Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
There are too many ridiculous Charles Barkley pictures to choose from.
Charles Barkley isn’t one to mince words or shy away from saying something controversial. Last night proved no different, as the former Auburn player and NBA All-Star let everyone listening to the television broadcast know his exact feelings on the “one and done” rule:
John Calipari’s a friend of mine. I love him as a friend. There ain’t one player on this Kentucky team who should go pro early. I hate the one-and-done rule in college basketball. Just ’cause there’s a rule does not mean you have to do it. Listen, Anthony Davis played well enough for him to go pro. … I wish some of these parents would talk to their kids.
Later, Barkley expanded on who he sees as carrying the heft of the blame for college basketball’s rotating door system:
I would love for guys to stay three years. I think the best we can really get is two years. … The family members are greedy, the agents are pigs, also. So they tell these kids, ‘Go to college for one year.’ … It’s driven by the agents, to be honest with you, and listen, it’s a corrupt system. … These agents are such scumbags, and you know that, they just want their percentage of the money. Matt, you know that. They don’t care about these kids, how well they do in the NBA.
So did Barkley get it right? Well, yes and no. Yes, I agree that pushy agents are a huge factor in enticing young, impressionable kids into going to the pros sooner than they’re ready. All too often, players find themselves surrounded by figures who have only a short-term interest in their success- just long enough to get their first percentage check and then disappear. The agents don’t have the loyalty to the players that a college coach would have when it comes to accurately projecting their success in the professional league.
Barkley was also correct in his assessment of the peer pressure and sense of urgency created by the one and done rule; as everyone’s mom’s has told them at some point, “just because so-and-so does it, doesn’t mean YOU have to!” In this case, it’s just because the one-and-done rule exists, doesn’t mean every above-average freshmen has to blindly lemming (yeah I made that a verb) their way into the pros. Arguments could be made for a number of players projected in the first round of the NBA draft this year who would benefit from another year of college- in my personal opinion, Archie Goodwin and Alex Poythress should be included in that conversation, despite their top-ten projected draft rankings.
However, that’s just not how John Calipari operates. Calipari looks out for his players in the context of their future careers as professional basketball players, and where the NBA rule currently stands, that means getting them into the league, uninjured, before their stock can drop and they lose out on a potentially life-changing amount of money. And Calipari doesn’t directly benefit from his players jumping to the pros like an agent would- he’s taken the time to foster relationships with them and their families and wants to help them succeed. With today’s rule, that often means pushing them out of the proverbial nest as soon as they show the potential to fly- and not waiting a second more.
In sum? Yes, shark agents are a real risk to young basketball players who don’t have the know-how to navigate the murky waters of starting a professional career. Yes, many players who enter the NBA draft prematurely would benefit from another year in the college system. No, that’s just not realistic with the rule the way it is the way now.
And you know what, Chuck? I think there is at least one player on this Kentucky team who should go pro early- and I think Frankie Sullivan would agree with me.
That picture isn’t going to get old for awhile. @KristenGeilKSR
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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January 20th, 2013 at 2:42 pm
Kristen, I don’t think Barkley was saying anything negative about Cal’s system. He realizes he just plays by the rules. I agree 100% with what Barkley said. Very few 18-20 year olds are ready to play against LeBron, Kobe, Durant, Duncan, CP3, etc., no matter what their family and “friends” say. Because like Barkley said, most of them only want a cut of their rookie contact, agents especially. Most of these kids go into the league for a couple years, then are demoted to the NBDL, and then out into the real world without a clue.
January 20th, 2013 at 2:43 pm
If they are a lock to be a top 10 pick, why would they come back?? Other than just
loving college ball and campus life there isn’t a reason.
January 20th, 2013 at 2:45 pm
Barkley is 100% correct. Now, he is thinking old-school, which I agree with. Nerlens is ready by today’s standards…but Barkley did clarify that he meant that ALL kids could get better with another year of college. So, no need to try to make this thing a big press argument. Barkley is one of the few that speaks the truth and doesn’t mince words.
January 20th, 2013 at 2:47 pm
Hearing the staff thinks Stein will be back in early Feb.
January 20th, 2013 at 2:48 pm
1) How many top 10 picks are not playing basketball 2-3 years after they
get drafted?? Not very many. If I can sign a contract for 5-10 million, I’m
jumping on it ASAP.
January 20th, 2013 at 2:48 pm
2) Looking short-term, maybe. But if you’re Noel, who has limited offense to say the least, another year would give him time to develop more of an offensive game. NBA teams aren’t going to be as patient with you to develop. How about Doron Lamb or Daniel Orton or even John Wall? I believe they, along with others, would have benefited from another year.
January 20th, 2013 at 2:49 pm
I agree with Barkley, as well. That said, if you can essentially tee bag someone during the game and still score, as Noel is doing in the above picture, you might be ready for the NBA.
January 20th, 2013 at 2:50 pm
We should be in division two. We are a disgrace.
January 20th, 2013 at 2:51 pm
5) You are right, but how many that are out of the league absolutely blows their 5-10 million and go broke due to not having any clue on how to manage their finances? Bet they’d like to have another 2-3 years back playing college ball.
