Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="billsin01, post: 2507538, member: 837"] I'm not worried about a participation story. I have three boys, one has down syndrome, one's a bit of an athlete and one struggles with coordination and processing what is happening out there on a basketball court or a playing field. I know this isn't the discussion currently, but there's really nothing wrong with giving a kid a trophy for putting in the effort even if they lack the ability, especially considering the physical exercise is vital for their health and the idea of being part of a team is a valuable developmental tool. Not sure why people care so much about this. But, I digress. Your point is a valid one. I think people drastically overrate these kids' actual market value. Don't forget that a big part of their value is tied to the brand these schools have created. How may people in this country can name one high school basketball player? Even casual college hoops fans? Us diehards and live and die with the whims of a 16-year-old but most of the world does not. A kid like Marvin Bagley III might have been plenty good enough to be a key rotation piece in the NBA last year at this time -- but most of the world didn't know who the hell he was b/c he didn't have the D on his chest and a bunch of talking heads raving about how great he is. Get rid of one-and-done and let kids go whenever the heck they want. Otherwise, take advantage not only of an exceedingly valuable scholarship that, if you complete a degree, guarantees you increased career earnings (in most cases) and the opportunity to get the education in the first place. Even if they cheat their way through, these kids come out ahead. I honestly don't think it's all that difficult. Will there still be cheating and dirty money? Yes, no way around that. But it absolutely answers the question of any sort of exploitation and puts the onus on the professional leagues to develop a more robust farm system. [/QUOTE]

Verification: What is a Syracuse fan's favorite color?