As we approach the end of the first year of the "mandatory" one year rule, it is having varying effects on both the NBA and the NCAA. We have a NBA that is less diluted and a NCAA that gets a glimpse of future stars.
I have to give Stern credit for addressing what had become an increasingly uncomfortable situation. At first, letting a few very talented high schools such as Garnett and Kobe enter the draft brought even more allure to the league. When people complained about allowing youngsters to enter the NBA at 18, Stern retorted with "its their right to earn a living." Soon AAU agents were telling many of the very talented kids that they could go pro hoping to catch a piece of them if they made it. As the high school entrants peaked at over 40, Stern and the league were forced to make a major move out of embarrassment. Clearly most of the high school stars weren't even close to having NBA talent and were learning on the job.
When the high schoolers began bypassing college, NCAA officials didn't worry because the numbers were so small. As the numbers swelled, the college game became division II like in its appeal. Most frustrating to the pharaoh like coaches was that their "hard" work recruiting and then exploiting kids had competition. A kid could first sign a letter of intent to a college, and then opt for the draft without any repercussions.
Ideally a professional athlete should be ready to play at that elite level, not need three years to "develop" his game. This is what the NBA was becoming. Stern wanted the age to be 20 years, but the players union fought hard for 19. Is the college game better for having a kid for only one year? This years tournament is interesting in that respect. Oden was on every one's radar and could easily been drafted number 1 out of high school. But this college season gave Kevin Durant a chance to standout when he wasn't even on the pro radar out of high school.
In my opinion the NBA should put more emphasis on developing a solid "minor" league like baseball, hockey etc. I've always felt that the NCAA exploits athletes in countless ways. You give a poor kid a scholarship, but don't even allow him a stipend or the ability to work so he can get a burger late at night when he's hungry. Most kids out of high school or college need to hone their game for the NBA, an efficient minor league system could accomplish this.
