Purdue University's basketball team had three potential professional prospects, all Juniors, this past season. One got hurt and is returning for his Senior year, but the other two are considering "turning pro". Butler's best player is opting out of two more seasons by declaring himself elgible for the draft. (These schools are 20 and 40 mi away from me. I attended neither.)

How do I feel about this? I'm glad you asked. I think it stinks! Not everbody feels this way. Surprisingly (or not), the local newspaper claims "Purdue's stars are following their dreams". Theoretically (ok, realistically), millions of dollars are at stake. 99.9% of college students are there because they know they can earn more money for the rest of their life with a college degree.

But for the athletes (and not the so-called "student-athletes")
, college is nothing but a stepping stone or two away from the big leagues. Nowadays, with the NCAA requiring at least one year of "college" (no classes necessary), it's an automatic "one and done" experience for many studs.

I don't make the rules, but I do have an opinion (surprise, surprise). The excuse these early outers use is they're only one career-ending injury away from those millions of dollars pro teams are willing to give. First of all, there's no guarantee they'll even get drafted or make the team. I know not the percentage of "failures", but it's rather substantial.

But that's not my bone to pick. What irritates me is the lack of commitment these young role models display. I see it as the epitome of selfishness. They don't see the whole picture. It's the university--even the whole state (Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, etc.)--that suffers. Or should suffer, if name reputation is any indicator of esteem.

Where is the loyalty? All colleges have a fan base, both alumni and regular supporters. Why should I give money to my school (IU) to support some hot shot that will be going pro after one lousy year? I think the press and the public should be outraged at the idea of any player considering leaving early, whether it's after one, two, or three years. Instead of saying "good luck", they should be screaming "FOUL"!! If you don't plan on graduating from our university, don't come. One and done doesn't cut it.
"Following the dream" is not a good reason to leave a program and its fans in the lurch. It's downright disgusting.