting an education.

I'm hardly an ncaa shill. Horrible unjust organization. But he's pretty much talking about one half of one percent of NCAA players here.

That was my other thought. It might be great for like 5 or 6 players each year at most, but everyone else is better served going to college.

Although, then again, Cuban talked about the D-League teaming up with local colleges to provide college educations to its younger players to help them mature, which is way out of the box but could hurt the NCAA.

 

[Christo]

Why attack the NCAA when the NBA has it within its power to change the dynamic?

 

[Eephus]

I'm surprised more players haven't followed the Brandon Jennings route to Europe. Lottomatica Roma paid Jennings about the same as a mid-first round NBA draftee would make. Jennings also was able to sign a shoe deal.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I think that the possibility of increasing the age limit to 20 or two years removed from high school, should be challenged in court by individual players. How the NBA can tell teams that they can't draft the best 18-year-old adult available is ridiculous. The players union is fine with it because that means more roster spots for the 30-year-old journeyman, but that's not how the league should work. This Parker kid should be in the NBA right now, no reason he has to go to Duke for a year IMO. This is not football where college is essential in learning the games and getting physically better, in basketball these kids are ready to contribute right away.

College hoops isn't what it was in the golden age of the 70s and 80s, it is watered-down and largely uninteresting these days. I don't understand why players can't bypass college and play in a "D league" if they wanted, let teams draft them but not allow them to be on an NBA roster for one or two years or whatever. Or let them be drafted at 18 and either go to college, or to a D league...let the player make the choice but let teams have the rights for 2 years like hockey and baseball do.

I don't like that players go to the pros after one year, or that Garnett and Kobe among others completely bypassed college, but that is something that is me being selfish as a fan. If you have Jabari Parker coming out of high school and he's the best amateur on the planet, he should be able to get paid for playing basketball.

 

[Christo]

I think that the possibility of increasing the age limit to 20 or two years removed from high school, should be challenged in court by individual players. How the NBA can tell teams that they can't draft the best 18-year-old adult available is ridiculous. The players union is fine with it because that means more roster spots for the 30-year-old journeyman, but that's not how the league should work. This Parker kid should be in the NBA right now, no reason he has to go to Duke for a year IMO. This is not football where college is essential in learning the games and getting physically better, in basketball these kids are ready to contribute right away.

College hoops isn't what it was in the golden age of the 70s and 80s, it is watered-down and largely uninteresting these days. I don't understand why players can't bypass college and play in a "D league" if they wanted, let teams draft them but not allow them to be on an NBA roster for one or two years or whatever. Or let them be drafted at 18 and either go to college, or to a D league...let the player make the choice but let teams have the rights for 2 years like hockey and baseball do.

I don't like that players go to the pros after one year, or that Garnett and Kobe among others completely bypassed college, but that is something that is me being selfish as a fan. If you have Jabari Parker coming out of high school and he's the best amateur on the planet, he should be able to get paid for playing basketball.

What would be the basis of their challenge?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I think that the possibility of increasing the age limit to 20 or two years removed from high school, should be challenged in court by individual players. How the NBA can tell teams that they can't draft the best 18-year-old adult available is ridiculous. The players union is fine with it because that means more roster spots for the 30-year-old journeyman, but that's not how the league should work. This Parker kid should be in the NBA right now, no reason he has to go to Duke for a year IMO. This is not football where college is essential in learning the games and getting physically better, in basketball these kids are ready to contribute right away.

College hoops isn't what it was in the golden age of the 70s and 80s, it is watered-down and largely uninteresting these days. I don't understand why players can't bypass college and play in a "D league" if they wanted, let teams draft them but not allow them to be on an NBA roster for one or two years or whatever. Or let them be drafted at 18 and either go to college, or to a D league...let the player make the choice but let teams have the rights for 2 years like hockey and baseball do.

I don't like that players go to the pros after one year, or that Garnett and Kobe among others completely bypassed college, but that is something that is me being selfish as a fan. If you have Jabari Parker coming out of high school and he's the best amateur on the planet, he should be able to get paid for playing basketball.

What would be the basis of their challenge?

