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re: If Players Aren't Going to Make It In the NBA, Why Not Stay?

Posted on 4/20/15 at 9:31 pm to
Posted by The Pirate King
Pangu
Member since May 2014
57618 posts
Posted on 4/20/15 at 9:31 pm to
A lot of these kids hate school and never really had to try at it. They just see it as a means to an end.

Sadly, emphasis on education isn't something that's generally stressed in the African American community enough.

In Mickey's case, he's been pumped up and hyped to think he's better than he is. It's obvious by his "I think I'm a first rounder" comment.
Posted by drizztiger
Deal With it!
Member since Mar 2007
36835 posts
Posted on 4/20/15 at 9:35 pm to
quote:

But, it isn't just about him. This kind of thinking is rampant. It is hard to imagine that Shaq came back for his junior year after winning National Player of the Year and averaging 27-28 ppg his Soph year. He came back because his parents valued education.
Then why did he leave after his JR year without a degree and earn his bachelor's degree 8 years afterwards?

Just trying to get a grasp on your narrative.
Posted by Datbayoubengal
Port City
Member since Sep 2009
26620 posts
Posted on 4/20/15 at 10:03 pm to
How can people ask this question so much? Does this have to get spelled out every single time?
Posted by Datbayoubengal
Port City
Member since Sep 2009
26620 posts
Posted on 4/20/15 at 10:04 pm to
quote:

Yeah, 12 hours a semester in general studies at the cox center with free unlimited tutoring, all I can eat, and posh housing at West Campus sounds horrible.


Maybe you don't understand. Go figure.
Posted by TigerRagAndrew
Check my style out
Member since Aug 2004
7216 posts
Posted on 4/20/15 at 11:18 pm to
You're right; I regularly have trouble understanding poor decisions made by the immature
Posted by KBeezy
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2004
13529 posts
Posted on 4/21/15 at 12:58 am to
It is never a poor decision to follow ones heart and chase a dream

The world needs more people who dream big and act on it and less working stiffs IMO
Posted by Tom Bronco
Austin, TX
Member since Jun 2011
2650 posts
Posted on 4/21/15 at 2:13 am to
Well first of all, in their mind's eye they are going to make it. These are elite athlete's who have been told their whole lives how great they are. Just because some stupid old fools tell them that they aren't that good doesn't mean they will listen. Just give them a chance and they will prove everyone wrong.

And you know what some of them actually do it. But those are by far the exception and it usually takes two or three years of very hard work in the minor leagues. Look at Garret Temple for example. Not an all star or even someone who has stuck with one team. But he has managed to make a pretty good living by sticking it out and working on his game.

The other thing that is taboo to mention is that the majority(not all) don't like school. They aren't good at it, hate to go to class and are only there so they can play basketball. Maybe like a lot of college students they think if they can only get out in the "real world" and make some money, they won't have a bunch of older people telling them what they can and can't do.

Of course then they find out that it is even worse in the pro ranks. Don't follow the rules there and you are out on your rear end. No coddling even if you are a star, let alone a journeyman.
Posted by jprice4608
Member since Dec 2011
944 posts
Posted on 4/21/15 at 4:45 am to
Colleges are a scam. They make you take unnecessary classes, so you have to pay them more money. The degree does not guarantee a good job. The university feels no responsibility in helping you find a job.
Posted by boxcar willie
kenner
Member since Mar 2011
16035 posts
Posted on 4/21/15 at 5:28 am to
quote:

Colleges are a scam


even if he could or would get a degree, that is no guarantee it would help him get a better job. LOt of people with degrees that didn't help them one bit.
Posted by STEVED00
Member since May 2007
22369 posts
Posted on 4/21/15 at 7:19 am to
quote:

by jprice4608
Because they don't have rich parents like you





Bingo!!!
Posted by Tigertown in ATL
Georgia foothills
Member since Sep 2009
29165 posts
Posted on 4/21/15 at 7:23 am to
Lots of good answers.

Easiest answer for me is that these guys are not students and they don't go to school to be one. They go to play basketball period.
Posted by TexasTiger1185
New Orleans
Member since Sep 2011
13070 posts
Posted on 4/21/15 at 7:27 am to
Go overseas. Get paid. Less time spent on classes means more time on basketball. Which means more improvement.

Why stay?
Posted by jprice4608
Member since Dec 2011
944 posts
Posted on 4/21/15 at 7:30 am to
The best part was when he said that his parents only gave him $100 a month and paid his car insurance. This guy comparing himself to athletes that grew up in low income neighborhoods is hilarious!!!
Posted by STEVED00
Member since May 2007
22369 posts
Posted on 4/21/15 at 7:31 am to
I have always thought of it like this:

The point of going to college is to prepare you for life on your own. In most cases, student attempt to gain the skills necessary for their occupation of choice. It is a means to an end.

Also people need to take their personal love of the school out of their thought process bc these kids don't feel the same way.
Posted by Jonathan Ikon
Member since Aug 2014
537 posts
Posted on 4/21/15 at 7:36 am to
The recommendation implicit in the OP is that if you are not going to be drafted and have a legit shot at making the kind of money where having a college degree won't matter, you should stay in school and "work on your game" here in the United States where you will get very good exposure. The European Leagues will still be an opportunity even if after 4 years you still aren't NBA material. Meanwhile, you can become a bit of a local legend in Louisiana (particularly if staying helps the team make a tournament run). And, you have a college degree without student loans.

The rationales offered here varied from economic need (legit) to pure excuses (they don't like school). But imbedded in all of them is lack of maturity and patience. Four years is not that long of a time. It's really not.
Posted by ForeverLSU02
Albany
Member since Jun 2007
52147 posts
Posted on 4/21/15 at 7:41 am to
quote:


1 or 2 jobs? Three diff ways to pay for school? If you're going to lie, stick to one story.
What's so hard to believe about this? I worked 2 jobs, received partial scholarships and took out student loans to pay for school. I know other people who did the same
Posted by Jonathan Ikon
Member since Aug 2014
537 posts
Posted on 4/21/15 at 8:01 am to
A lot of us did exactly that. His point is that while having to pay tuition, room and board he was able to go to school by working, getting some loans and grants and a portion of the cost from his parents.

Those railing on him think that he shouldn't compare that to a kid who is poor even though the poor kid has everything paid for. Of course it's not equivalent but it's not that far fetched either.

It's the same faulty logic that leaves them validating poor decisions based on "not liking school" and "chasing their dream" Despite the writing on the wall.

Most people don't get to play basketball professionally. This includes many McDonalds All Americans. 99% of the population has to work. So give it your best shot by all means, but don't blow years 27-99 by giving up your education.
Posted by Tigertown in ATL
Georgia foothills
Member since Sep 2009
29165 posts
Posted on 4/21/15 at 8:01 am to
quote:

I regularly have trouble understanding poor decisions made by the immature


So if someone decides to quit school to be a plumber or start their own business it is a poor decision?

Not everyone should go to college. Most basketball players should not. Many would not even get in were it not for basketball or a sport.
Posted by Jonathan Ikon
Member since Aug 2014
537 posts
Posted on 4/21/15 at 8:48 am to
Yes, a person giving up a fully paid for undergraduate education to be a plumber is making a poor decision. Absolutely.
Posted by Jay Quest
Once removed from Massachusetts
Member since Nov 2009
9800 posts
Posted on 4/21/15 at 9:09 am to
A lot goes into that equation. How much do they value education? How much are they enjoying the college experience? What is their family's financial situation? How much are they being guided by other people? Maturity and honest self assessment are not always present either.
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