College basketball lives forever

Looking into the future of competitive NCAA games after prospects go professional

The 2016-2017 season has been exciting, but I am already looking forward to the 2017-2018 year. The old stars will leave and be replaced by fresh, new faces ready to make an impact.

Say goodbye to studs like Frank Mason of Kansas, Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins of Villanova, Emil Jefferson of Duke and many others. However, we will say hello to players such as Gary Trent of Duke, Michael Porter Jr. of Washington and Deandre Ayton of Arizona.

Keep in mind though, that these studs might only be around for a year or two. People sometimes forget that there are more than just freshmen that are having an impact in the basketball landscape.

There is a reason a couple of seniors that are listed above remind us that the freshmen are still too young to really know the game well. Josh Hart is one name that comes to mind, with his cerebral approach to the game.

He does not have the flashy moves or the rim rattling dunks some have, but he just knows where to be and how to play the game the right way. Watch out for him and Villanova in March.

Now let’s talk about the trend of one-and-done players. I know that a lot of individuals do not agree with this loophole, but the fact of the manner is that there is very little that can be done to change it.

Players should have the freedom to make that decision in the transition from high school to college, even if it is after one year. Some players are in compromising financial situations, so the promise of being drafted brings along with it benefits, which include homes, cars and to many the most important thing, money.

When deciding whether to stay and earn a college degree or earn millions of dollars, some choose the second option. The debate is whether one-and-dones are hurting the college game because with this rule, coaches have to be over prepared in terms of filling their rosters. Losing players that they did not expect to lose impacts the coaches ability to adequately fill their rosters for the next season.

Moreover, the process that it takes for the transition from college to the pros takes away from time to relate to the next season. At the same time, those players that are talented jump to the next level and are benefited from being able to jump to the next level.

If we want to continue to see a high level of play, then we are just going to have to accept the presence of one and dones on the rosters of teams. One thing is for certain: talent always seems to entertain the crowds.

The level of talent in today’s college basketball is off the charts, but more importantly, the talent among the teams has begun to even out. The scape is a more level playing field. Despite this, the blue bloods have reigned supreme in 2016-2017 like Kansas, North Carolina, Duke and Kentucky (let’s leave Michigan State out because they are not having a good season by anyone’s imagination).

Even as they continue to lead the way, other top tier programs like Oregon and Virginia are playing well and the reason why College Basketball will be made in March.

Basketball is entertainment; it can bring people together. Once March rolls around, people will be fixed to their TV screens, cheering for their team or teams, and when that day in April is finally realized, all of these months of hard work will finally come together for the ultimate goal: a NCAA title.