Truth & Rumors > NCAAB

Promo_BaseballChallenge_638x30

Thompson's amateur hoops fears

Views
2126
Comments
0

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

Comments (8) Add A Comment

July 22, 2008  09:09 AM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

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
Report Abuse | QUOTE

Are they playing under ultra-violet lights?
That towel is glowing!

Comment has been removed
July 25, 2008  05:10 PM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

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

Comment has been removed
July 29, 2008  06:45 PM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

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?

Comment has been removed
 
Comment has been removed

Comment

Remember to keep your posts clean. Profanity will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.


The Si.com Cover Hub Go to the Cover Hub

Stub Hub

The 2009 schedule has been released. Search for tickets!

Truth & Rumors

MOST POPULAR

  1. 1
    Meeting with fans backfires on Browns owner
    Views
    27149
    Comments
    850
  2. 2
    Canseco wants to fight A-Rod
    Views
    38957
    Comments
    202
  3. 3
    Mangini scaring off GM candidates?
    Views
    3224
    Comments
    113
  4. 4
    Gator Bowl eyeing Notre Dame
    Views
    2132
    Comments
    88
  5. 5
    Ex-Eagle: Cowboys everything wrong about NFL
    Views
    7587
    Comments
    85

Most Active Users

Comments + Blog Posts + Throwdowns

  1. 1
    Porkins: F U to Hell, BCS
  2. 2
    RobertMenn: You stole my rake
  3. 3
    Perfectpats
  4. 4
    sign here
  5. 5
    Oso: Yankees win again?

Message Boards

  1. NCAAF > General NCAAF

    Rivalries/hated teams
    Views
    368
    Replies
    39

  2. NCAAF > General NCAAF

    CFB Game Day 11/7/2009
    Views
    336
    Replies
    114

  3. NFL > General NFL

    Ok, who would you consider to…
    Views
    222
    Replies
    47

Blogs

SI.com

Swimsuit

Cheney LarschiedCheney Larschied
Kim CloutierKim Cloutier

SI Photos

Cheerleader of the WeekCheerleader of the Week
Locker Room CelebrationsLocker Room Celebrations