College athletics claims to be about the best interests of the student-athlete, yet so often it cares little about the best interests of the student-athlete.
Cases in point, two current issues both involving college basketball. One is the NCAA's new deadline for undergraduates removing their names from the NBA Draft. The other is the continuing hypocrisy concerning transfer policies for athletes.
In past years, undergrads declaring for the draft had until June 15 to make an informed decision about their futures, whether to remain in the draft or return to school. Coaches were more concerned with their own futures, however, and the NCAA moved the deadline up to May 8 (Saturday). That way they could make adjustments during the spring signing period.
The theory was that shorter evaluation time would cause fewer players to place their names in the draft, but it didn't work that way. Eighty underclassmen declared for this year's draft, up from 74 in 2009 and 70 in 2008.
Plus, less evaluation time has meant more uncertainty, i.e. the potential for more bad decisions.
"The whole process hasn't been as educational as we hoped," Mississippi Coach Andy Kennedy told CBS Sports.
Cases in point, two current issues both involving college basketball. One is the NCAA's new deadline for undergraduates removing their names from the NBA Draft. The other is the continuing hypocrisy concerning transfer policies for athletes.
In past years, undergrads declaring for the draft had until June 15 to make an informed decision about their futures, whether to remain in the draft or return to school. Coaches were more concerned with their own futures, however, and the NCAA moved the deadline up to May 8 (Saturday). That way they could make adjustments during the spring signing period.
The theory was that shorter evaluation time would cause fewer players to place their names in the draft, but it didn't work that way. Eighty underclassmen declared for this year's draft, up from 74 in 2009 and 70 in 2008.
Plus, less evaluation time has meant more uncertainty, i.e. the potential for more bad decisions.
"The whole process hasn't been as educational as we hoped," Mississippi Coach Andy Kennedy told CBS Sports.