I think this is a horrible idea for football and basketball as well.
Adam Rittenberg, ESPN.com -- The Big Ten is seeking feedback from its members about the possibility of making freshmen athletes ineligible for competition as they adjust to college life.
In a statement to ESPN.com, the league says it is gauging interest from its members about a "national discussion regarding a year of readiness for student-athletes."
The league has provided background to its members about such a step but has made no official proposal at this point.
The Big Ten has provided background to its members about the possibility of making freshmen athletes ineligible for competition as they adjust to college life but has made no official proposal at this point.
The Diamondback, the student newspaper at Maryland, reported Thursday that the Big Ten is circulating a document titled, "A Year of Readiness," which explores making freshmen in football and men's basketball ineligible for competition.
I am interested in seeing what develops with this. I could very well see the basketball and hockey coaches being opposed to this whereas the football coaches would be apathetic because, after all, most freshmen redshirt in football anyways.
ReplyDeleteIn basketball, there really isn't a collegiate requirement (see Kobe and LeBron for example) though usually only the big time prospects forgo college. If this comes to pass those who feel that the prospect is almost NBA ready may push for that player to forgo college and go right to the D League.
It would be particularly catastrophic for the B1G hockey group because it would give the non-B1G conferences and major juniors even more leverage against their prospective recruits.
Instead, what about something, you know, sane like... I don't know... requiring incoming athletes to report to campus at the end of July for a month long college acclimation course? Or is that too sane?