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Thompson's amateur hoops fears

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For many, the frenzy of four high-profile basketball tournaments operating simultaneously here this week is a highlight of the summer. Former Georgetown coach John Thompson has another view. He says the scene is more evidence that the game is troubled. "So much is built on promises that aren't being kept, people are bribing others -- it's not regulated, and it's not regulate-able," Thompson, 67, said Monday as he watched the USA Olympic basketball team practice at Valley High. Thompson, who coached the 1988 Olympic team and Georgetown to the 1984 NCAA championship, said the NBA's so-called "one-and-done" rule that allows players to leave college at age 19 or one year removed from high school graduation is warping the sport by allowing advisors and agents to convince young players their value is artificially high. He worries that a sensational individual performance at any of the tournaments, with Nike, Adidas and Reebok sponsoring the action, might only further inflate someone's stock or ego.

Los Angeles Times

John Thompson, Doug Pensinger/Getty Images John Thompson, Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

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July 22, 2008  09:09 AM ET
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As opposed to the old way where they were worshipped int heir senior year of high school? I don't see the difference. This just makes them prove they are good for 1 year against some D1 Ballers rather than scrub high school kids.

July 23, 2008  12:26 AM ET
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Are they playing under ultra-violet lights?
That towel is glowing!

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July 25, 2008  05:10 PM ET
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College is not for everyone some people have a hard time making it through High school. If a baller cant pass the test to get into college then its off to Europe or another league that will pay big money, after basketball at all levels is a BUSINESS

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July 29, 2008  06:45 PM ET
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When the dreamers of the street face reality, they will find out that 1 out of 5000 will make the league(NBA). where will the other dreamers go. Without a high school education, the player becomes his own illusion, the street agent becomes the pimp, the pimp try's to play a game that reqiures reading.That's a tough task for a non-reader. An the question becomes who's pimping who?

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