The NCAA has been dominating headlines as more and more information comes out about the corruption in college basketball. Lebron James added to those headlines today with his comments this afternoon. He believes that the NBA needs to do more to strengthen its developmental leagues in order to give young players a serious alternative to playing college ball. “I know how much these colleges are gaining off these kids. … I’ve always heard the narrative that they get a free education, but you guys are not bringing me on campus to get an education, you guys are bringing me on it to help you get to a Final Four or to a national championship, so it’s just a weird thing.” said James. Lebron himself decided to skip college and go straight to the NBA, on option that is no longer allowed by NBA rules. He finds himself looking into the future, with his two sons being talented ball players as well. He says that playing in college is not a definite for them, but right now there aren’t many options. The draft is filled with college players every year with a few foreign pros sprinkled in. Lebron is looking for the NBA to step up and make the G and D leagues more viable options. The NCAA is essentially the NBA’s farm system right now, to draw a parallel to baseball. In terms of the NCAA, Lebron thinks it is too far gone. “I don’t know if there’s any fixing the NCAA. I don’t think there is,” James said. “It’s what’s been going on for many, many, many, many years. I don’t know how you can fix it. I don’t see how you can fix it.” Lebron believes that the G league can become that Triple A level to give kids a chance to play, develop, and get a look from NBA teams. It is an interesting idea and certainly one that would shake the foundation of the basketball landscape.
