Controversy over One-and-Done may not end if One-and-Done is done.
The One-and-Done rule requires college basketball players to be at least 19 before entering the NBA Draft. While early entry is not endorsed universally, let’s keep in mind that many players–notably the late Kobe Bryant and Lebron James–proceeded directly from high school to the pros.
Some coaches like the One-and-Done rule, while others do not. At least one coach–the University of Kentucky’s John Calipari has built his program (at least partly) on the rule. As a result, a player with the talent to play in the NBA can play college ball one year and be drafted into the NBA the next. Former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski was at the other end of the continuum.
There are drawbacks, though.
Mike Krzyzewski: The idea is to build your team for a national title. If my superstar athlete is with me for one year and then goes to the NBA, I don’t have a team I can build around, so I have to start from square one. I want that kid for four years.
The controversy surrounding One-and-Done may end soon because the NBA is considering repealing the rule that former NBA Commissioner David Stern initiated. Stern believed that it would help young players. Is it?
In many ways, the situation is six of one and a half-dozen of another. On the one hand, deserving players can make millions by going pro. On the other hand, athletes benefit from earning a college degree; it enables them to prepare for what comes when their basketball days are over.
We’ll see how this gets resolved, but I prefer leaving decisions in the athletes’ hands.
I think this rule should be abolished. When a top High school recruit goes to a big university on a scholarship, they need to fulfill their obligation. Mike Krzyzewski said it right. You’d think a young player would want to win a national championship.