Right to work law and age discrimination. Does Microsoft or GE place age restrictions on employment?

 

[Christo]

I think that the possibility of increasing the age limit to 20 or two years removed from high school, should be challenged in court by individual players. How the NBA can tell teams that they can't draft the best 18-year-old adult available is ridiculous. The players union is fine with it because that means more roster spots for the 30-year-old journeyman, but that's not how the league should work. This Parker kid should be in the NBA right now, no reason he has to go to Duke for a year IMO. This is not football where college is essential in learning the games and getting physically better, in basketball these kids are ready to contribute right away.

College hoops isn't what it was in the golden age of the 70s and 80s, it is watered-down and largely uninteresting these days. I don't understand why players can't bypass college and play in a "D league" if they wanted, let teams draft them but not allow them to be on an NBA roster for one or two years or whatever. Or let them be drafted at 18 and either go to college, or to a D league...let the player make the choice but let teams have the rights for 2 years like hockey and baseball do.

I don't like that players go to the pros after one year, or that Garnett and Kobe among others completely bypassed college, but that is something that is me being selfish as a fan. If you have Jabari Parker coming out of high school and he's the best amateur on the planet, he should be able to get paid for playing basketball.

What would be the basis of their challenge?

Right to work law and age discrimination. Does Microsoft or GE place age restrictions on employment?

"Right to work" laws allow people to enter union shops without being in the union and age discrimination doesn't apply to anyone under 40.

 

[Abraham]

Not sure why you'd play in the D League in its current state. College ball seems like a much more exciting atmosphere.

That's the other problem Cuban ignores. Nobody cares, or ever will care for D league. Wiggins could be playing in that league right now, and they'd still pull in 1500 a night at some barn/high school gym. No player wants that.

What if you couldn't play in an nba game until you were 20 but you could be drafted as soon as you finished high school and get paid? MLB had done it right. Basketball could be the same type of system.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I think that the possibility of increasing the age limit to 20 or two years removed from high school, should be challenged in court by individual players. How the NBA can tell teams that they can't draft the best 18-year-old adult available is ridiculous. The players union is fine with it because that means more roster spots for the 30-year-old journeyman, but that's not how the league should work. This Parker kid should be in the NBA right now, no reason he has to go to Duke for a year IMO. This is not football where college is essential in learning the games and getting physically better, in basketball these kids are ready to contribute right away.

College hoops isn't what it was in the golden age of the 70s and 80s, it is watered-down and largely uninteresting these days. I don't understand why players can't bypass college and play in a "D league" if they wanted, let teams draft them but not allow them to be on an NBA roster for one or two years or whatever. Or let them be drafted at 18 and either go to college, or to a D league...let the player make the choice but let teams have the rights for 2 years like hockey and baseball do.

I don't like that players go to the pros after one year, or that Garnett and Kobe among others completely bypassed college, but that is something that is me being selfish as a fan. If you have Jabari Parker coming out of high school and he's the best amateur on the planet, he should be able to get paid for playing basketball.

What would be the basis of their challenge?

Right to work law and age discrimination. Does Microsoft or GE place age restrictions on employment?

"Right to work" laws allow people to enter union shops without being in the union and age discrimination doesn't apply to anyone under 40.

What about the Sherman and Clayton anti-trust acts?

 

[TLEF316]

Never gonna happen. Elite prospects don't want to spend a year or 2 in purgatory in some dump like Sioux Falls, Reno or Tulsa, playing in front of 1,000 people. They'd much rather play in front of raucous crowds and on national TV.

They should be able to go right to the league and everyone knows it.

 

[Frostillicus]

College hoops isn't what it was in the golden age of the 70s and 80s, it is watered-down and largely uninteresting these days.

How dare you.

You just made the list, bub.

 

[Christo]

I think that the possibility of increasing the age limit to 20 or two years removed from high school, should be challenged in court by individual players. How the NBA can tell teams that they can't draft the best 18-year-old adult available is ridiculous. The players union is fine with it because that means more roster spots for the 30-year-old journeyman, but that's not how the league should work. This Parker kid should be in the NBA right now, no reason he has to go to Duke for a year IMO. This is not football where college is essential in learning the games and getting physically better, in basketball these kids are ready to contribute right away.

