Kevin Garnett. Tracy McGrady. Kobe Bryant. LeBron James. Four exceptional basketball talents with one common thread: all four men were taken in the NBA draft directly out of high school. From earning a diploma to entering the grand stage, these athletes responded in outstanding fashion, and all four went on to have exceptional careers. (McGrady is the only one of the four not currently active in the league.)
Since those athletes’ respective debuts, the NBA has undergone changes concerning the annual draft’s eligibility. The last time players were taken out of high school was 2005, in which players such as Andrew Bynum, Gerald Green, Martell Webster, Monta Ellis, and Louis Williams left their alma maters and went straight to the pros. Many flamed out; only a select few remain active in the NBA: Louis Williams (Los Angeles Lakers), Monta Ellis (Indiana Pacers), and Gerald Green (Miami Heat).
According to the most current requirements, players interested in pursuing a career in the National Basketball Association must:
- Be at least 19 years of age during the calendar year of the draft, and
- Be at least one year removed from the graduation of his high school class.
Recently, a high school player looking to work his way around the Association’s legislation made the news. Five-star recruit Jonathan “Jon” Isaac currently attends IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Ranked as the top prospect in the state by 247sports.com, Isaac is interested in trying to make the jump to the pros in 2016 without going to college.
The jump has technically been made once since 2005; in 2008, although he was committed to the University of Arizona, current Orlando Magic point guard Brandon Jennings decided against attending college and instead signed with Lottomatica Roma in Italy. After playing a year overseas, he was legally eligible (since he met both of the above listed requirements) and was picked up as a first-round selection by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2009.
Isaac is looking to make the move without attending college or playing overseas. He turns 19 in October and will therefore meet the age requirement in place by the league. However, he also graduates this year and believes that since his original expected graduation year was 2015, he should be eligible for the draft immediately after graduation.
It is an interesting development; some believe it should not be a problem and argue for a change to the age limit. Others debate that college should not only be an option for athletes upon high school graduation, but a requirement.
In the Game Magazine will stay on top of the developments of Jon Isaac, and we will make sure that you know everything that happens in his pursuit of professional stardom!
In the Game Magazine/Web Content
Age Ain’t Nothin’ but a Number
By James A. Washington
