Thursday, March 29, 2007
Bob Huggins, Rick Barnes and Thad Matta should all be sending NBA commissioner David Stern a box of chocolates and thank you letters galore.
Thanks to Stern’s NBA age-limit rule change that took effect this past season, Texas was the talk of college basketball because of freshman phenom Kevin Durant. Ohio State is in the Final Four this weekend because of Greg Oden, who NBA scouts have been drooling over since Oden could grow a beard — so sometime around his 11th birthday. And next season Kansas State is going to benefit from the arrival of Michael Beasley, who is just biding his time before he can declare for the draft.
But Stern’s rule, which changed the age limit from 18 to 19 and one year removed from high school, has unfairly made it so players like Beasley, Oden and Durant have no other option but to attend one year of college and sometimes these guys just don’t belong in school.
Take Beasley for example.
nutgraf
The age limit practically turns the college game into a minor league system, where players like Beasley are not really student-athletes but athlete-students (using student loosely).
“I’m just wasting time here,” Beasley told a Washington Post reporter several weeks ago about going to high school, an opinion he’s sure to take with him to Manhattan. Beasley, a senior at Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Mass., has been kind enough to spread the wealth of his talents during his scholastic career, attending six schools in five different states.
Beasley would never go to Kansas State if it were not for the age limit. He said he’s counting the days until he turns 19 and is able to enter the draft. He’s obviously made it clear that he does not plan to attend college more than one year. So why should he even enroll?
If Beasley were not a stud on the basketball court, he would most likely not be planning on attending college, nor would anyone encourage him to. Before the age limit, if a player did not want to go to school, he did not have to. The guys who wanted to attend college or thought it was in their best interest went to school, and the players who felt like going to school was just “killing time,” skipped college altogether.
Since Beasley is obviously going to declare for the draft next year, he could stop going to classes after the season or even after first semester. He wouldn’t even need to be passing his classes second semester and he could still play.
The age limit practically turns the college game into a minor league system, where players like Beasley are not really student-athletes but athlete-students (using student loosely).
When the athletes stop going to their classes after they decide they want to declare for the draft, they don’t lose their scholarships. Those classes are still being paid for — just not attended. This is a scholarship that could go to someone who would actually use it to get an education. Despite the stereotypes, which are not being helped by this age limit, there are still some athletes who use their athletic ability to get a free education. Many use their free education to enter the job market when they graduate.
As the NCAA commercial goes, most college athletes go professional in something other than sports. So a Beasley-like player will take up a scholarship next season instead of a player who actually wants to go to school and isn’t just there “killing time.”
The schools that take in these players do benefit from their short stays on campus. At Kansas State, for example, the basketball team sold out its season tickets for the first time in 23 years this past season. The big reason was because of the arrival of Bob Huggins and the Michael Beasleys that were sure to follow.
NBA-bound players are coming to play for Huggins because they realize he could care less if they get an education, which he has proven with his well-documented poor graduation rates. He may have to start caring at some point, because the NCAA now penalizes teams for not graduating players. It’s a price Huggins and Kansas State are probably willing to pay because of the exposure and money that is generated by having players like Beasley.
The schools also benefit from taking in these one-and-done players by winning games. Without the age limit, Durant would most likely have declared for the draft instead of going to Texas. Without Durant, Texas would have played in the NIT this year instead of the NCAA tournament. Some would argue that Durant’s year in college has been a blessing for both Durant and college basketball. He has been able to improve his skills, star quality and get big-game experience at the college level while college basketball has benefited from the exposure he brings to the game.
The NBA benefits by making these players go to school because the scouts get to see future pros play against real competition. By players going to college, it makes it easier for the NBA to evaluate their talent and potential instead of evaluating them against pimply-faced high school kids.
Beasley could be getting the same preparation for the pros and tutelage he will get under Huggins in a minor league system similar to baseball’s minor leagues. But why should the NBA take trouble of forming a minor league system when the NCAA is providing one for free?
The NBA could follow baseball’s model and start a minor league system that prepares players who do not want to go to school for the league. But that would take time and money.
Beasley is 18 years old. By law, he’s an adult. He can go fight a war for his country if he feels like doing so. But he wants to play basketball for a living. To play in the NBA, one needs to be really good at basketball — Western Civilization isn’t a prerequisite. Beasley is really good at basketball. He does not need a year at Kansas State to prove that and he would rather not go.
As a university, it’s K-State’s job to educate, not babysit. If the NBA wants a farm system, it should make one and leave America’s colleges out of it.
Moore is a Shawnee senior in journalism.
—Edited by Lisa Tilson
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Comments
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
So I guess KU shouldn't have offered a scholarship to Brandon Rush and Julian Wright, since all the talk before they proved they weren't ready for the NBA was that they were "one-and-done" type players.
Should the NBA decide to form a minor league like baseball, it would make NCAA basketball as irrelevant as college baseball is. When was the last time 15,000 fans showed up to watch a college baseball game that wasn't part of the college world series?
Also, by choosing to focus on Michael Beasley and K-State, it makes it clear that KU fans are getting just a little bit nervous about what's going on over in Manhattan.