College hoops isn't what it was in the golden age of the 70s and 80s, it is watered-down and largely uninteresting these days. I don't understand why players can't bypass college and play in a "D league" if they wanted, let teams draft them but not allow them to be on an NBA roster for one or two years or whatever. Or let them be drafted at 18 and either go to college, or to a D league...let the player make the choice but let teams have the rights for 2 years like hockey and baseball do.

I don't like that players go to the pros after one year, or that Garnett and Kobe among others completely bypassed college, but that is something that is me being selfish as a fan. If you have Jabari Parker coming out of high school and he's the best amateur on the planet, he should be able to get paid for playing basketball.

What would be the basis of their challenge?

Right to work law and age discrimination. Does Microsoft or GE place age restrictions on employment?

"Right to work" laws allow people to enter union shops without being in the union and age discrimination doesn't apply to anyone under 40.

What about the Sherman and Clayton anti-trust acts?

What about them?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I think that the possibility of increasing the age limit to 20 or two years removed from high school, should be challenged in court by individual players. How the NBA can tell teams that they can't draft the best 18-year-old adult available is ridiculous. The players union is fine with it because that means more roster spots for the 30-year-old journeyman, but that's not how the league should work. This Parker kid should be in the NBA right now, no reason he has to go to Duke for a year IMO. This is not football where college is essential in learning the games and getting physically better, in basketball these kids are ready to contribute right away.

College hoops isn't what it was in the golden age of the 70s and 80s, it is watered-down and largely uninteresting these days. I don't understand why players can't bypass college and play in a "D league" if they wanted, let teams draft them but not allow them to be on an NBA roster for one or two years or whatever. Or let them be drafted at 18 and either go to college, or to a D league...let the player make the choice but let teams have the rights for 2 years like hockey and baseball do.

I don't like that players go to the pros after one year, or that Garnett and Kobe among others completely bypassed college, but that is something that is me being selfish as a fan. If you have Jabari Parker coming out of high school and he's the best amateur on the planet, he should be able to get paid for playing basketball.

What would be the basis of their challenge?

Right to work law and age discrimination. Does Microsoft or GE place age restrictions on employment?

"Right to work" laws allow people to enter union shops without being in the union and age discrimination doesn't apply to anyone under 40.

What about the Sherman and Clayton anti-trust acts?

What about them?

If you're going to pull the lawyer card, try to keep up please.

 

[Mr. Retukes]

Has Cuban provided free tuition to any of his D-league players?

 

[Christo]

I think that the possibility of increasing the age limit to 20 or two years removed from high school, should be challenged in court by individual players. How the NBA can tell teams that they can't draft the best 18-year-old adult available is ridiculous. The players union is fine with it because that means more roster spots for the 30-year-old journeyman, but that's not how the league should work. This Parker kid should be in the NBA right now, no reason he has to go to Duke for a year IMO. This is not football where college is essential in learning the games and getting physically better, in basketball these kids are ready to contribute right away.

College hoops isn't what it was in the golden age of the 70s and 80s, it is watered-down and largely uninteresting these days. I don't understand why players can't bypass college and play in a "D league" if they wanted, let teams draft them but not allow them to be on an NBA roster for one or two years or whatever. Or let them be drafted at 18 and either go to college, or to a D league...let the player make the choice but let teams have the rights for 2 years like hockey and baseball do.

I don't like that players go to the pros after one year, or that Garnett and Kobe among others completely bypassed college, but that is something that is me being selfish as a fan. If you have Jabari Parker coming out of high school and he's the best amateur on the planet, he should be able to get paid for playing basketball.

What would be the basis of their challenge?

Right to work law and age discrimination. Does Microsoft or GE place age restrictions on employment?

"Right to work" laws allow people to enter union shops without being in the union and age discrimination doesn't apply to anyone under 40.

What about the Sherman and Clayton anti-trust acts?

What about them?

If you're going to pull the lawyer card, try to keep up please.

