Great piece @donkeypong. I actually wrote a piece about the NBA's announcement earlier in the week about changing up the "one-and-done" rule. I completely agree that the NBA likely has more power over youth basketball players than the NCAA and that some change needs to be made.
I think it needs to change in a few different ways. First, the NBA has to reduce the age minimum to enter the NBA draft to 18, or have graduated from high school after four years. This will allow the LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett level players to enter the league immediately, but will also give other guys the ability to get drafted young and be developed by NBA level coaching in the G-League. Next, the NBA has to increase the funding for the G-League. As of right now, the G-League players are barely making a living wage and that has to change if the NBA wants to be able to keep talent in the US from going to foreign pro leagues. Lastly, the NBA needs to enact a rule that if a player decides to go to college, they cannot leave for the NBA until they have been in college two full years. It works well for baseball and would work nicely for basketball as well.
If the NBA goes with those changes, it will solve multiple issues and will hopefully clean up the NCAA at least a little bit.
Very good post. Upvoted and commented. I think we're on the same page that some changes are needed and the age limit is a great place to start.
Thanks @donkeypong. Changes are definitely needed and it has to come from the NBA or the NCAA won't do anything.