A “one-and-done” is a phrase used to describe student-athletes that display extraordinary skill and talent, allowing him or her to leave school early and make the transition into professional sports. This generation of athletes are too eager to become professional athletes without putting in the time, work and dedication to get to that position. They want instant success. However, this is not the case. Success is not achieved without effort and patience, which is what many athletes with the “one-and-done” mentality lack an understanding of.  This year’s NBA draft consisted of 14 freshman. That means 14 students left school and a means of an education in order to pursue a professional status. Increasing the draft eligibility age and coercing student-athletes to attend a mandatory two years of higher learning before entering the draft, eliminates this state of thinking, as well as promotes gradual development of skill and awareness.

The “one-and-done” issue initially begins during the recruiting process. During this time, athletes are promised to be “the next big thing,” the star, the idol, the one to bring the team to a championship. That is the hook to make athletes believe that they have reached optimal talent. In doing so, coaches disregard the need for the recruits to form team chemistry, become accustomed to the campus and ultimately adjust from the high school to college lifestyle as a whole. The title of being “the next big thing” diminishes the desire of the athlete to go through the traditional four years of education as their goal changes from earning a degree while playing sports to strictly reaching their college career peak, receiving high media coverage and increasing their draft stock. Establishing a solid foundation at the school becomes trivial compared to excelling on the team. Removing the “one-and-done” status forces student athletes to focus on both their studies and athletics. As a student-athlete, one agree to uphold to the athletic department’s mission statement, dedicated to reaching academic merit and all individual and team goals. As a student, the goal is to earn a four-year degree. In forcing athletes to attend college for two years before leaving to play professionally, it ensures that these individuals have a stable and well-rounded educational background. Having an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree to support one if sports is no longer an option is an alternative, or back-up plan. In this era, it is impossible to have a high-paying career- as well as advancement in the corporate world- without an education.

The Real World

The ESPN 30 for 30 special, Broke, is a classic example of what is destined for athletes that make poor career choices. Broke explains the financial troubles of professional athletes due to poor career decisions and lack of knowledge. According to the 2009 documentary, “60 percent of former NBA players are broke within five years of retirement. By the time they have been retired for two years, 78% of former NFL players have gone bankrupt or are under financial stress,” (Broke). Living in the idealistic world where failure is not an option blinded athletes from economic realities. When an athlete is drafted, showing off and spending the signing bonus becomes the first priority. Student athletes that idolize the quality of life of professional athletes do not comprehend the knowledge needed to prevent financial demise. The eagerness to free themselves from the educational system prevents them from engaging in a full understanding of how to handle their lives financially, which begins with the commencement of contract signing.  Understanding terms and negotiations, contracts, salary cap, bonuses etc. begins in college. Athletes need to prepare for the future and have a secure education to prevent the financial issues several professional athletes’ experience during their careers.

Moreover, the “one-and-done” phrase is a false sense of security. It ensures that the player will flourish despite all odds and will be triumphant throughout the entire season. No season ever goes as predicted, with unexpected obstacles such as injuries lurking around every corner. Injuries are unpremeditated, so declaring an athlete as a “one-and-done” is risky since the probabilities of any negative event is random. As a “one-and-done,” an athlete cannot afford injuries since the one year is the only year that counts. By eliminating the chances of being a one-year athlete, student-athletes are no longer pressured into being first-rate before fully understanding the ways of college sports. Athletes are able to use the first year to experience and overcome hardships that will develop habits, making them into better players and better human beings. The NCAA sells the image of a university providing a nurturing environment to every athlete while he or she pursues their educational and athletic careers. Yet, it is the same university and franchise also wanting athletes to leave and pursue greater means than education.

This controversial issue has only heightened over the years as more and more Freshman continue to enter the draft. The ultimate decision is a test of morals, values and what is most important. While the opportunity to take classes while being a professional athlete remains, it is not easy to handle both. In the end, it is only up to the athlete to decide what is best for his or her future. Whether that includes pursuing an athletic career right off the bat, or settling down in school and receiving academic merits, the “one and done” phrase is here to stay