Why should One-and-Done even be a thing?
Written by: Joshua Gibson
Edited by: Ray Barrera
What if I told you that your paycheck, for the work you performed for an organization, will never be given to you? Yeah, exactly. Your first reaction would be to not show up ever again or dispute it with your boss. Now think of how college athletes have not been compensated for their countless hours of hard work. Many college basketball athletes decide to play only one year, which depending on the prospect can generate a lot of revenue for the university. So why doesn’t the player receive any money from the viewership, fans, and revenue they bring in?
The University of Memphis has recruited one of the most prominent prospects, Emoni Bates, who was projected to be the number one NBA draft pick out of high school if the NCAA ruling (One-and-done) would have changed, allowing him to forgo college in 2022. Personally, I am excited to watch him play against the University of Houston Cougars with expectations of a sold-out game. Bates' name is going to bring young supporters (middle school and high schoolers) and alumni who have watched him or heard about him from across Texas to watch him play, including NBA scouts. While most college basketball fans are often concerned about their chances to watch a young star play in person. The NCAA is hitting the jackpot because this will happen to not just Houston, but all the teams Memphis competes against. When thinking of the revenue the NCAA will receive because of him others fail to realize the other perspective of maybe these players are being used. Some of these players' families are struggling and they are the “Lottery Ticket” to a prolific lifestyle.
Emoni Bates, Memphis Recruit. Photo: Emoni Bates Instagram
The one-and-done rule is something that needs to end because of how talent is blossoming amongst this generation of athletes creating more exciting entertainment. Even though athletes out of high school are now given the option to go to the G-League Ignite, the maximum a player can make is $500,000 for the year. While this is reasonable, they are still not receiving the full amount of money their talent is worth. As shown in the previous history many athletes stay in the NBA for an average of 5 years. Depending on the player and the contract received, any extra year can change their lives and families.
G-League Ignite starting 5. Photo: NBA G-League
A notable young basketball player named Jalen Green was the first high schooler to choose between colleges, overseas, and the G-league Ignite team. Green chose the G-League Ignite where he was paid $500,000 for the year and also provided a one-year program outside of the minor league team structure. The players participating in this team are playing against professionals while getting guidance from former pros. This has been the new trend for the last year and now many more organizations are leaning towards this option. The Ignite team route obviously helped these athletes because three out of the five were drafted: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, and Isaiah Todd, Washington Wizards. Now, they are eligible for a rookie contract and incentives which are better than nothing for a year in a college setting.
If I was a highly touted prospect with these options I definitely would choose the G-League or NBL due to the fact that I can immediately help/impact my family while getting the proper readiness for the NBA. In conclusion, knowing that these young athletes are just going to school for one year to become a Professional why stress them on and off the court because in one year you can’t become a doctor or lawyer.
The one-and-done rule can be seen as a selfish rule made for the NCAA’s benefit. The NCAA structure is such of an autocratic style because there is no negotiation with their rules or appeals. Decisions made by the NCAA are set in stone once in place and there is no room for suggestions or opinions. College and high school athletes are in a position where their opinions can’t be expressed for the one-and-done rule, which forces them to believe that the NCAA is a cash-cow business. This rule has been a controversial topic to fans for many years with little response from the NBA commissioner and NCAA regarding a change.
Bibliography:
Bates, E. (2021, August 26). Emoni Bates Decision. Retrieved September 22, 2021, from https://www.localmemphis.com/article/sports/local-sports/emoni-bates-memphis-penny-hardaway-memphis-basketball-college-basketball/522-d7656bd9-0a2a-4a8a-81ef-d9355b5730d1
NBA G-League. (2021, February 4). G-League Ignite. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/nbagleague/posts/10158839210695289
