I think that you would have to put this scenario into perspective to not come to the conclusion that it asks: Education or Pro Sports?

If one were to leave college to play ball in the NBA, when they retired (when they hit that age where their bodies say 'no thanks, I'm done'), who says that they cannot return to college and get their degree then? However, you could not easily tack on years to your basketball career because you waited to graduate.

So the question is, are you doing yourself a disservice to wait until you are older to get your education? Do you value a marginal intellectual benefit for ~15 years over the salary you would receive in 2 or 3 extra years in the NBA?

I certainly do not agree that choosing the former situation values athletics over education, but takes serious advantage of a profession opportunity.