Welcome Guest   |  Login   |   Signup
JG Logo
Thu, May 24, 2012
Archive Search

With Threat of Lockout Looming, College Stars Face Uncertainty Over Draft
April 05, 2011

Share This Page
0
0
0
0
Share with google+ :


Post a comment
Please login to post comment

Comments

Be the first to write your opinion!

Once the afterglow of the NCAA tournament fades after Monday’s national championship game, the focus of the college basketball world will inevitably shift to the NBA draft.

But the annual rite of underclassmen considering leaving college early for professional riches has been set against a backdrop of uncertainty this year as the NBA moves closer to a lockout.

As underclassmen weigh the consequences of leaving early, some college coaches, NBA front-office members and agents do not seem exactly sure how, and to what extent, the labor situation will affect the draft class.

The NBA and the players’ union have until June 30 to reach a new collective bargaining agreement or risk a lockout. But with the sides at a stalemate for more than a year, Billy Hunter, the union’s executive director, has said that a lockout is very likely.

College coaches have had to try to educate themselves with the help of NBA executives, agents and former players who are in the league to get a sense for where the labor negotiations stand, to inform their conversations with underclassmen.

Underclassmen who submit their names for the draft by the April 24 deadline have until May 8 to withdraw their names and retain their eligibility, unless they sign with an agent. An NCAA spokesman said he was not aware of any discussion to extend the deadline to alleviate the uncertainty associated with the NBA labor situation.

Perhaps the only certainty in this year’s process is that Ohio State forward Jared Sullinger, who could have been a top-five pick, announced he would return for his sophomore season. His father said Sullinger did not discuss the lockout in making his decision.

Similarly, Connecticut junior Kemba Walker said the specter of a lockout would not play a role in his decision. “I haven’t given it any thought at this point,” he said. “But I’m very aware of the NBA lockout.”

While some agents said they were seeing the typical number of players entering the draft without representation — a move to preserve their eligibility, should they decide to return to college — the potential lockout has factored into some agents’ discussions with potential clients.

Last year, 80 underclassmen entered the draft; 29 later changed their mind.

The NBA’s draft advisory committee, which provides feedback to players about their draft status, will not be affected by the threat of a lockout. A spokesman said it would still provide guidance to players about where they might be selected in the draft.

NBA executives, however, still do not seem sure whether to expect a similar or different group of underclassmen making the professional leap. The draft will be held on June 23 in Newark, New Jersey. 

The New York Times