"You are gambling" - Michael Jordan was a firm believer that athletes should not skip college

Although young athletes such as Tracy McGrady, Kevin Garnett, and Dwight Howard have built Hall of Fame resumes without college basketball experiences, and others like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have become legitimate contenders in the GOAT discussions, it’s evident that several players have found success by making the jump to the NBA straight from high school. However, Michael Jordan never supported this pathway. In fact, the five-time MVP once expressed his firm belief that every player should be at least 20 years old before entering the league.

Jordan on why players should attend college

College basketball undeniably provides valuable experience to aspiring athletes, particularly by exposing them to high-stakes games and end-to-end basketball. Moreover, competing in packed arenas with nationally televised matchups helps prepare players to handle pressure, ultimately refining their maturity on the hardwood.

Jordan highlighted this sentiment, noting that as an NBA executive, he often prefers to draft players with more visible experience and proven mettle, which typically comes from the college ranks. More importantly, the six-time Finals MVP described selecting players directly from high school as a ‘gamble’ because those candidates have never been tested in pressurized scenarios.

"As an NBA executive, if you have to invest in a player, you want to see more of the product that you are going to invest in," Jordan said in an interview with Cigar Aficionado. "Since you aren't going to see as many games (of those leaving school early) to be able to gauge the maturity of these guys' basketball talent, you're rolling the dice. You are gambling. If you don't gamble right, you're going to be set back two or three years."

Drawing from his own experience, wherein he went from not being even the best player on his Tar Heels team in his rookie year to winning the AP Player of the Year along with seven other awards in his junior year, Jordan emphasized how the college experience prepared him not only to excel on the court but also to navigate the success and finances that come with professional success.

"You get the chance to mature in college. They get a chance to deal with a lot of issues in college," Jordan added. "College teaches you a lot. It teaches you about being on your own, making decisions, and even handling bank accounts. Eventually, you're going to have to deal with those things anyway."

Related: "I remember him sitting in the bathroom close to tears" - Doc opened up about a heartbreaking way Shaq's career ended

MJ does raise a valid point

So, while aspiring players like Bryant, Garnett, Dwight, and McGrady ultimately thrived, none of them secured the Rookie of the Year award simply because it took them time to contribute as expected.

Put simply, although there are success stories of players transitioning directly from high school to the NBA, it is safe to assert that the rewards come with significant risks. If a player fails to adjust quickly, they might find themselves out of the league, lacking the experience and resilience to cope with the pressure and criticism.

Related: "Frequently it was heated" — Steve Kerr claims Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen's conversations in practice usually had tension