NCAA Basketball: Commission on College Basketball releases recommendations

After months of waiting, the Commission on College Basketball released its recommendations for changes in the sport. What does this mean for NCAA basketball?

On April 25, the Commission on College Basketball released its recommendations for the sport. This independent investigation was originally focused on the issue surrounding the FBI Investigation but delved into many aspects of the sport that needed changing. In their report, the commission took note of potential changes to be made to the rules covering “one-and-done,” cheating coaches, and the relationship between shoe companies and universities.

What is being done about the “one-and-done” rule?

To put it simply, changes will be made. As Condoleeza Rice, the head of the commission, told the Associated Press: “One-and-done has to go one way or another.” This is an issue that deals with rules in both college basketball and the NBA. In order for the elimination of the rules to occur, both associations will have to agree. With the commission expressing interest in allowing 18-year-olds to enter the draft once again, it seems as though both sides are prepared to make a change. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the NBA and NBPA are hoping that an elimination of “one-and-done” could be implemented in time for the 2020 NBA Draft should all parties agree.

In addition, the commission stated that college players should be able to return to school should they go undrafted and do not sign a professional contract. This proposition will likely be met with positive reviews due to the fact that it allows student-athletes to complete their education if they are not able to fulfill their dreams by entering the NBA Draft. Lastly, they also proposed allowing high school and college players to sign with agents while still being eligible to remove their name from consideration for the NBA Draft.

How does the commission suggest dealing with cheating coaches?

The AP reported that the report stated: “Instead of show cause orders, which are meant to limit a coach’s ability to work in college sports after breaking NCAA rules, the report called for lifetime bans.” For fans across the country, this will likely be met with open arms. Cheating among coaching staffs has become a major issue in NCAA basketball and it was rightfully placed near the top of the priority list for the commission in this case.

In addition to the comment on lifetime bans, the commission suggested much harsher punishments on cheating programs, as stated by AP:

"“Level I violations would be punishable with up to a five-year postseason ban and the forfeiture of all postseason revenue for the time of the ban. That could be worth tens of millions to major conference schools. By comparison, recent Level I infractions cases involving Louisville and Syracuse basketball resulted in postseason bans of one year.”"

What else was covered in the report?

• No significant progress in regards to whether or not players will make money on their likenesses.
• In accordance with the NBA and USA Basketball, the NCAA will run basketball recruiting events during July. In addition, the commission is hoping that the NCAA will place stricter rules on current events.
• The commission asked for more financial transparency from major shoe companies (Nike, Adidas, Under Armour). This is a result of the FBI Investigation that has terrorized the college basketball headlines over the past several months. The commission also stated that universities need to be stricter internally.

How are people reacting to the investigation?

Next: Session 1 recap from Nike EYBL

At the crux of this whole investigation, it is clear that NCAA basketball is in need of reform. While these suggestions may not all be implemented or be successful, it is a step in the right direction for the sport. Due to the build-up leading to these results, it is easy to be disappointed that more was not announced. However, progress is being made and that is an important thing to focus on.

NCAA basketball is currently riddled with issues. Hopefully, the results of this independent investigation helped open the eyes of many to potential changes that could be made. If implemented, the college basketball landscape as we know it could be shifting in a hurry.