Why in the would he turn down a job paying six-figures that will help him have greater future earning potential to stay in an inferior program that pays him nothing? Why is it a big deal when a young black man wants to go pro early, yet no one cared about Martina Hingis hitting balls at Wimbledon in her training bra? Is it because Americans think young black men need to be "educated" away from rap music, black slang, and so on in white houses of higher education?
Last edited by baseline bum; 04-23-2009 at 02:42 AM.
I can't wait until the death of college sports. Or at least college sports the way it's currently constructed. Billions of dollars made and the athletes get like 1% of the profit? That's a garbage system.
There's no sane reason why top college basketball and football recruits shouldn't be able to go to the highest bidder. Let the market dictate whether or not someone is worth more than just a scholarship.
why are people saying that he made the wrong decision. You go to school to prepare for future professions. WHy go to school, when you can earn millions doing that in europe .
Obviously, a lot of people on this thread are 6'11" and have immense basketball talent desired by European scouts. Thanks for your advice guys!
Tony Parker was playing pro basketball at 16, IIRC.
A good education is important but its not like he still can't get that. If he really wants a GED and a college degree, he can still get that and will have to money to pay for it. All I know is that if it were me and I was offered this chance, I wouldn't have had to think twice. He is in no way guaranteeing himself success but he does have the right to try.
but why didn't kiss her ass rather than BR's son?
I like this ass!
There is no outcry when professional tennis players are getting paid around the world and not going to school. When child actors are on sets instead of classrooms? How is that any different than this kid?
And those saying he won't get a job with out a HS diploma? Please. Even with a HS diploma, a lot of doors aren't going to open up for you. If he's headed to the corporate world - you gotta have college. If he's head for professional ball - he doesn't.
He's getting more training for professional basketball - whether its the NBA or overseas. He'll likely make more money in the next 5 years than 95% of COLLEGE graduates do in the next 20. That's smart business.
dropping out of school, i agree is not so good decision i guess. But maybe have big succes overseas, its nice to see players like this choosing for european basketball to learn, improve.
and what if he breaks his leg in his senior season? wouldn't that be the same? being home schooled and obtaining a GED while you are trying to pursue your dream overseas would probably be looked at much more positively from a potential employer if you want to think of it from that perspective. it shows the kid has drive and wants to succeed. why do you keep talking about him as if he can never get a GED?
agree 100%
Probably the right decision for this guy, who seems fairly mature and has a good support system in place. If this were to become the next trend it will be very interesting to see how well Euro scouts can judge 16-17 year old kids who can handle an overseas transition, culture shock, etc. Even seasoned Euro vets have troubles with that here, it's tough to imagine many 17 year olds who can take that in stride.
good. with this ed up economy. who really needs to waste time and money going to school? to what? be unemployed or underpaid??
take what you can get now
This would be applicable if he were some random player from Queens or just a "good" player from Peoria, IL, where they are a dime-a-dozen.
This guy is the projected #1 NBA Draft Pick. He's not some dreamer with stars in his eyes hoping for his big break. He's already touted as the best there is in high school.
Why is there a proportionally better chance of him not breaking a leg in high school, when he's getting paid $0, than playing overseas, where he won't be triple and quadruple teamed, and actually make some very good money while he's at it? You act like he's immune to injury if he stays in the States.
This guy is as close to a lock for the NBA as there is. He's risking nothing by going overseas that he doesn't already risk here.
Despite this; He's an idiot for dropping out. How can this bumbling idiot make good money without acquiring the all important HSD? Let the kid's potential stagnate at his uninspiring SoCal high school. /sarcasm
Good for him though. If he's going to be making money doing what he loves while getting some needed life experience overseas. What's the problem? Do people have an issue with this just because he would rather choose a different path than most kids? It's not like he can't continue his education, and learn anything he would normally learn in H.S. by taking a few GED classes, college courses, or ; even a trip to the local library.
I agree. The restrictions on college athletes while the schools rake in money hand over fist are unbelievable, and invite corruption and cheating. I believe I predicted that some high school player would end up doing exactly this to bypass the NCAA on this very board a couple of years ago. And the more it happens now, the more quickly the NCAA re-evaulates its rules in order to survive. The NBA should consider throwing its weight into this because the talent flow suddenly shifting to Europe is going to make it that much harder to get drafted players to the NBA (See Splitter, Tiago).
Exactly. No different than some pretty model who moves to Italy at the age of 15 to pursue her modeling career.
And the funny thing is, his move really isn't all about the money. If he wanted to get the maximum value (guaranteeing himself the #1 pick in the draft), he would stay here, go to college for a year, and then go pro. That way, his liabilities won't be as obvious as they would if he is playing in a pro system overseas (against grown men).
And its not like his family needs the money. His father by all accounts is doing fairly well (he owns his own business).
This is purely a basketball decision, with the mindset that he is getting absolutely nothing out of dunking on 16 and 17 year olds game in and game out in high school, and would probably only marginally improve his skillset by playing one year in college (with its antiquated rules as far as practice time and number of games are concerned).
To fail in life is this kid's destiny. Much like Maurice Clarett.
Stupid kid.
People get on their high horse and feel they have to chime in with the obligatory "stay in school." Because if this kid doesn't take Algebra II he won't be able to make it in life. He's not dropping out to chill with his boys outside of Dollar General while he's living with his parents and getting paid minimum wage. He's dropping out because right now he doesn't need it to be successful.
I graduated HS and i'm a senior in college, but i realize that different people take different paths. Life's all about opportunity...and this kid has a great opportunity to better himself.
Stupid post.
Clarett had a lot of issues that school wouldn't have helped. There is no relation between the two except they were young talented Black athletes.
Sounds like a no-brainer to me. Of course he should go. I wish him luck.
good call...clarett went to college and look how he turned out
This will be a great move for him considering that he is a legit NBA prospect.
1- The guy is a top talent he’s likely to get a lucrative contract to play overseas, an even have some endorsement contracts as well.
2- He is planning on earning a GED, and with the money he’ll make he could pay for higher education if he wants/needs to.
3- Playing at the pro level will improve his game and his character.
This is a win-win situation for everybody... Even the NBA.
Not that im proud, but all i have is a HSD and im making slightly over 55k a year in San Antonio...
Not only does he increase the money he makes now but his skill set can mature quicker to a higher level during his rookie contract. He can make himself even more money in the future at his first contract extension.
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