College hoops should require players to stay 3 years

[SJHooper]

I know this will probably never happen because the players just want the money as quickly as possible and there will always be a shortcut for them to go pro early, but if we required players to stay 3/4 years I think it would change college hoops for the better by a long shot. Exhibit A is Moe Harkless a few years ago. Tons of talent, tons of potential, but left after 1 year for the Orlando Magic. If we had him still there's no doubt in my mind we'd likely be ranked or at the very least a tourney team the last 2 years. Think about guys like Wiggins for 3 years. Look what McDermott did in 4 years. College hoops needs recognizable stars. It needs more long-term stability. In the same way you can rattle off Derek Jeter as the main player for the Yanks, it would help other fans link familiar names with different teams. It would enhance rivalries and give schools more culture and tradition.

I was listening to the Herd on ESPN radio and he was saying college hoops is a coach driven league and players don't matter so much and it's the opposite of the NBA. Not sure I totally agree with that, but he's right that college hoops needs more star power. More well-known players.

[mpwalsh8]

I know this will probably never happen because the players just want the money as quickly as possible and there will always be a shortcut for them to go pro early, but if we required players to stay 3/4 years I think it would change college hoops for the better by a long shot. Exhibit A is Moe Harkless a few years ago. Tons of talent, tons of potential, but left after 1 year for the Orlando Magic. If we had him still there's no doubt in my mind we'd likely be ranked or at the very least a tourney team the last 2 years. Think about guys like Wiggins for 3 years. Look what McDermott did in 4 years. College hoops needs recognizable stars. It needs more long-term stability. In the same way you can rattle off Derek Jeter as the main player for the Yanks, it would help other fans link familiar names with different teams. It would enhance rivalries and give schools more culture and tradition.

I was listening to the Herd on ESPN radio and he was saying college hoops is a coach driven league and players don't matter so much and it's the opposite of the NBA. Not sure I totally agree with that, but he's right that college hoops needs more star power. More well-known players.

I would like to see a rule like NCAA baseball - make it possible for kids to go right out of high school but if they go to college, they're in for 3 years. The few kids, like Wiggins or Jabari Parker, who really are good enough could go to the NBA. The rest who should go to college will develop and mature. This seems like a win-win for the NBA too as it ensures that kids aren't declaring who really have no business doing so and their teams don't risk taking a kid who has potential but is no where near ready for the NBA yet.

[SJHooper]

I know this will probably never happen because the players just want the money as quickly as possible and there will always be a shortcut for them to go pro early, but if we required players to stay 3/4 years I think it would change college hoops for the better by a long shot. Exhibit A is Moe Harkless a few years ago. Tons of talent, tons of potential, but left after 1 year for the Orlando Magic. If we had him still there's no doubt in my mind we'd likely be ranked or at the very least a tourney team the last 2 years. Think about guys like Wiggins for 3 years. Look what McDermott did in 4 years. College hoops needs recognizable stars. It needs more long-term stability. In the same way you can rattle off Derek Jeter as the main player for the Yanks, it would help other fans link familiar names with different teams. It would enhance rivalries and give schools more culture and tradition.

I was listening to the Herd on ESPN radio and he was saying college hoops is a coach driven league and players don't matter so much and it's the opposite of the NBA. Not sure I totally agree with that, but he's right that college hoops needs more star power. More well-known players.

I would like to see a rule like NCAA baseball - make it possible for kids to go right out of high school but if they go to college, they're in for 3 years. The few kids, like Wiggins or Jabari Parker, who really are good enough could go to the NBA. The rest who should go to college will develop and mature. This seems like a win-win for the NBA too as it ensures that kids aren't declaring who really have no business doing so and their teams don't risk taking a kid who has potential but is no where near ready for the NBA yet.

Totally agreed. It helps the NBA because the players come in with tons of hype and more rounded skill sets, it helps the NCAA because people love tradition and big name players i.e. McDermott, and it helps the fans, because fans love rivalries and connecting with their players over the years. If you go to the school you actually see these guys on campus. It was weird when I was talking to Harrison and Obekpa on campus but so cool at the same time. That's what makes it different than pro sports. These are kids representing schools and staying longer would give them more pride.

[HoosierPal]

I know this will probably never happen because the players just want the money as quickly as possible and there will always be a shortcut for them to go pro early, but if we required players to stay 3/4 years I think it would change college hoops for the better by a long shot. Exhibit A is Moe Harkless a few years ago. Tons of talent, tons of potential, but left after 1 year for the Orlando Magic. If we had him still there's no doubt in my mind we'd likely be ranked or at the very least a tourney team the last 2 years. Think about guys like Wiggins for 3 years. Look what McDermott did in 4 years. College hoops needs recognizable stars. It needs more long-term stability. In the same way you can rattle off Derek Jeter as the main player for the Yanks, it would help other fans link familiar names with different teams. It would enhance rivalries and give schools more culture and tradition.

I was listening to the Herd on ESPN radio and he was saying college hoops is a coach driven league and players don't matter so much and it's the opposite of the NBA. Not sure I totally agree with that, but he's right that college hoops needs more star power. More well-known players.

I would like to see a rule like NCAA baseball - make it possible for kids to go right out of high school but if they go to college, they're in for 3 years. The few kids, like Wiggins or Jabari Parker, who really are good enough could go to the NBA. The rest who should go to college will develop and mature. This seems like a win-win for the NBA too as it ensures that kids aren't declaring who really have no business doing so and their teams don't risk taking a kid who has potential but is no where near ready for the NBA yet.

Totally agreed. It helps the NBA because the players come in with tons of hype and more rounded skill sets, it helps the NCAA because people love tradition and big name players i.e. McDermott, and it helps the fans, because fans love rivalries and connecting with their players over the years. If you go to the school you actually see these guys on campus. It was weird when I was talking to Harrison and Obekpa on campus but so cool at the same time. That's what makes it different than pro sports. These are kids representing schools and staying longer would give them more pride.

I too like that premise, but what do you do with the handful of HS seniors that declare for the NBA but aren't drafted or are cut after summer camp. To me it's a two headed monster. If this premise is allowed, then we need a better feeder system than the NBA D league for those that don't make the NBA cut. Or do you let them back into college after their non-successful attempt? That presents numerous problems, but where is the focus, on the kids or the schools and the NCAA?

[SJHooper]

I'm not an expert on the process by any means, but why can't they try the D-League or head overseas if they don't make a pro roster? If they don't make the cut they don't make the cut. Why would schools be responsible for maneuvering them at that point once they are out of college? Leaving college early whether it's after 1 year or after 3 years has its risks. Really I wish we could make them stay all 4 years but I know that is totally unrealistic. That's an era before me that I missed. Back when players stayed all 4 years and became household names and are now legends i.e. Chris Mullin, Patrick Ewing, etc.