So you don't know.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I think that the possibility of increasing the age limit to 20 or two years removed from high school, should be challenged in court by individual players. How the NBA can tell teams that they can't draft the best 18-year-old adult available is ridiculous. The players union is fine with it because that means more roster spots for the 30-year-old journeyman, but that's not how the league should work. This Parker kid should be in the NBA right now, no reason he has to go to Duke for a year IMO. This is not football where college is essential in learning the games and getting physically better, in basketball these kids are ready to contribute right away.

College hoops isn't what it was in the golden age of the 70s and 80s, it is watered-down and largely uninteresting these days. I don't understand why players can't bypass college and play in a "D league" if they wanted, let teams draft them but not allow them to be on an NBA roster for one or two years or whatever. Or let them be drafted at 18 and either go to college, or to a D league...let the player make the choice but let teams have the rights for 2 years like hockey and baseball do.

I don't like that players go to the pros after one year, or that Garnett and Kobe among others completely bypassed college, but that is something that is me being selfish as a fan. If you have Jabari Parker coming out of high school and he's the best amateur on the planet, he should be able to get paid for playing basketball.

What would be the basis of their challenge?

Right to work law and age discrimination. Does Microsoft or GE place age restrictions on employment?

"Right to work" laws allow people to enter union shops without being in the union and age discrimination doesn't apply to anyone under 40.

What about the Sherman and Clayton anti-trust acts?

What about them?

If you're going to pull the lawyer card, try to keep up please.

So you don't know.

You're the one who asked what would be the basis of their challenge. I gave it to you, seems like you might be the one who doesn't know.

 

[heckmanm]

Why attack the NCAA when the NBA has it within its power to change the dynamic?

Isn't the one-and-done rule imposed from the NBA side as it is? I think the D-league has the same rule, so it seems like it would be on the NBA to change it.

 

[rockaction]

I'm surprised more players haven't followed the Brandon Jennings route to Europe. Lottomatica Roma paid Jennings about the same as a mid-first round NBA draftee would make. Jennings also was able to sign a shoe deal.

Plus, Italy? France? Spain? Sign me up.

 

[rockaction]

I think that the possibility of increasing the age limit to 20 or two years removed from high school, should be challenged in court by individual players. How the NBA can tell teams that they can't draft the best 18-year-old adult available is ridiculous. The players union is fine with it because that means more roster spots for the 30-year-old journeyman, but that's not how the league should work. This Parker kid should be in the NBA right now, no reason he has to go to Duke for a year IMO. This is not football where college is essential in learning the games and getting physically better, in basketball these kids are ready to contribute right away.

College hoops isn't what it was in the golden age of the 70s and 80s, it is watered-down and largely uninteresting these days. I don't understand why players can't bypass college and play in a "D league" if they wanted, let teams draft them but not allow them to be on an NBA roster for one or two years or whatever. Or let them be drafted at 18 and either go to college, or to a D league...let the player make the choice but let teams have the rights for 2 years like hockey and baseball do.

I don't like that players go to the pros after one year, or that Garnett and Kobe among others completely bypassed college, but that is something that is me being selfish as a fan. If you have Jabari Parker coming out of high school and he's the best amateur on the planet, he should be able to get paid for playing basketball.

What would be the basis of their challenge?

Right to work law and age discrimination. Does Microsoft or GE place age restrictions on employment?

"Right to work" laws allow people to enter union shops without being in the union and age discrimination doesn't apply to anyone under 40.

What about the Sherman and Clayton anti-trust acts?

Wish I'd paid attention in Sports Law. Seems to be a sub-section of labor law. Look, I can't remember all this stuff, and this is between you and Christo. But these claims haven't worked yet. Clarett tried it, won for a bit, and then the Second Circuit reversed it. A quick Google search. After that, I'm out of my depth.

http://digitalcommons.ilr.cornell.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1177&context=key_workplace

 

[Archer]

for players like PJ Harrison, who would rather get high, carry guns, and drive cars he doesn't own, he's right. The D league is better than the NCAA/college.

 

[NutterButter]

I'm surprised more players haven't followed the Brandon Jennings route to Europe. Lottomatica Roma paid Jennings about the same as a mid-first round NBA draftee would make. Jennings also was able to sign a shoe deal.

