The NBA is changing, and so is the perception that college is the No. 1 route for prospects to make it to the pros.
Before, the idea was almost simple for most players—impress in high school, commit to college, and declare for the NBA draft, which only a select few successfully navigate. It may have worked that way in the past. However, the recent dominance of players from abroad, mainly Europe, begs the question about the development of young American players.
Changing the system
For the second year in a row, the first overall pick in the NBA draft has gone to an international prospect. From all indications, this trend might continue for the foreseeable future, with many players coming from overseas to play in the association.
However, this doesn't necessarily indicate that players abroad are better than homegrown prospects. Coach Mike Krzyzewski is in charge of grooming these young American talents, and he believes that the basketball grooming system outside the country gives foreign players an edge.
"We're trying to unify that. And change how the young American players is being taught and coached," Krzyzewski said . "They play a lot of games, but they don't practice a lot."
The college system in American basketball is hectic, as players have to balance their basketball career with their majors through tough schedules. Depending on how far they go in the tournament, they play 30 to 40 games. This can go on for as long as four years, depending on when a player declares for the draft.
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Better conditions abroad
In places like Europe, basketball is played differently. Players from a young age are put into youth setups of various teams, not college. Young prospects already have the mindset of becoming pros in the future and are brought up that way, allowing us to witness their competitive debut at 16 or 17 years of age.
"You'll be pleasantly shocked in countries like France, Germany, Lithuania, these countries from a young age on; these kids are really coached well, and they are brought up the right way," Coach K added.
France being represented in the first two spots in the 2024 draft raises questions about how American prospects are brought up. These French stars were already playing professional basketball before being drafted. Zaccharie Risacher , the No. 1 overall pick at 19, was already playing in the top tier of the French basketball league. Alex Sarr, also 19, played professionally in Australia and the Overtime Elite. Ditto for Tidjane Salaün, who was drafted sixth overall, having played two years as a pro in France.
Related: Mike Krzyzewski on the biggest problem in youth basketball and college: "I'm not sure the love of the game is the impetus to be good"
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