Many athletes dream of making it into the NBA and becoming one of the best athletes on the planet. But what happens to all those players who never make it to the NBA? What happens to those elite players who play in top division college basketball but just aren't good enough to make it to the next level? The truth is that most of these players basketball careers will end in college, but some will get a second chance...
The NBA draft usually only consists of two rounds, which means that only 60 players will get a chance to play in the league. Even some of these players will never see playing time on an NBA court and will end up in the D-League or being released.
However, some players will get a chance to play in the European Leagues. This allows players to continue on with their playing careers and continue to profit from playing basketball. Also, it allows players a chance to improve their skills and then a few years down the road enter into the NBA draft.
So the question is, would you give up everything you know, go to a foreign country and virtually begin a new life to chase the dream of making it into the NBA?
-Bradley Williams
Pro Sports Blogger
Bradley,
ReplyDeleteAlthough, many players give up everything to come play in Europe, I do not think it is the best idea because many of them never make it back to the NBA and the states. I think the better approach would be something along the lines of what Brandon Jennings did. Brandon Jennings is currently a point guard on the Detroit Pistons, who is a proven scorer and a very good NBA player. However, he took a different approach instead of going to college then to the NBA. Jennings actually came to play in Europe instead of college for a year or two and then was drafted into the NBA. I think this approach is a lot better then going to college if you are considered an average college prospect.
Bradley,
ReplyDeleteI feel that Euroleague allows for great opportunities for those players who do not make it to the NBA. I know of a player from my school in the states who is currently a part of the Euroleague and he seems to really be enjoying playing the game he loves in Europe with new and different people. I think it is a great opportunity for players to make money from playing a game they are truly passionate about and also to help improve their skills even if they never make it to the NBA. While I think Euroleague may assist players in possibly reaching the NBA, maybe Euroleague is actually the place for them to stay and not just temporarily. If the NBA doesn’t accept them and Euroleague does, then why wont they play for the league that wants them. Personally, I would rather be a player for Euroleague because it seems to be much less ruthless and political and much more focused on the actual game of basketball and the values of teamwork, dedication, and fair competition.
-Mary
I feel that the Euroleague does allow these players to continue their basketball career after school. If they are not drafted, often times player will decide to play for Europe. There are many cases where players come to Europe, then eventually get drafted, however, a lot of the time these players may never get drafted to the NBA. If the goal is to make it in the NBA, coming to the Euroleague may not be the best option. However, if you are just trying to continue to play at a high level with competition and traveling, this is a great option.
ReplyDeleteIf I had the passion to want to play basketball enough to make a living out of it and wasn’t good enough for the NBA, I would go to the Euroleauge. I think it would be interesting to adjust from knowing how the NBA functions to then going to the Euroleague, which is completely different in how its run. Although I would always have the dream of playing in the NBA, I would not be set on one day playing for the NBA. I feel like a lot of players from the Euroleague still have a tough time making it to the NBA even if their skills develop greatly. If it was really something I wanted to pursue I would be happy that I was making money from a sport I loved to play and a league that wanted me to play for them.
ReplyDelete-Theresa Neri