Cincinnati coach Cronin: Current NBA Draft system 'hints at racism'
Significant changes could be coming to NBA Draft eligibility in next few years, something that will impact the college game in ways not seen since the introduction of the shot clock. With NBA commissioner Adam Silver on record saying that the one-and-done system is not working, a logical replacement would be to adopt college baseball's system.
In that framework, a domestic MLB prospect can enter the draft and play professionally right out of high school, or they can attend college and play NCAA baseball, only becoming eligible for the MLB draft after their junior or senior years.
Several college coaches favor the idea, even if it means the NCAA could never again see the likes of blue-chip preps such as Markelle Fultz, Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, or Anthony Davis.
Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin echoed a long-held belief among some that the current system is racist when compared to the one in baseball.
"It hints at racism," Cronin told CBS Sports' Matt Norlander. "Basketball players are black. Baseball predominantly white. Just how I see it. Why can one group be trusted to make decisions and the other is being regulated?"
The NBA instituted the one-and-done requirement in 2006 after a decade of several players jumping straight to the league from high school. While that group included legends like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Garnett, it also resulted in several players being drafted who weren't ready for the grind of the NBA.
Such a rule change would unquestionably impact big-time programs used to landing top recruits, none more so than Kentucky. Because he's long been an open proponent of helping his players attain their professional dreams, coach John Calipari says he would support a baseball-style system. He just doesn't think it's going to happen.
"The NBA doesn't want to do that," Calipari told CBS. "They don't want to go back to drafting high school players ... now, if it would happen I would love it. I think it would be great."