While I agree with the over arching theme of your post, the above logic is one often used, and just flat out wrong.
Maybe, but your point seems like the what SEC uses to justify itself in football. Could be true, could be self fulfilling prophecy.
You might be right, but I just think universities are such interesting places. The environment, the resources, the people and the experiences - even for just a year. And in my experience, there is such a big difference between the major institutions in this country and the smaller, local colleges and universities. This is a kid who had his choice of any place in the country and he basically gave that up.
He is one and done so he will likely be on campus for 8 months. And he gets to play for his dad (instead of that jerkoff coach K).
Playing for your dad is stinkin cool, I think. He’s never done it.
I don't disagree with most of your post -- or at the very least, I respect it. But this last part, I think, misses the mark. NU didn't hold OSU against Eddie George when he wanted to go to Kellogg. PBJ will be able to associate himself with whichever institution he wants... if he even decides to get his degree later.
Simple answer- for a chance to play his one year (he hopes) of college for his father.
Pretty much anyone accepted to NU,Duke,Stanford, U of C, Ivy league,etc, will have a more than decent chance at being somewhat successful and happy. Generally speaking
Tell that to the NBA. They certainly would like to, but the players union negotiated the restriction to save jobs for vets. The owners gleefully went along because it gives them a free minor league system and another year of scouting to reduce risk of a draft bust. The colleges get a year if the Zion’s and Cade Cunningham’s and calmly accept the TV revenue they bring in.
G League and overseas are cash-paying options more top prospects are considering these days.
The G League lifestyle sucks compared to being the stud on campus. And going overseas for a year isn’t great fun either for a young prospect. Also from a marketing perspective, college lets the top prospects build their brand. G League makes you incognito basically until you get drafted. We heard a lot this year about Cade Cunningham. Jonathan Kuminga, not so much. That translates to real money when it comes to sponsorships
To the extent these things matter, NU was in the ‘top ten’, as most recently reported here: https://balldurham.com/2021/04/19/duke-basketball-target-new-competitor/
If we are being honest, why would a top 10 basketball prospect ever sign with NU? You could be the great great grandson on the founder of the University and it isn’t happening.
Fair point, but I'd argue the advantages of coming to NU for a year are orders of magnitude superior to Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Playing for your dad is nice in 8th grade, but come on. How does that set you up for the NBA and the real world?
The G League lifestyle sucks? Let’s see, I make $150 K as an eighteen year old and I don’t have to attend classes I have no interest in. I get to devote my entire time to developing my craft with coaches who are paid specifically to be player development experts. And I’m playing against guys who are similarly motivated to build a pro career. I mean sure, it’s great to be BMOC for a year, but I’m sure there are folks who find the G League to be a satisfying alternative. I think a couple of the top ten draft picks this year will be G Leaguers who skipped college.
Yes that is the exact same situation for any top recruit who attends Duke, Kentucky etc. Plus you get to hang out with peers your own age, get your highlights on sportscenter every week, and become a household name in March. There’s no camaraderie on a G League team because everyone is potential competition to getting into the league.
Well there is that $150 K difference that you don’t have to hide from the NCAA or the IRS. Hey to each his own. But I suspect we’ll continue to see more players take the G League or overseas options until the NBA removes its artificial one-year barrier.
Much of which goes towards taxes, rent, and food which is covered in college. So the discretionary difference is probably closer to $30-40k at the end of the day. College has world class facilities and coaches for your use 24/7. The quality of G league facilities and trainers varies wildly in quality depending on how serious the parent NBA team treats their affiliate. Hell even NU has a former NBA coach on the staff. How many former NBA coaches does the G league have? Would you rather spend a year in Stockton with no friends or being the BMOC at UCLA for a year?
Exactly. People keep overestimating the value of the “college experience” to athletes for whom college no longer presents any value. Honestly we’ll all be better off once the NBA’s dumb age limit is removed.
Let’s not conflate two different things. Going straight to the NBA is good and better than spending a year in college when you don’t need to. I think everyone agrees on that.
Are you suggesting Pat Baldwin Sr. is
It’s a coaching developmental league as well. So, you’re more likely to have promising video guys, scouts get the nod to coach the affiliated team. It’s an interesting mix, with some ncaa retreads, and some folks we’ve never heard of, and at least one former nba guy. (Brian Shaw — then I stopped reading.)
Qualified is a matter of opinion. I'm sure he's qualified. Do I think there are better coaches out there? Yes. Do I think the dynamic of playing for a parent might not be the best preparation for the real world? Also, yes. Do I have sour grapes? Yes, again.
The vast majority of prospects agree because there has never been a convenient alternative. Going to Europe or Australia isn’t practical for many. But G-League Ignition? That’s another story. You know exactly where you will live (Walnut Creek, Ca), what you’ll make (150k), and you have professional coaches teaching you NBA concepts and developing NBA skills. It’s already chipping away at the top prospects. These next two drafts will go a long way in determining whether the top 10 bothers going to college ever again.
Count me in the camp that says it's much better for NU that PBJ chose Milwaukee rather than Duke or another high-academic major program. PBJ may well graduate from college one day - hell, he may even graduate from NU! - but he's unlikely to spend enough time at school while playing basketball to do so.
Might happen if a top ten player was the son of the NU basketball coach.
Not sure what a big deal it would be to be the big "stud on campus" at UWM. . .