That seems like a far superior option than joining the D League. I wonder why more top prospects don't do this. If you bump the age requirement to 20, this would likely become more prevalent. The NBA could certainly change the rules and make you ineligible if you went this route. I'm a selfish fan so I'd love to see this happen. I haven't care about the NBA for a long time so the longer these kids stay in the college game the better.

 

[pollardsvision]

I'm surprised more players haven't followed the Brandon Jennings route to Europe. Lottomatica Roma paid Jennings about the same as a mid-first round NBA draftee would make. Jennings also was able to sign a shoe deal.

That seems like a far superior option than joining the D League. I wonder why more top prospects don't do this. If you bump the age requirement to 20, this would likely become more prevalent. The NBA could certainly change the rules and make you ineligible if you went this route. I'm a selfish fan so I'd love to see this happen. I haven't care about the NBA for a long time so the longer these kids stay in the college game the better.

While the idea sounds great to most of us, it's a terrifying thought to most 18 YOs.

 

[jon_mx]

NCAA attracts more fans than the NBA. Cuban statements are dumb. D-league option is probably OK for a few, but to say there is no reason for the NCAA is just a ridiculous hyperbole. It creates more excitement than the NBA will ever dream of.

 

[NutterButter]

I'm surprised more players haven't followed the Brandon Jennings route to Europe. Lottomatica Roma paid Jennings about the same as a mid-first round NBA draftee would make. Jennings also was able to sign a shoe deal.

That seems like a far superior option than joining the D League. I wonder why more top prospects don't do this. If you bump the age requirement to 20, this would likely become more prevalent. The NBA could certainly change the rules and make you ineligible if you went this route. I'm a selfish fan so I'd love to see this happen. I haven't care about the NBA for a long time so the longer these kids stay in the college game the better.

While the idea sounds great to most of us, it's a terrifying thought to most 18 YOs.

For that much money, couldn't you afford to bring over a couple family members or friends to hang with you. All you really have to do for a year is play ball and then go back to your place with your friends and watch tv and play video games. Its just one year. Its not like going to college isn't a totally new experience either.

 

[Johnny Rock]

They could start by changing the name from the "D" League. A lot of these kids are used to D's and they've never been a positive.

The NBA needs to decide if they want to go full-blown and invest in a minor league like hockey and baseball. Sharing players and me-first attitude over team doesn't work.

Having a minor league team that shares the same coaching philosophy as the big club gives them a chance to evaluate and move players up and down as necessary. The reason it's a joke is because they tried to do it on the cheap which rarely works in business. You need to do it the right way.

The NBA should control what they can control.

 

[pollardsvision]

I think part of the problem, at least compared to baseball, is that it's an indoor winter sport.

Minor league baseball doesn't thrive because people give a crap about the game itself or the quality of players. People just want to sit out in the sun and have a couple of cold pops.

I have a hard time believing you could draw consistent crowds to minor league basketball games (much as I'd love to see it become a viable option).

 

[Premier]

Minor league hoops will never work here. Baseball has a 100 year old tradition of MILB and still most teams only draw a few thousand fans a game, tops.

Still they get some (not all) of the best players to commit because of money.

Basketball will face a much tougher time. If the nba isn't going to commit millions to these kids up front, they'll want to go play at duke or Kansas.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Never gonna happen. Elite prospects don't want to spend a year or 2 in purgatory in some dump like Sioux Falls, Reno or Tulsa, playing in front of 1,000 people. They'd much rather play in front of raucous crowds and on national TV.

They should be able to go right to the league and everyone knows it.

Probably getting paid more playing for a major CBB program than they'd made in the D-League, too. Win/win.

 

[pollardsvision]

Never gonna happen. Elite prospects don't want to spend a year or 2 in purgatory in some dump like Sioux Falls, Reno or Tulsa, playing in front of 1,000 people. They'd much rather play in front of raucous crowds and on national TV.

They should be able to go right to the league and everyone knows it.

Probably getting paid more playing for a major CBB program than they'd made in the D-League, too. Win/win.

