Gordon Hayward explains the benefits of staying in college longer than becoming a pro: "If you are in the right program with the right coaches, I think you can learn a lot"

In 2023, Victor Wembanyama was selected No. 1 overall. This past June, another Frenchman, Zaccharie Risacher, was picked at the same spot.

With Wembanyama running away with the Rookie of the Year award, the debate about the American college system re-entered the limelight and has raised opinions about developing talent in the NCAA.

Staying longer in college

Unlike the WNBA, NBA-bound college athletes can go pro from their first year to as far as their senior year.

However, the rate of players who complete their senior year before getting drafted has been tipped on the scales by players who only play their freshman or sophomore year. In the 2024 NBA draft, the first 20 picks only saw three senior products, encouraging many to push for college athletes to avoid quickly making the jump to the NBA.

Former NBA All-Star Gordon Hayward — who played 69 games in two seasons at Butler — suggests staying in college longer has its unique benefits; joining a growing list of former athletes who aren't so sure the immediate leap to the pros is the best idea.

"I think if you are in college and if you are in the right program with the right coaches, I think you can learn a lot," the Utah Jazz icon tells Basketball Network. "I think you can mature as an individual, especially with NIL these days; college kids are getting paid anyways. So, I think there's a lot to learn by going to the NBA. Not only with just the basketball and the X's and O's but also with growing up a little bit."

On the same note, the newly retired forward has also been vocal about helping others around him improve. In an era with a particular emphasis on shooting, especially from any position on the court, practicing this aspect of the game is crucial. In that regard, Gordon has decided to help young and upcoming stars, as well as players looking to refine their shooting skills, by launching FORM . The latest basketball aid for all those who want to become deadeyes on offense, whether they are in college, NBA, or overseas.

Related: Wemby is surprised by the lack of effort some NBA stars put into improving their game: "They don't seem like they put as much work as I thought."

Other systems

In today's culture, the college path isn't the only reliable one for an NBA career. Players can get drafted from the G League through their ignite program, the Overtime Elite League, or overseas, like the last two No. 1 overall picks in the NBA draft.

"Victor Wembanyama was ready for the NBA at 18 or 17, whatever he was, and I wouldn't want to hold him for coming into the NBA," says Hayward. "But I think for most people, probably doing the college route is probably the better answer."

The majority of players being drafted still follow the college route — six of the first ten picks of the 2024 draft were all collegiate athletes. However, the former All-Star points out that players don't spend enough time developing their game in college before making the transition into a professional career. While it may be smooth for some players, others may find it difficult to adjust to that transition.

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