By Adrianna Cole

Lonzo Ball, TJ Leaf, Josh Jackson, Markelle Fultz, DeAaron Fox and Lauri Markannen all have one thing in common: They just completed their first season playing collegiate basketball. Though none of these players saw the Division I championship game, that’s not exactly what they were eyeing these last few weeks.

All six of these star athletes are trying their luck in the NBA draft to play for the ultimate title.

These athletes are a prime example of the “one and done” mentality players set up for themselves. This idea stems from the 12-year-old Article X, which changed the draft eligibility rule stating participants must be at least 19 years old and one year out of high school.

According to Bleacher Report, NBA commissioner David Stern backed Article X in order to minimize the risk of a team putting a ton of money into one player who may not amount to much.

You know who you are, Kwame Brown.

Despite those minor hiccups, there were fantastic players who had or have successful careers, such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett. That said, this rule was created for financial reasons, but it potentially harms both collegiate teams and players.

Coaches spend countless hours training their teams and building them around each others’ strengths and weaknesses. This is more than just a one-year commitment.

Imagine having to change the game plan every year to meet the needs of new players because your strongest ones leave after one year.

Not to mention, the amount of injuries that could befall a potential first round pick completely destroys the NBA dream.

Article X needs to be abolished to protect college teams and potential players.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here