Especially with average D-league salary somewhere around $18,000, I believe.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Basketball needs to adopt hockey's model.

 

[Mr. Retukes]

Why attack the NCAA when the NBA has it within its power to change the dynamic?

Isn't the one-and-done rule imposed from the NBA side as it is? I think the D-league has the same rule, so it seems like it would be on the NBA to change it.

The D-league has a minimum age of 18 and accepts players straight out of high school. But few kids have taken that route because the pay is so low.

 

[got_nugs]

I think that the possibility of increasing the age limit to 20 or two years removed from high school, should be challenged in court by individual players. How the NBA can tell teams that they can't draft the best 18-year-old adult available is ridiculous. The players union is fine with it because that means more roster spots for the 30-year-old journeyman, but that's not how the league should work. This Parker kid should be in the NBA right now, no reason he has to go to Duke for a year IMO. This is not football where college is essential in learning the games and getting physically better, in basketball these kids are ready to contribute right away.

College hoops isn't what it was in the golden age of the 70s and 80s, it is watered-down and largely uninteresting these days. I don't understand why players can't bypass college and play in a "D league" if they wanted, let teams draft them but not allow them to be on an NBA roster for one or two years or whatever. Or let them be drafted at 18 and either go to college, or to a D league...let the player make the choice but let teams have the rights for 2 years like hockey and baseball do.

I don't like that players go to the pros after one year, or that Garnett and Kobe among others completely bypassed college, but that is something that is me being selfish as a fan. If you have Jabari Parker coming out of high school and he's the best amateur on the planet, he should be able to get paid for playing basketball.

"My Grandmother always used to say "why buy the cow, when you can get the sex for free"."

NCAA athletics is getting free labor, professional leagues are getting a free minor league system...there's too much money involved change anything. No matter which team gets Jabari Parker...the NBA knows 1 thing-it'll be the NBA getting Jabari Parker.

 

[NutterButter]

I think part of the problem, at least compared to baseball, is that it's an indoor winter sport.

Minor league baseball doesn't thrive because people give a crap about the game itself or the quality of players. People just want to sit out in the sun and have a couple of cold pops.

I have a hard time believing you could draw consistent crowds to minor league basketball games (much as I'd love to see it become a viable option).

Absolutely. I hate baseball and even I love going to see the independent league team in my area. Its such a nice summertime atmosphere.

 

[heckmanm]

Why attack the NCAA when the NBA has it within its power to change the dynamic?

Isn't the one-and-done rule imposed from the NBA side as it is? I think the D-league has the same rule, so it seems like it would be on the NBA to change it.

The D-league has a minimum age of 18 and accepts players straight out of high school. But few kids have taken that route because the pay is so low.

OK, my mistake. I thought I heard otherwise. Thanks.

 

[Christo]

I think that the possibility of increasing the age limit to 20 or two years removed from high school, should be challenged in court by individual players. How the NBA can tell teams that they can't draft the best 18-year-old adult available is ridiculous. The players union is fine with it because that means more roster spots for the 30-year-old journeyman, but that's not how the league should work. This Parker kid should be in the NBA right now, no reason he has to go to Duke for a year IMO. This is not football where college is essential in learning the games and getting physically better, in basketball these kids are ready to contribute right away.

College hoops isn't what it was in the golden age of the 70s and 80s, it is watered-down and largely uninteresting these days. I don't understand why players can't bypass college and play in a "D league" if they wanted, let teams draft them but not allow them to be on an NBA roster for one or two years or whatever. Or let them be drafted at 18 and either go to college, or to a D league...let the player make the choice but let teams have the rights for 2 years like hockey and baseball do.

I don't like that players go to the pros after one year, or that Garnett and Kobe among others completely bypassed college, but that is something that is me being selfish as a fan. If you have Jabari Parker coming out of high school and he's the best amateur on the planet, he should be able to get paid for playing basketball.

What would be the basis of their challenge?

Right to work law and age discrimination. Does Microsoft or GE place age restrictions on employment?

"Right to work" laws allow people to enter union shops without being in the union and age discrimination doesn't apply to anyone under 40.

