NBA Players Returning to College

A rule change in 2006 stopped the flow of high school athletes to the NBA, somewhat ceasing the early transition of the likes of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Zach Randolf, Jermaine O'Neal, Tracy McGrady, and many other professional basketball players who have risen to the top of their sport. The ruling called for the athletes to be one year removed from high school and 19 years of age. This meant that most high schoolers would have to attend at least one year of college to become eligible for the NBA Draft. Thus many of the top high school recruits have been attending a university for one year, then moving on to the NBA the following year. Brandon Jennings has been a recent exception, as the Milwaukee guard spent a year playing in the Italian Professional league, after which he was drafted to the NBA and was named to the All-Rookie team for his sensational rookie campaign.

With many collegiate freshman leaving school to sign contracts, the number of NBA athletes with undergraduate degrees has been significantly decreasing, currently down to 21% of the NBA population. Statistics show that despite an average salary of $5.8 million in the NBA, 60% of NBA athletes are near or at bankruptcy 5 years after retirement. Similarly, 78 % NFL athletes are in the same boat after only 2 years.  However, contrary to this trend, there have also been a good amount of players who recognize the thought that they will not always be able to always play basketball, and that they might have to pursue some other venture in the future. NFL players seem more dedicated to finishing undergraduate degrees, as about half of the entire NFL has a degree. This statistic is a result of many less football players getting drafted prior to their senior year, and over twice as many players returning to finish school after being drafted on average. Of the 46 current NBA players attending classes last summer, many were surprisingly at the top of the league talent-wise. Scoring phenom and former Texas star, Kevin Durant, as well as perennial all-star Chris Paul, rising point guard Russell Westbrook, and Jeff Green are just a few of the stars of the league that are setting an example.

Vince Carter, former Tar Heel All-American, caused controversy when he had to juggle preparations for a playoff game with his college graduation. After the ceremony finished, he flew to Philadelphia to play the 76ers. Carter's miss of the final shot caused the Raptors to be eliminated from the playoffs. Many fans and members of the news media questioned his priorities after that outcome, however, I personally find his choice to be a testament of his character and intentions of having a well-rounded life. Imagine an individual today missing any type of graduation for any other activity.

Despite the media controversy that this issue causes, I appreciate the select few that return to pursue higher education. Because if they can handle the class load along with the pressures of a professional sport, so can the rest of us undergraduates.

-Jarid Holliday