January 20th, 2013 at 2:54 pm
6) Wall was the #1 pick, why would he come back?? lol. Lamb and Orton should have stayed
in school I agree. Just saying if thry know 100% that they are a top 10 pick, then
there isn’t any reason why a kid should come back.
January 20th, 2013 at 2:55 pm
And, as we can see with D Cousins…it is not all about basketball ability. That kid needed more college, and he WANTED it, but was pushed out the door. Basketball-wise, absolutely he was ready…but maturity…he needed to grow up a little. This is not always just about basketball…and I think that was a point that Barkley was trying to make as well.
January 20th, 2013 at 2:56 pm
10) Not saying Wall should have come back, I agree it would have been too risky. Just saying it would have benefited him to have another year but the system made it virtually impossible.
January 20th, 2013 at 2:57 pm
I find it hilarious that the biggest user of runners, bagmen, and agents (John Calipari) has a fan base whining about one and dones
January 20th, 2013 at 2:58 pm
I think the worst thing Barkley said is, “The family members are greedy..” Some family members in some famlies may be, but there are others who have only the best intrests of their kin who is a potential NBA player. We’ve had players to go pro early over the objections of family members, especially parents who wanted them to stay in school. Sir Charles paints with too broad a brush.
January 20th, 2013 at 3:01 pm
And Calipari doesn’t directly benefit from his players jumping to the pros like an agent. William Wesley and Cal, would beg to differ!
January 20th, 2013 at 3:02 pm
Barkley spot on, but if you are Norl then it’s hard to say no. This draft will really suck and next year will be better, tough to say no to guaranteed money.
Teague stands out as the player who should have come back. If Orton had come back, his flaws would have been exposed and he would already be pumping gas simewhere
January 20th, 2013 at 3:03 pm
#1 So you argument for not leaving college early, is because they are not ready to play against Lebron (didn’t attend any college) Kobe (didn’t attend any college) Durant (one and done) CP3 (2 and done), and Duncan who is the only one who completed his college career.
January 20th, 2013 at 3:08 pm
Scumbag agents, shady parents, runners and Unlce Wes are everything Cal embraces. Charles was basically speaking to peope Cal surrounds himself with.
January 20th, 2013 at 3:13 pm
#17 – the point is not every kid is a one and done. I would enjoy the NBA a whole lot more if they didn’t cut their vets so soon to make way for ‘projects’. Jones left because everyone said he was ready, D-league bound. Lamb – D league bound. Teague sittings most of his time….Liggins back in forth from D-League to starting a game back to the bench. Davis and MKG were exceptions but Nerlens isn’t to the level of those 2 right now and he’s the closest to the NBA than anyone. Alex has the body and Archie has the slashing moves they like but both have to learn to play. Alex needs to figure out how to muscle in and get some rebounds and put back giving 100% all the time…..Archie needs to learn to pass the ball and trust his teammates more. Nerlens need to get better offensively….yeah I know close to Davis but if on last years team in Davis’s place he wouldn’t have the numbers he has now….stay at least one more boys….yeah need it.
January 20th, 2013 at 3:15 pm
I’ll bet Frankie is still trying to scrub Nerlens junk of this head.
January 20th, 2013 at 3:22 pm
Earning it is much harder than managing it. To each his own…why should they care what we think is a good investment? I’d rather buy 80 gold chains and go ignorant than listen to someone else tell me how to manage my $. Leave the kids alone. Live it up and make memories.
January 20th, 2013 at 3:24 pm
That was a foul on Noel.
January 20th, 2013 at 3:24 pm
The fault for this lies squarely on the GMs in the NBA, who draft on “potential” and not on any kind of demonstrated ability. They don’t care if you’ve shown you’re a good basketball player. They care about how tall you are and how much of an athlete you look like. If you’re labeled a great prospect, that will get you drafted in the first round, even if you suck all year long playing against actual competition (see: Daniel Orton). In the 1990s, you actually had to show some kind of basketball skills and acumen to get drafted. Of course NBA basketball is nearly unwatchable street ball with no coaching or flow, so I suppose they’re picking people who suit their ideal.
January 20th, 2013 at 3:24 pm
19 I just thought it was comical that#1 listed a bunch of guys that either didnt go to or left college early as his reason for not leaving early. My feeling is the rule should be like football. If you are good enough to go after high school then go. If not then you have to stay 3 years. I realize that will never happen, so make it 2 years. The only reason the one and done rule even exsists is because of guys like sebastian telfair who turned out to be busts.
January 20th, 2013 at 3:25 pm
We are going to whip your candy a@ses in both games this year.
January 20th, 2013 at 3:25 pm
Another interesting point Barkley brought up was the reason to stay 3 years. First year…player dominates. Year 2….competition figures the player out and it looks like the player isn’t as good when that is not the case. The competition adjusted. The third year in his opinion is for the player to show their ability to adjust and dominate. He makes a very compelling case. Also….serious question…..does anyone recall the last college basketball player to give up going pro, return to college and have an injury that cost them money in the draft status?