If Rush or Wright jumps to the NBA, I'll expect an article detailing their "wasted scholarships".
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
Facts:
KSU will graduate 5 out of 5 seniors this year in basketball.
Beasley stated last night, after winning the McDonald's All American Game MVP award, that he was planning on staying 4 years.
The NBA does have a minor league - they call it the development league.
One last comment: Why do all the KU players drive cars from Custom Highline? Wanna investigate those interest only loans?
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
When was the last time KU cared so much about KSU recruits? As for the "one and done", let us know when Self is going to stop trying to get the Durants and Oden's of the world to come to KU. He'd take them if he could get them. Rush was one and done coming in, I recall.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
Mr. Moore should do his homework and not automatically group Beasley in with the majority just to make a story. Here is a quote from Beasley when he played in the All-American Shootout on February 25th.
"I'm coming to Kansas State planning on playing four years," he said. "I want to be a student-athlete, not an athletic student."
Isn't that the exact oppisite thing Mr. Moore just said in his article. Nice assumption, I mean journalism.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
Haha..ah..ha..haha...
Wait..your serious...let me laugh even harder...
Bwahaa..hahaha.ah..ha..hah...
I'm sorry K-State has surpassed KU in recruiting already but you don't have to make it so obvious that it bothers you.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
I think Mr. Moore only suffers from the naievte that college athletics is still "just a game." Anyone that still believes that the major college sports are mostly springboards to professional sports is only deluding him/herself. It's about money. So enjoy the games, enjoy the talent, and accept the fact that some of these young men and women have little else going for them in their lives. Would that all these stellar athletes come from stable, supportive homes that give them the foundation to achieve in all areas of their lives. That's just not reality. Some have just their raw talent to give to the world. See it for what it is, Mr. Moore - a business...at both ends.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
Your lack of knowledge of that which you profess you speak merits the death penalty. That this utter tripe is allowed to run on the pages of this disease-ridden rag speaks volumes of the quality of the journalism program at your institution. You must be made to feel the sting of the lash about your narrow shoulders.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
If C. J. Moore had been as great a jounalistic prize at the end of his freshman year as he thinks M. Beasley will be for the NBA -- and if he'd been offerred an NBA salary by, say, the New York Times -- would we be reading this article at the end of Moore's junior year. Perhaps. Not likely. Care to respond, C.J.?
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
The presence of Michael Beasley at K-State will generate enough revenue for the university to fund more than 10 scholarships for other student athletes and regular students. That pretty much ruins you ENTIRE "he's taking up a scholarship" arguement. There is NO downside for K-State in this. The only negative aspects of this situation exist at every school where Michael Beasley isn't playing basketball next year.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
So do you do research on an article before you write it?
As many K-State fans have noted Michael Beasley wants to stay to get a degree. If you did some other research into Kevin Durant, you would also know that he was stated that he wants to get an education as well and become a surgeon.
The more you speak about graduation rates, the more it becomes clear that you have not done any research. K-State has had a tradition of graduating its players in basketball. Our GSR from 1996-1999 was scored at an 88 where as KU’s was scored at 45. Ironically the University of Cincinnati scored higher then KU as well. Coach Huggins has shown a predilection of enforcing the rules at K-State by removing two players and suspending our best player.
Only time will tell what Coach Huggins will do at K-State. As of right now, Huggins has shown that he follows the rules, gets the most from his players and is bringing in top notch talent. You have shown a flagrant disregard for journalistic integrity, an inability to do research and an overriding concern level for Kansas State Basketball.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
You are an idiot do some research!
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
The thing that people are forgetting is that Bob Huggins used tactics that would be deemed as a violation by the NCAA to recruit a kid who has been to six high schools in five years. How can a kid with that much talent get run out of town that many times???? HOW???????? Anybody who believes that this kid is going to be in Manhattan a day longer than the end of the 07-08 season is just plain ignorant. Not surprising that the coach with the worst reputation in NCAA would bring in sketchy character recruits who are "staying for four years" when they can't stay in a high school for more than a few months. The only other comparison is what O.J. Mayo is doing at USC and he was recruited by ..... You guessed it! Bob Huggins! I am all for KState trying to improve their basketball team but lets not defend Huggins like he is some saint and also pretend Beasley isn't coming in with one foot out the door.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
this coming from the same schoo with academic fraud, and this also coming from the same school newspaper that printed "huggs and thugs." A truly classless institution
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
You should talk about talent running out of town and sketchy characters!
Giddens Giles Wilkes Downs
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
Wow, after reading this article, I truly feel like I am a dumber human being than I was before I read it. I am seriously wondering how the University of Kansas allowed you to write for its daily newspaper. As was stated earlier, K-State has had a tradition of graduating its players in basketball. Our GSR from 1996-1999 was scored at an 88 where as KU’s was scored at 45. Ironically the University of Cincinnati scored higher than KU as well. Simple first grade math tells us that KU graduates nearly half as many of its seniors as K-State. But obviously, you can't do the math or the research (or both). Not only does this destroy your entire argument, but it also makes you look like a buffoon as a journalist. That's journalism 101 homie. You gotta have the evidence to back your "claim" (aka jealously). Not only do you need to go back to school and start over from day 1, but you seriously might want to consider changing your major, because writing like this is something that is comparable to that of a 4th grader. Why do you criticize Michael Beasley so much? Is it because you know that he is better than any player ever to come to Kansas (yes, I'm including Wilt and Manning)? Maybe you are just like every other Kansas fan who is bitter that you got your tails handed to you by the Bruins and are bawling because you know that you will get swept by the Wildcats next year. Tomorrow, when you write your article, do us all a favor and try not to sound like a complete idiot. Thank you.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
What tactics are you talking about as a "violation by the NCAA" since KU knows the most about NCAA Violations?
