There are good arguments for and against it from all sides, from the NCAA to the NBA. Many college stars have come into the league with plenty of hype only to fizzle out into a mediocre player or bust. Inversely, some never play in college and develop into an All Star player – none more present than Lebron James who left high school to enter the NBA draft in 2003.
The idea behind college basketball is to give the players a chance to play against high level competition before going into the pro’s and this serves as another tool for general managers, scouts and coaches which allows them to see a player in a different playing environment.
college basketball practices
Take a much longer time compared to the NBA. The reason for this is that there are fewer games played in college basketball and that more emphasis is placed on training exercises increasing player skill development. Most college sports are paid for by student tuition with some provided by the NCAA which is a not-for-profit association giving out scholarships to players.
The NCAA limits the number of hours that players can work out with their coaches, limiting them to 20 hours per week during the season (October 15th until March 15th) which is the NCAA regulation that teams must abide by to be able to participate in postseason events. In contrast, NBA teams are allowed to work with their players for 44 hours per week during the season. There is no limit on how much time a player can spend working out with his personal coach or trainer as long as it does not interfere with team practice.
Tips for improving your game
- Scout the players in your division to see who are the top teams
- Work out with a personal trainer or coach to improve individual skills, if allowed by NCAA rules
- Watching college basketball games will help you think of ways that you can play against certain defenders
- Don’t forget about school, stay on top of work and any other activities you participate in
- Stretch often and never be afraid to ask a teammate or coach for help or advice on improving your game
The importance of off-season training
Even with the constraints placed on college players by the NCAA, it is common for players to begin training during their summer break. Players will work out in the off season to find weaknesses in their game and areas they can improve upon. This can be anything from ball handling to physical strength training.
Players are responsible for getting into shape after a long break from playing basketball, so it is important to have a strong work ethic. If you are looking for help getting started on this journey, I recommend hiring a personal trainer or coach to hold you accountable and keep you motivated.
Playing overseas after college
Some players choose to forgo their NCAA basketball scholarship and head over seas to play pro basketball. This option is usually chosen by players who are confident in their abilities to make it in the NBA, but need time over the summer or during break to work on individual skills, get physically stronger or learn different strategies.
The best way to view your future in the NBA is to find a team that will allow you to have exposure during practice games or preseason. For most college athletes, going pro means going overseas.
Conclusion
Basketball is a team sport and there are many skills that go into making a great player. The greatest challenge for any athlete will be to find what they need and then work hard enough to get it. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”, said one of greatest basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan.
