Kansas basketball: Commission report is correct on academics
By Stan Unruh
The Commission on College Basketball made dramatic recommendations to clean up the sport. Their emphasis on academics is the key to success.
Media outlets around the nation are digesting the report issued from the Commission on College Basketball. Kansas basketball is among the programs mentioned in the first news accounts. The 60-page document from the independent commission criticized the NCAA and made dramatic recommendations.
The report that took 7-months to prepare, wants a lifetime ban for coaches who cheat. It wants reforms that specifically separate the highway between pro and college basketball. The panel suggested ending the one and done and allow players to return to school after going ignored in the NBA draft.
Those ideas are newsworthy and will receive the most attention. On the other hand, we must not overlook the report’s comments on education. The report opens with statements on the “deeply troubled” state of college basketball and that change will take time.
Following those opening pleasantries in the executive summary, the report turns to academics. In the first place, student athletes play college basketball. The schools who participate in college basketball have an ultimate responsibility to provide a higher education. Many athletes are focused on the NBA paycheck and not earning a degree.
"The answer to many college basketball’s problems lies in a renewed commitment to the college degree"
Kansas basketball fans and many others agree with this assessment. The college game is just a stepping stone to reach the NBA. There are far too many former Jayhawks and student athletes at other schools who missed out on a college degree. As a matter of fact, they also missed out the NBA payday.
There is no guarantee we will ever see change
Next: KU Athletic Director Sheahon Zenger makes things happen
This report is just the beginning. NCAA president Mark Emmert says change is coming this summer. The NBA and many other organizations must cooperate for any real change. Let’s hope all parties will work together for the good of the game.