While the NBA continues to grow in popularity, the quality of basketball being played at the college level seems to have taken a hit in recent years, according to former NBA champion Matt Barnes. In a recent discussion, the retired small forward opened up about the recruiting policies of NBA teams of late and how they are affecting the growth of rookie players.
Matt Barnes criticizes NBA teams’ drafting strategies for influence on college basketball
The 2017 NBA champion has highlighted that NCAA basketball has undergone a drastic change in recent times. He claims this has resulted in a significant dip in the quality of college basketball.
Matt Barned noted, “I just wonder what the future of college basketball is going to be. Because it used to be must-watch TV, March Madness used to be the s–t. And it’s still cool, but it’s just not what it was because there are so many other avenues for kids. Whether it’s one-and-dones or going overseas for a year and getting to the league, I think everyone is in such a hurry to get to the NBA when they’re not necessarily ready.” (via Basketball Network)
The All The Smoke podcast co-host acknowledged that even though there are several talented players currently playing at the college level, their eagerness to make the transition to the NBA without acquiring the proper experience is a major contributor to the declining standards of NCAA basketball. He then levied some blame on the league. “I fault the NBA, because it used to be a little bit of potential and a lot of talent, and now it’s purely potential. They’re drafting kids that are averaging six points and five rebounds in the Top 10,” he added.
Barnes played college basketball at UCLA for four years before being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2002. Barnes then spent two seasons honing his skills in the D-League before joining the Los Angeles Clippers in 2004. In his final season in the league in 2017, he won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors.
