Can someone compare the economics of a player in the D-league or Europe ($ + per diem less apartment, car, food, groceries, other expenses) v. a quality D1 program ($0 salary but free room, unlimited food, adidas/Nike/UA gear)?

 

Additionally, from both a development quality of life standpoint what is the comparison? D-league / Europe (buses & playing in front of 1,000 people in Erie, Canton, Greensboro, etc.) v. D1 (charters, playing on ESPN, CBS, etc.)

I said the NCAA should change the rules .. meaning the future , Big IH wants to forgo his free education, skip the degree , and go play some Aussie ball for chump change .. have at it . signed , lazy guy on couch .

 

Makes the most sense for Humphrey to declare as he is a marginal NBA prospect at the very best. With the club system in Australia he can go back home and play in the NBL and make six figures for the next 15 years. He was on track to play in the NBL prior to coming over to UK and now with that on his resume I would imagine he would go directly into the top tier league.

 

I don't think a degree from UK and at best time in the D-League ($30,000) looks quite the same to a foreign born player. Of all of the borderline players to declare his actually makes the most sense to me.

 

Six figures out of college does not look like chump change to me. In addition the seasons are much shorter and less of a grind than the NBA in most countries and if he wanted to test the waters in the leagues that pay more (China, top tier Euro Leagues) two years at UK on his resume would not hurt.

Can someone compare the economics of a player in the D-league or Europe ($ + per diem less apartment, car, food, groceries, other expenses) v. a quality D1 program ($0 salary but free room, unlimited food, adidas/Nike/UA gear)?

 

Additionally, from both a development quality of life standpoint what is the comparison? D-league / Europe (buses & playing in front of 1,000 people in Erie, Canton, Greensboro, etc.) v. D1 (charters, playing on ESPN, CBS, etc.)

 

Most European league teams pay the player a salary (which is tax-free), as well as put them up in housing and cover all their living expenses.

People also need to keep in mind that they changed the dates for people to go back to college and they can decide much later than they used to be able to. Makes sense to see the process and test the waters if you are allowed to. I'm more interested in the number of those who stay in the draft versus those who have declared.

Can someone compare the economics of a player in the D-league or Europe ($ + per diem less apartment, car, food, groceries, other expenses) v. a quality D1 program ($0 salary but free room, unlimited food, adidas/Nike/UA gear)?

 

Additionally, from both a development quality of life standpoint what is the comparison? D-league / Europe (buses & playing in front of 1,000 people in Erie, Canton, Greensboro, etc.) v. D1 (charters, playing on ESPN, CBS, etc.)

 

Here is what I can share from personal experience and I can't speak to the big time D1 experience. AS I am writing this my kid is on a plane flying to Australia to begin play. Should be landing in Sydney in two hours! lol

 

For the past 12 months he has been trying to find a place to continue playing basketball. He had to check that box or at least give it a great shot.

 

His college career was as a 4 year starter at the D2 level playing in a top conference on a team that was ranked in the top 25 his junior and senior year and played in the Elite 8 his senior year.

 

Our research and efforts working with his college coach and two agents has been frustrating, interesting and everything in between.

 

What we have found is that the type of financial security most people think of when playing professional sports is reserved only for the top tier leagues. Spots are limited in all leagues for import players so opportunities are extremely limited. It is extremely cutthroat as contracts for the most part are not guaranteed. If you do not perform up to expectations they cut you and send you back home and import players carry a higher expectation as they are generally paid more than the domestic players.

 

For example he is replacing a player 4 games into their season who was a starting PG in the Big 10 but was not playing up to the clubs expectations. This is on a second tier team in Australia.

 

Most import players will not start making decent money until they sign their 2-3 contract. The majority of import players are back home within 1-3 years and most do not see a second contract. In addition to the financial difficulties players struggle with the cultural differences. It is one thing to go away from home to attend college 7-10 hours away. Imagine being 15 hours away in a country with language, food and other cultural barriers.

 

When you see the number of players declaring for the draft and realize that most of them will not make the NBA or even the D-league it is a humbling thought. With the realization that spots are limited in all leagues and you factor in D2, D3 and NAIA players who all want the same chance? Tough, tough way to make a living.

Part of the many reasons a college degree to use for the next 3-5 decades isnt a bad idea either .

Why 137 Underclassmen Declaring for the Draft is No Big Deal

Not everyone thinks the real world is the greatest thing ever, either. My advice to most would be enjoy your youth while you can.

 

I'd rather be young with $90K than young with $0K . :lol2:

Part of the many reasons a college degree to use for the next 3-5 decades isnt a bad idea either .

 

Can get a degree literally any time, at any age.

Part of the many reasons a college degree to use for the next 3-5 decades isnt a bad idea either .

They will have plenty of time after their playing days are over to get that degree if needed. Many NBA plays have done it while playing.

I'd rather be young with $90K than young with $0K . :lol2:

 

:lol2: :thumb:

Can get a degree literally any time, at any age.

 

Yes, they can, but most of them will have one problem in pursuing that degree at any time and at any age. They will have to pay for it! Yes, the top tier players will have all the money in the world to pursue it, but again MOST players will never see near the type of money it would take for them to go back and get their education. There is no doubt, way more early entry kids doing nothing with basketball right now then there are playing professionally somewhere. They are giving up a FREE education for the pursuit of $0 in most cases. its up to the kid, I don't have a problem with whatever decision they make, but somebody needs to tell these kids how it really works, unfortunately the ones in their ears are the ones who are trying to hitch a ride. Sad really

Yes, they can, but most of them will have one problem in pursuing that degree at any time and at any age. They will have to pay for it! Yes, the top tier players will have all the money in the world to pursue it, but again MOST players will never see near the type of money it would take for them to go back and get their education. There is no doubt, way more early entry kids doing nothing with basketball right now then there are playing professionally somewhere. They are giving up a FREE education for the pursuit of $0 in most cases. its up to the kid, I don't have a problem with whatever decision they make, but somebody needs to tell these kids how it really works, unfortunately the ones in their ears are the ones who are trying to hitch a ride. Sad really

 

Actually at UK they don't. My understanding is the Cawood Ledford Scholarship will pay any ex-UK player's tuition to return and finish his degree. Sounds like win-win at UK.

Any reason for any body to want or think a player should stay in college versus going pro is for purely selfish reasons.

I've seen 2 mock drafts this week that has Humphries going in the middle of the 2nd round...

NBA or Aussie draft?