STrib: Hard to find the benefits of basketball's one-and-done era

BleedGopher

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per Marcus:

While one-and-done talent is fun to watch in college, and when they first try to make a splash in the NBA, it’s hard to find evidence that playing only one year of college ball helps anyone involved.

But one thing is for sure: Freshmen are becoming must-see TV. The hype machine is bigger than ever for high-profile recruits tearing it up in their first college season. Just look at ESPN’s 24/7 coverage of Oklahoma sensation Trae Young, who leads the nation by averaging 29 points and nine assists per game.

Along with high entertainment value comes freshman inconsistency and risk. No, it’s not Young’s fault that he already is as famous as an NBA All-Star. But he does share blame in the Sooners going from the top 10 to below .500 in the Big 12 after losing seven of their past nine games.

Among top-10 teams, No. 7 Texas Tech is the only squad with a freshman among its top three scorers. Duke and Kentucky, the premier one-and-done programs, are struggling. The Wildcats have lost six of their past nine, including four in a row.

It seems like ages ago when Apple Valley’s Tyus Jones and two other one-and-done freshman led Duke to the title in 2015. Former Timberwolves coach Sam Mitchell, who coached Jones and four other one-and-done players during the 2015-16 Wolves season, said he felt like he was coaching Duke or Kentucky, not an NBA team.

http://www.startribune.com/hard-to-...255513/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=dlvr.it

Go Gophers!!
 

This situation is fraught with risks for both the one and dones and NBA teams.

I can't blame a kid to go early while the branding iron is still hot and when they can sign for millions. On the other hand, staying in college may help them develop into even better stronger players.
 




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