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Would You Go Or Stay? - Mar 26, 2008
posted by: Josh
The NCAA Men's Basketball Championship is entering its second week, so discussions about which college players we're seeing for the last time are in full swing. Kansas State head coach Frank Martin told the Associated Press yesterday that he believes standout freshman Michael Beasley will leave for the NBA, despite the fact that he "loves being a college student." Why shouldn't Beasley love college? Don't most people love college? It's absolutely the greatest time of our lives - when boys become men, girls become women and we learn how to become productive members of society. There are great classes, all-you-can-eat meals, parties and 2 a.m. bedtimes. College is perfect - I never wanted to leave. Most folks work hard trying to figure out how to stay in college longer, not leave early. But if you had millions on the table - not in six months, but tomorrow - wouldn't you leave as well? Does it make any sense to stay? I love watching Michael Beasley play and it's great that he loves college, but nobody in their right mind can expect him to stay in school. If he does, I will cheer louder than anyone (except the Wildcat faithful) because it would be a tremendous statement and a truly brave choice. More likely, Beasley will leave for the NBA, which will provide him with financial freedom for the rest of his life. He can always go back and receive his degree, but returning to school as a multi-millionaire won't be the same. If Beasley leaves school, he is making a respectable choice to cash in, but he is also choosing to grow up a few years sooner than his peers. That's not always easy. What would you do? 
Commentsto paraphrase Education is forever, athletic glory is fleeting. Beasley is a talent, will go high in the draft, make millions of dollars, endorse footwear, and hopefully have a good career in the NBA. Should he stay? I think it depends on his money managing, agent, and family status. It's hard not to take a boatload of money when everyone says you're great. I think it would be a great thing to see Beasley go into the NBA and return to get his degree, or heck, even work on it in the offseason or something. Wasn't it a few years ago when Shaq finally got his degree? I have only heard of one professional league, the NHL, that helps young kids in developing their personal, business, and education. It's almost like a mentoring program. Maybe the NFL, NBA, MLB would benefit from something like that as well? Mr. B, have fun in the NBA, but don't forget the diploma later on. He's projected as a lottery pick and would get a guaranteed contract. I would have to choose to go. I don't know if you would call being a multimillionaire growing up a little earlier. Shaq stll acts like a kid and he's been in the league a long time. Actually, MLB does work tuition reimbursement into contracts. A couple players from Brandeis actually signed after their junior seasons and had a number of years to finish their degree at the expense of the organization. Not a bad deal. I would say that this is likely more important for MLB and NHL franchises to work into contracts, as rookie deals in the NBA and NFL are generally much more lucrative. Post a Comment |
  
Sox-Yankees happens 18 times a year; this is Figgy's second major league start in four years. Always take the chance to see something you've never seen before.
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