January 20th, 2013 at 3:26 pm
#13-I find it interesting but not hilarious, that you are even posting on this site. You best worry about your team. They are in for some pretty good beatdowns in the near future. You seem to be up on your gangster jargon however. Any other trite terms you have to share? How about “snitches”?
January 20th, 2013 at 3:29 pm
I say things with a lot of class don’t I? I represent the Gators quite well, wouldn’t you say?
January 20th, 2013 at 3:31 pm
I DVR’s the uofl game. I have m@sterbaited to the last minute of the game three times.
January 20th, 2013 at 3:32 pm
29) DVR’d, stil excited.
January 20th, 2013 at 3:37 pm
#29 and 30-You representin’ the linebeards very well…
January 20th, 2013 at 3:39 pm
30 – The Final Four game from last year? Me too…. What an awesome time.
January 20th, 2013 at 3:44 pm
Barkleys absolutely right however u can’t fault these kids for taking advantage of the rule to get paid… I do agree last year AD and MKG were exceptional players who were clearly ready to go, this year not so much
January 20th, 2013 at 3:51 pm
32) That one as well. I wore out the DVR and my dong beating it to that game.
January 20th, 2013 at 3:54 pm
It is true Noel will be a top 10 pick but he is not going to have an immediate impact on any NBA team next season. He still has a ridiculous amount of developing to do on the offensive as well as defensive end and he would benefit from staying at least one more year in college but we all know that won’t happen.
January 20th, 2013 at 4:01 pm
Have everyone forgotten that Noel is supposed to be a high school senior this year?
January 20th, 2013 at 4:03 pm
36) Nope. The money Wes offered was too much to turn down.
January 20th, 2013 at 4:30 pm
I am convincing a lot of readers on this board that I am right. Must be my positive and classy approach. What ya thank?
January 20th, 2013 at 4:33 pm
That Billy Donavan guy at Florida has stolen my hair-do.
Thatis an Ediie Munster hair-do only.
January 20th, 2013 at 4:35 pm
I love CHALES !
January 20th, 2013 at 4:40 pm
John Calipari and UK, the best team $$$ and WWW can buy!
January 20th, 2013 at 4:42 pm
I thought we got 2 or 3 bad calls down the stretch.
What a bad loser.
Poor rick’s ego knows no bounds.
January 20th, 2013 at 4:47 pm
42) I’m a uk fan and hate little bro, but uofl did get some bad calls in the last couple minutes. Ball clearly goes off cuse. they give it to cuse and they hit a three. Cuse player also had his hand in the rim toward the end. Not that I’m complaining. You don’t always get a good whistle.
January 20th, 2013 at 4:54 pm
My standard for going would be whether or not I felt confident I could get enough clock- and do enough with it- to get a 2nd contract. Unless you are a top 5 pick, you don’t get enough on that first deal to be set for life. You have to clear $3mm, net of taxes, agency fees, etc, to have enough to live off the interest for a lifetime. And that assumes a reasonable lifestyle sans multiple home and/Orr Bentleys.
January 20th, 2013 at 4:57 pm
According to sources, Rick is lobbying for a “15 second” shot clock.
January 20th, 2013 at 5:06 pm
Had to cancel Payton’s hair cut untl next week…out of weed eater string.
January 20th, 2013 at 5:57 pm
I suggest that kids be allowed to go right out of high school. In addition, if they decide to go to college then they are required to stay three years or be three years removed from high school if they play any time in college at all. If these kids don’t want to commit to our university then I say quit letting them use us as a stepping stone. AAU coaches can continue to mentor them since they do such a good job. The college game is becoming a joke like the NBA and I’m tired of it.
January 20th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Hardly ever agree with anything Charles Barkley ever says
But this time I agree a100 percent .
January 20th, 2013 at 7:15 pm
It’s funny how Barkley and Shaq earlier this week talked about one and dones. I know they weren’t one and dones but if the culture would’ve been that way when they were in college, they would have jumped at the chance. And now that they have money, they can give advice. Tell that to the ones that don’t have money right now. That’s easy for them to talk like that when they are are loaded.
January 20th, 2013 at 7:56 pm
Everything Barkley said was right on. Noel can go number 1, but he can’t shoot the ball, he can’t score with his right hand, he has no muscle; he will get killed right now in the NBA. Archie, Alex, and Ryan have no business even thinking about going pro next year.
January 21st, 2013 at 7:25 am
Barkley is right. The system is corrupt. The agents are scum and the AAU circuit is ruining highschool basketball across the country. The NBA doesn’t care how many lives it’s having a negative impact. Look at last years team. Jones,Lamb and Teague all should still be playing in college. Jones has been sent back to the D league twice. Teague is playing because Derrick Rose is hurt. He will find himself at the end of the bench or in the D League. All of these young men are very good/great college players but could have used another year in college or two. Cousins and Orton could have used 1 and 3 more years of college. Cousins not because of ability but maturity. If he could have stayed in college for 1 more year he would have had more time to grow up. He still hasn’t grown up. The NBA at the very least would benefit from a 2 year rule. If the kids don’t want to go to college they could go play in Europe,Asia for 2 years. Calipari is NOT the problem. The Problem is the corrupt system.