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
too bad we couldn't get his mom a job too. I hear she has a CDL!
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
WOW!! That was the biggest piece of crap article and I was even more shocked to see that you are actually a SENIOR. Don't you have an editor?
Now I'm glad I transferred from KU to K-State. I think you better look at your own program before you tear down another school's.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
Mr. Moore,
Q: What is the purpose of going to college? A: To improve one's job prospects.
Q: What is the NBA? A: An excellent job prospect.
So, clearly, players like Beasley, Oden, et al, are idiots for going to the NBA as soon as they're ready, because a college degree will get them a higher paying job than professional basketball.
Oh, wait...
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
"He probably would have [turned pro]. But the rule has taken the pressure off him -- he doesn't have to make that decision right now. I think it's a good rule." -- Michael Beasley's mother, Fatima Smith
From espn.com columnist Pat Forde. Enough said.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
WOW...who gave this guy a sports column in the paper? This whole article should be torn apart. It's about the worst display of journalism I've seen in awhile. And it's because of pure laziness.
Why is Beasley's "I'm just wasting time here" an opinion he's "sure to take with him to Manhattan," as you say. Did you take the time to research what he's been saying about college? Obviously not. Otherwise you wouldn't have written this paragraph:
"Beasley would never go to Kansas State if it were not for the age limit. He said he’s counting the days until he turns 19 and is able to enter the draft. He’s obviously made it clear that he does not plan to attend college more than one year."
A statement like that needs some factual evidence, and you provided none. When has Beasley said he does not plan to attend college for more than one year? HE HASN'T!! In fact, he's said he wants to stay for four years!
You've got a long way to go, Moore. I'd suggest learning how to report next time before you start spouting off nonsense that has no facts to support it. Pathetic.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
Boo. You hawkers scare too easily...
KSU = Relevant in basketball. No matter how much you deny it; Articles like this prove we are you rivals.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
Had LeBron James gone to Akron they would have been relevant too... for one year.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
KSU = Relevant to only themselves. It's f-ing hilarious that they have their panties in a bunch over an article written in a college newspaper. I find it hard to believe that they take the time to read a paper from a school they supposedly despise.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
Hey man How's your a**hole feel after that?
Would you care at all if K-State wasn't getting in the "arms race" for recruitment dominance?
You know, you should probably be a little more worried on what kind of players are being recruited to some mid-major school that will be knocking you out in the 2nd round next year.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
I'm not worried about any school's recruits . . . I just enjoy watching college basketball. I'm thrilled for you guys getting great recruits; I want the Big XII to start representing in a big way. I just really don't understand why you guys care what some college kid has to say about it.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
Oh, and also, maybe you should reserve your comments about anybody being knocked out of any round in the tournament until your team actually makes it. It kinda makes you look stupid.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
Mr. Moore is probably feeling pretty good for all the attention he has generated! Everyone should note that this is an editorial, which means it is a place for the writer to air HIS opinions, so he doesn't necessarily have to prove anything...thus, the title "opinion" often give to editorials. All of this points to the change that has occured in college sports in the last ten years, and I think most coaches would agree that the recruiting aspect of sports has morphed into a whole other dimension. No longer are coaches able to expect players from their backyards to remain at home, especially those "superhuman" athletes that come along...more and more frequently these days, it seems. It's a school-eat-school world out there for those prime athletes, and it's moving into women's sports, too, so look out ladies! Reality check: it really is about the money.
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
"If Beasley were not a stud on the basketball court, he would most likely not be planning on attending college, nor would anyone encourage him to."......WOW the author of this article is really smart...basically saying that he worthless and has nothing else in life for him. Basically this just shows that KU is already scared that their beloved basketball will fail next year,Look at the trouble your university goes through to get players...PROBATION, Its just sad your pathetic little paper has to write an article this low, and shows the true class of Kansas Univeristy....
Moore: NCAA allowing itself to be used
This coming from the same author who was recently urging Brandon Rush to leave school early to go pro.
"Rush has nothing to lose by going pro. His draft standing is high as it will ever be, he'll be able to escape the boring school life and his coach will be behind him.
"Do what's best for your family and yourself and we'll support you," Self said.
And for Rush, the best choice is to go pro."
Just remember if Rush takes your advice...
"When the athletes stop going to their classes after they decide they want to declare for the draft, they don’t lose their scholarships. Those classes are still being paid for — just not attended. This is a scholarship that could go to someone who would actually use it to get an education."
Way to stay consistent with your beliefs. Pathetic.
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