Rose, Beasley: NBA Bound

People ask me all the time why I think the NBA is better. I have described my answer in length before. Still, one reason remained omitted from that original post. The constant turnover in college basketball is something that I think plagues the sport today. Don’t get me wrong. I do not believe that players like Memphis’ Derrick Rose or KSU’s Michael Beasley should have stayed in college. They are incredibly blessed talents that have an opportunity to make millions and live their dream. It is not their fault; it is not the NBA’s fault; it is nobody’s fault. I apologize in advance my use of, “It is what it is.”

Some people may enjoy the fact that every year new teams can rise up with brand new talent. I am more old school in my enjoyment watching a player compete for at least three maybe four years with a team. Rivalries cannot be the same when players are being rotated every year. Sure, two players may hate each other during the season, but next year they probably won’t play each other. Think about if Duke and UNC kept the same team, relatively, for four years. The rivalry that it is now, which is already big, would be multiplied four times in magnitude. KSU was lucky enough to recruit a talent like Beasley. Well, that was fun for one year, now they go back to being a mediocre Big 12 team.

I can see how people like this turnover, I am just not one of them. It is so special to have someone put all his heart into a college for a few years. For the Badger fans out there, was it not amazing to see Alando Tucker finish his career out last year? That was so special outside of the basketball court. College basketball does not give us what we deserve. A fan can truly brag about a player like Tucker or Shane Battier of Duke. Are you really going to take a KSU fan seriously when they say, “Wow, we are so cool because Beasley played here.” It is not the same, and it hurts college basketball.

Like I said before, this is nobody’s fault. Nothing is going to change. It is just another reason why I enjoy the NBA more for the most part. You know when your team faces the Lakers that Kobe Bryant is there. Sure, there are times when players come and go, but it is rather rare to fine a star player leave in one year. I wish guys like Rose and Beasley all the luck in the world. I do not blame them for the decision, heck, I would have gone to the NBA if I had that kind of talent. In the end, college basketball will be very sad to see athletes like this leave.