The NCAA is trimming the gray area from eligibility rules for underclassmen entering the NBA draft.
However, player-agent Bill Neff said that’s a futile exercise, with many in his profession cutting under-the-table deals with players.
The NCAA recently distributed a four-page memo, reminding schools what underclassmen can and cannot do to test their NBA marketability. The memo warns underclassmen not to accept travel expenses from NBA basketball teams, though that’s been common practice in the past.
One of the authors of that memo said its purpose is heading off trouble and, potentially, holding rule-breakers accountable.
“It’s fair to say we’ve had multiple student-athletes facing possible violations of NCAA rules,” said Rachel Newman Baker, the NCAA’s director of agent, gambling and amateurism activities. “We’re trying to avoid (those problems), so we’re not dealing with it next semester.”
The NCAA now requires underclassmen in the draft to sign forms, stating they know the rules and understand the risk to their eligibility.
“We want it very clear up front,” Newman Baker said, “if we do get into investigating a case, the `I-didn’t-know’ answer will not work.”
The NCAA dealt with messy situations the past few years, involving former Connecticut forward Charlie Villanueva and current Kentucky center Randolph Morris. Each turned pro and had contact with an agent, only to pull out of the draft and seek to play college basketball.
In both cases, the NCAA ultimately granted eligibility.
The situation is complex. For instance, the NCAA allows the NBA to cover expenses for an underclassman to attend the pre-draft camp. But an individual NBA team cannot pay to fly in an underclassman for a workout without jeopardizing that player’s eligibility.
Charlotte Bobcats coach-general manager Bernie Bickerstaff didn’t know the NCAA draws that distinction. Jon Fagg, assistant athletics director for compliance services at N.C. State, said that rule is frequently disregarded, similar to how people absent-mindedly exceed the speed limit.
“If you drive to work, I guarantee there’s a place where you speed a little every day,” Fagg said of athletes accepting expenses they shouldn’t. “Do you drive to the police station and turn yourself in? No.”
That’s why Fagg is glad the NCAA distributed this memo, eliminating any gray areas for underclassmen looking to preserve eligibility. N.C. State has already used it to guide sophomore center Cedric Simmons through the process.