In this OPS Viewpoint we look at this issue.
Winning the NBA Rookie and MVP honors this year are former prep to pro
players Kevin Garnett and James. While everyone felt James was a sure deal, many
had there doubts about Garnett and his chance of making it. With his
announcement this week, Sebastian Telfair has joined at least 6 others in this
year's draft. Did Telfair and the others make the right or wrong decision?
Telfair, the silky smooth point guard with huge skills has guaranteed money
from shoe company Adidas, just as James had with Nike one year ago. The off
court money should set Tefair for life, but the question of him being 5'11 and
not the 6'8 of James, make many wonder if he can compete against the grown men
in the NBA. Because of his skills Telfair will see some team take the chance in
the draft with hopes he pans out. No different than the teams who have taken
high school players in the past. I'm sure many teams are kicking themselves for
passing on Garnett now.
Because of the shoe money, Telfair should go. His stock is at its highest and
may never reach that level again. The fact he will earn high dollars from his
NBA contract just increases why he should go. If Telfair adds to the list of
prep players who make an impact, look for the numbers to rise and the NBA push
harder in placing an age restriction to enter.
Don't think for a moment college didn't use Telfair. Many have talked about
University of Louisville basketball coaches telling recruits about what Telfair
would do for their game if they signed with the Cardinals. In today's disposable
society, money is the only thing that matters for most. With coaches making up
to 1 million a year, can you blame a kid for wanting his share?
The problem is while Telfair has the Adidas money the other kids have put
themselves out on a limb with no guarantees. While many feel a couple have a
great chance to succeed, the others will find real life experiences and could go
without being drafted and end up like Lenny Cooke.
Who you ask is Lenny Cooke? Many felt he was the next sure thing out of high
school. Earning honors such as MVP at the 2000 Adidas ABCD Camp. Cooke had many
talking into his ear about wealth and greatness. With poor grades, Cooke took
the plunge and entered the draft only to see no team pick him. Today Cooke
travels the world looking for hoop work.
Don't be fooled, players like Shaun Livingston have been told they will go
high and earn big dollars. Plus with them getting early service years only adds
to their long term financial package. It's hard to believe Garnet has been in
the league so many years. But it's paid off on the court and off the court. Will
it be the same for Telfair and the others? Only time and how smart they prove to
be off the court will tell.
While it would have been great to see these young men play for a college, I'm
not a fool to what really matters in today's world. Money, as the saying goes.
Money won't buy you happiness, but it sure makes the trip a lot easier.
While I agree that you should get a college education, I still hold out hope that these players who go early look to earn one down the road. The odds are against them doing so, but you have to hope they see the value and understand sports are not always going to be part of their life.
If you have a view point, head over to the message boards and let us hear
what you have to say.