In recent days, the world of College Basketball has been discussing the interest of several universities in Trentyn Flowers, two-way player of the Chicago Bulls, which arrived immediately after the news of the arrival of former second choice James Nnaji at Baylor.
We are at the point that the arrivals in the NCAA of players coming from the G League or European leagues, with several pro seasons behind them, are almost no longer newsworthy.
A situation that risks becoming unsustainable, as stated by several coaches. Below are the opinions of three of the most authoritative and well-known College Basketball coaches, namely John Calipari, Tom Izzo and Rick Pitino.
Calipari:
“Does anyone care what this is doing to 17- and 18-year-olds in America? Do you know what an opportunity going to college represented for them and their families? At this rate there will be no more high school players,” Calipari commented after Arkansas’ 103-74 victory against James Madison. “Who, other than stupid people like me, is still going to recruit high school kids? I get enormous satisfaction from coaching young people, seeing them grow and achieve success — and seeing their lives and their families change — and I will continue to do so. But why would anyone else do it, if you can get NBA players, G League players, 28-year-olds, players from Europe? Do we really know their educational paths? Do we have anyone down there to check? Do we really know their age or not(…..)?
There are no rules.”
Izzo:
«Do we now also take players who have already been chosen in the NBA? I told you a month and a half ago: come on Magic (Johnson) and Gary (Harris), let’s go get them…. Why not? If this is the direction, shame on the NCAA and the coaches. But mostly shame on the NCAA, because the coaches do what they have to do within the rules, I guess. But the responsibility lies with the NCAA. Of those people on committees who make decisions and allow something so ridiculous without thinking about the kids.
Everyone says I only think about my own agenda or that I’m selfish. No. Let’s make this clear for all of you. I think about what would be best for my son if he were in that situation. And I simply don’t agree with all of this. What we are doing for me has been a real disaster. We are only concerned about avoiding lawsuits and are not fighting anyone. But I think leadership also means fighting and making decisions that are sometimes unpopular.”
Pitino (via x):
«Everything I read from college coaches is interesting, but what isn’t said is that this is no longer college basketball. It’s professional basketball, with budgets that rival those of the Euroleague. However, professionals have trade deadlines… The G League, in terms of salary, is far below college basketball. Two-way contracts are also significantly lower. Unfortunately the game I was involved in for over 40 years no longer exists.”
Charlie Baker, President of the NCAA, said on Tuesday that players with NBA experience will never be given the green light to play in college.
A necessary first step.
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