When the U.S. Secretary of Education said that there needs to be a ban on post-season play for schools that can’t meet 40% graduation rates for their athletes, the NCAA was quick to scoff saying that it would penalize schools based on old data.
The study from the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at UCF, using data from the 99-00 through 02-03 academic years, sited numerous schools that would miss the tourney according to the linked ESPN article:
“The men’s basketball teams that would barred from postseason play this year if Duncan’s idea were adopted: Maryland (8 percent graduation rate), California (20 percent), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (29 percent), Washington (29 percent), Tennessee (30 percent), Kentucky, Baylor (36 percent), Missouri (36 percent), New Mexico State (36 percent), Clemson (37 percent), Georgia Tech (38 percent) and Louisville (38 percent).”
I’m sorry, but 8% Maryland? 8%? And note, the numbers do not go down for players who transfer or go to the NBA provided that the players are in good academic standing at the time because the UCF study uses the Graduation Success Rates and Academic Progress Rates, as reported by the NCAA (for full results, click here). Old data or not, I have a hard time believing that Maryland’s 8% graduation rate significantly improved.
Is this the best system? Derrick Rose and Memphis are a prime example of the consequences of the current situation, where schools overlook the fact that some of their athletes aren’t qualified and take the risk of being sanctioned. Perhaps using this data isn’t the right answer, but the NCAA needs to do more than what is being done right now.
Regardless of the common “athletes are students first” mantra that the NCAA likes to spout when it is convenient, the universities and the NCAA have no problems exploiting athletes if it fattens their pockets. Conversely, athletes have no problems showcasing their skills on a national level before cutting and running to the NBA.
I see a huge opportunity for the NBA D-League to step up in this situation. Lets end the charade, if you’re going to college because of the NBA’s year out/19 requirement, why do a one and done with a university? Instead opt to get paid in the D-League. Unfortunately, unless the D-League could generate the interest that March Madness does, athletes will continue to opt for the larger stage. Perhaps getting some of the best high school athletes in the country could generate some interest in the D-League. And on the other hand, with the parity created, it may create more interest in the tourney, as there would be the potential for more NIU over Kansas type upsets.
It’s up to the NCAA and it’s member schools ensure that their athletes are indeed students first.
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