What about the Sherman and Clayton anti-trust acts?

What about them?

If you're going to pull the lawyer card, try to keep up please.

So you don't know.

You're the one who asked what would be the basis of their challenge. I gave it to you, seems like you might be the one who doesn't know.

You're right about one thing. I don't know how the anti-trust acts would apply to this particular situation. Perhaps you can explain.

 

[Christo]

I'm surprised more players haven't followed the Brandon Jennings route to Europe. Lottomatica Roma paid Jennings about the same as a mid-first round NBA draftee would make. Jennings also was able to sign a shoe deal.

That seems like a far superior option than joining the D League. I wonder why more top prospects don't do this. If you bump the age requirement to 20, this would likely become more prevalent. The NBA could certainly change the rules and make you ineligible if you went this route. I'm a selfish fan so I'd love to see this happen. I haven't care about the NBA for a long time so the longer these kids stay in the college game the better.

While the idea sounds great to most of us, it's a terrifying thought to most 18 YOs.

Particularly 18 YOs who have problems with their own language.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

You're right about one thing. I don't know how the anti-trust acts would apply to this particular situation. Perhaps you can explain.

See Haywood vs the NBA and Clarett vs the NFL.

Haywood challenged this decision by commencing an antitrust action against the NBA. As part of his claim against the NBA, Haywood argued that the conduct of the NBA was a "group boycott" and a violation of the Sherman antitrust Act The central issue that had to be determined was whether the NBA draft policy was a restraint on trade and therefore was illegal in accordance with the Sherman Act.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1621954

FACTS7. The defendant, a professional football league, engages in various forms of interstate commerce and is subject to federal antitrust laws. The NFL enjoys a monopoly over professional football in the United States.

8. The NFL is a distinct market for professional football for which there are no reasonable substitutes in the United States.

9. The NFL began operating in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, an unincorporated association comprised of member clubs which owned and operated professional football teams.

10. At present, the NFL is composed of thirty-two (32) separately incorporated clubs in cities throughout the United States. Representatives of each of the clubs form the NFL Management Committee, which performs various administrative functions such as organizing and scheduling games, and promulgating rules.

11. Until 1968, the NFL's operations were unilaterally controlled by the club owners.

12. In 1968, the NLRB recognized the National Football League Players Association ("NFPLA") as a labor organization within the meaning of 29 U.S.C. Section 152(5).2

13. In 1993, the NFL Management Committee and the NFPLA negotiated a Collective Bargaining Agreement ("CBA"), which has been extended three times and will not expire until the 2007 season.

14. The NFL bylaws include a rule prohibiting any player who has not completed three college seasons, or is not three years removed from high school graduation, from joining the NFL ("the Rule").

15. The CBA, which comprises 292 pages, 61 articles, appendices from A through N, and 357 sections, does not contain the Rule.

16. The Rule is not the product of bona fide arm's length negotiation between the NFL and the NFLPA.

17. The purpose of the Rule is to perpetuate a system whereby college football serves as an efficient and free farm system for the NFL by preventing potential players from selling their services to the NFL until they have completed three college seasons.

18. Clarett was born on October 29, 1983 and graduated high school in December 2001.

19. While in high school, Clarett was a member of his school=s football team. Among the honors he received was selection as the USA Today Offensive Player of the Year after his senior season, as well as being chosen as "Mr. Football" by the Associated Press. During his high school career, Clarett ran for 4,675 yards and 65 touchdowns.

20. After he graduated from high school, Clarett enrolled in Ohio State University ("OSU").

21. During the 2002-2003 football season, Clarett was a first-year member of the OSU Football Team ("Team").

22. The Team and Clarett enjoyed complete success during the 2002-2003 football season, winning all fourteen of their games, the Fiesta Bowl, and the undisputed national championship.

23. Clarett rushed for over 1,200 yards and scored 18 touchdowns. Among his honors, Clarett was named to several 2003 preseason All-America teams, voted the No. 1 running back in college football by the Sporting News, named a first-team All-Big Ten pick, and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

24. Clarett was interested in entering the 2003 National Football League Draft ("2003 Draft") but was prevented from doing so by the Rule.

