College Basketball: Should players go to school or play internationally?

It has been a recent trend for players to travel overseas to pursue a professional basketball career immediately. So why do some top prospects continue to commit to playing in college?

In the modern day of collegiate and professional sports, there is a constant teetering of superiority when it comes to money. The entertainment industry, sports in particular, is captivating and lucrative globally. One of the most widely debated topics surrounding collegiate athletics includes the conversation about paying players.

Some believe that the worth of a free education is enough to supplement their athletic talents. Sure, that argument can hold true with the non-revenue generating sports, but those that drive millions of dollars to their school each year disagree. The struggle for student-athletes to monetize their skills is still an on-going battle.

Now, this isn’t a piece pouring with a heavy argument of whether or not student-athletes should be paid in college. We can leave that for the hundreds of thousands of others to debate, rather the growing options potential high school recruits now have.

In 2009, Brandon Jennings was the first player to break through a new avenue by opting to play professionally overseas rather than attending college. It has brought on a deeper discussion and possible avenue for potential top prospects in their decision making.

High school players now more than ever before are being critiqued thanks to social media and the constant stream of news. Players are able to receive notoriety for their skills as early as the age of 13 (see LaMelo Ball). Their popularity combined with athletic ability provides a unique avenue to become marketable right out of high school.

Kevin Knox, No. 10 recruit in the class of 2018 from Florida, signed with the Kentucky Wildcats back in May after being offered a professional contract internationally. According to FOX Sports, Knox was offered a 1.4-million dollar contract for one year by a professional team in China. 1.4-million dollars to play one season, knowing he was going to enter the NBA Draft in the summer of 2019. All things considered, Knox turned down the offer and now heads to Big Blue Nation.

It brings up the question: Why are recruits not tempted to go overseas and begin making real money?

The opportunity to become a professional athlete at the age of 18 is something few people can say they have ever done. It would be the opportunity to make legitimate money and develop your skills on the court. Instantly becoming wealthy for some of the top prospects and only spending one season with the team. A temporary situation for potentially millions of dollars sounds enticing. The players who choose to go overseas are able to have a leg up on the competition experiencing what it’s like to be a professional on and off the court.

Of course, the other considerations include moving out of the country to a whole new culture and language. Instead of playing with teammates the same age and living in a traditional college setting, they are halfway across the world away from family and friends. Their life becomes completely different as a professional.  The more you think about it the tougher the task it is for an 18-year old to take on that kind of responsibility.

Terrance Ferguson was the latest player to make the switch from college to international play in 2016-17. Ferguson played high school basketball in Texas and was initially the committed to play at Arizona in the fall of 2016. He was rated the No. 17 recruit in the nation and the second-best shooting guard. He made the decision to decommit and play professionally in Australia for the Adelaide 36ers.

Ferguson told his story on the Players Tribune in 2016 why he was deciding to play professionally in Australia. He talked about the first time he saw a mansion, telling his mother that she would one day be living in one of those. He talks about the want to take care of his family first and that you cannot predict life.  “An injury or a bad year can ruin your career, and I’m trying to take care of my family.”

He is the template for what could potentially be a movement with players in the near future. Top prospects will be able to command millions of dollars to play a season overseas. Players would also begin to sign endorsement deals, luxuries not offered at the college level. While you have yet to see burst onto the international scene, Ferguson might just prove that a year overseas can make your path to the NBA equally as possible.

Taking into account all of those factors, the single biggest argument a recruit could make is the lack of exposure. The prestige of playing with some of the most historically successful programs in the country such as Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, UCLA, and North Carolina is why so many continue to play at the college level. A one-and-done year with maximum exposure through televised games and media coverage has been the staple for many future NBA prospects.

The professional leagues across the world do not nearly get the type of coverage that the NBA and even college basketball get each year. Players who are able to showcase their talents in front of millions of viewers every week is still a major draw. Who wouldn’t want to be playing on ESPN’s feature game of the week during the season? Not to mention the magic that the NCAA Tournament can bring.

Next: LiAngelo Ball living in the shadow of Lavar and his brothers

For now, I still see the majority of top prospects heading to play for your favorite schools. While I think the international route is the chance to make serious financial gain it might not be the greatest in terms of gaining credibility.