25. Representatives of the NFL, including Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, stated publicly that the NFL would not let Clarett enter the 2003 Draft or any draft prior to his senior year at OSU.

26. The NFL is the only major professional sport, unlike baseball, basketball or hockey, which prohibits the drafting of players who have not completed three college seasons or who are not three years removed from high school graduation.

27. As a result of the NFL=s position on this issue, Clarett did not declare himself eligible for the 2003 Draft and re-enrolled at OSU.

28. Clarett is currently enrolled in his second year at Ohio State.

29. Playing football professionally is the only means by which Clarett can profit from his athletic ability.

30. There is no other league of professional football that is comparable to the NFL.

31. Had Clarett been eligible for the 2003 Draft, it is almost certain he would have been selected in the beginning of the First Round and would have agreed to a contract and signing bonus worth millions of dollars.

COUNT ONE

32. Plaintiff hereby incorporates Paragraphs One through Thirty-One as if each were set forth in full.

33. The Sherman Act declares illegal, among other things, "every contract, combination . . . or conspiracy, in restraint of trade or commerce among the several states."

34. The Rule is a per se violation of the Sherman Act.

35. The Rule is a group boycott and a concerted refusal to deal with individuals such as Clarett.

36. The Rule substantially burdens competition without advancing any important interest of active football players as employees.

37. The restraint the Rule imposes is justified by no legitimate business purpose.

38. The Rule is harmful to competition as it provides for a total exclusion of players who have not completed three college seasons or are not three years removed from high school graduation, notwithstanding their ability to perform in the market and compete for available positions in the league.

39. The Rule is not expressly part of the existing CBA, is not the product of bona fide arms-length negotiation, and is, thus, not subject to the nonstatutory labor exemption to the antitrust laws.

40. Moreover, the Rule does not concern wages, hours or other terms and conditions of employment and is not a mandatory subject of collective bargaining within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. §§151-169).

41. In addition, the direct effect of the Rule is a restraint of amateur athletes who were strangers to the collective bargaining process between the NFL and NFLPA without advancing any important union goal. Thus, the Rule is unlawful.

42. Defendant's actions constitute concerted conduct and an unreasonable restraint of trade, in violation of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. '1 et seq. and the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. §15.

43. As a direct result of defendant's unlawful conduct, Clarett has suffered substantial loss and damage.

 

[No. 16]

Overseas is usually not a good option for young basketball players who want to leave for the NBA. Euro teams usually have great reverence to veteran players vs actual production.

Also since it is a professional league, those coaches are trying to win NOW. They don't want to develop an 18 year old kid from America who will leave in one year.

 

[Eephus]

Overseas is usually not a good option for young basketball players who want to leave for the NBA. Euro teams usually have great reverence to veteran players vs actual production.

Also since it is a professional league, those coaches are trying to win NOW. They don't want to develop an 18 year old kid from America who will leave in one year.

I agree in general but I suspect there would be some international club interested in taking on a top American HS prospect

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

How would it be better to send an 17/17 year kid to a league with a bunch of goons who are older, stronger, bigger and more then likely jealous. The D league is far less popular and doesn't even come close to having the same comforts and benifits as high profile schools in college.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

The d league needs an overhaul before it would be viable. Have each NBA team own a d league team as its farm team. Allow teams to sign players to minor league contracts.

If the team I root for has an actual farm team, I'd have an actual interest in the league. I'd follow, watch games and go to games if there was a team in my area.

 

[Premier]

The d league needs an overhaul before it would be viable. Have each NBA team own a d league team as its farm team. Allow teams to sign players to minor league contracts.

If the team I root for has an actual farm team, I'd have an actual interest in the league. I'd follow, watch games and go to games if there was a team in my area.

They have this now. It's the NCAA. And it's a trillion times more popular than the d league ever could be.

 

[Max Power]

I think Student Athletes should stay 2 years. 1 year is worthless as its just going through the motions for players and the NBA. D league is pointless too. It makes some money and gives smaller towns a glimpse of potential NBA talent. I think the NBA wouldn't skip a beat if it was cut.