How to fix usa olympic basketball

During this past FIBA World Cup games, Paul George suffered one of the most horrific injuries to happen—specifically to a superstar in recent history possibly even ever. In lieu of this, many problems arose and many questions were raised in regards to the significance of the best players participating in mere recreational exhibition games to bring home a trophy that is about as valuable to Americans as Michael Phelps YMCA medals. However in light of his injury I have came up with new criteria that would not prevent further injuries but instead keep our most seasoned super stars out of the Olympics and International play. In addition it would continue to build upon the monument which is the NBA’s global brand and allow an increased level of play from the games younger generation.

New Olympic Criteria

According to hiphopandhomeruns.com, in order for players to be eligible for either Olympic or International competition they must adhere to the following regulations and restrictions

• Must be under 28 years old by the time of the 1st exhibition game
• Cannot participate in more than (2) Olympics or (3) consecutive World games (non-Olympic competition)
• Under 7 years of NBA experience (Competition must be prior to 7th NBA season)
  

The criteria above would help shape American international play for the league and have a number of positive impacts upon the younger crop of players. The first criteria highlighted was the age restriction of 28 years. Players that are over 28 years of age are not only established veterans who are playing within their 2nd or even 3rd contract, but they are also players who are in the prime of their career. At this stage in their careers they are more than likely focused on winning championships or maximizing their NBA net worth. This rule in itself will keep stars from competing during international play; allowing younger, more recent draftees to shine, and preventing the superstars from risking pointless injuries.

Preventing players from participating in more than 2 Olympic games, or 3 consecutive World games will give consistent opportunity for fresh players in the global spotlight. It will allow younger players who are not yet established, well known in college, or who have yet to build a brand a chance to do so. By allowing younger faces to build their global brand earlier in their career it will not impact future contracts, but endorsements opportunities as well. Athletes who do not normally receive the recognition internationally would have the chance to finally make an impact on the game globally. The competition aspect is one side, but lets not forget that the participants selected--gain the opportunity to meet fans overseas as well.

Prohibiting NBA athletes that have over 7 years of experience allows Jerry Colangelo and future USA team management a restrictive talent pool, which forces them to select the younger, up and coming talent. The key with players that have limited experience has a huge upside. The biggest complaint from coaches, former players, analyst and fans alike are that the infusion of younger guys entering the league are diminishing the quality of basketball. Players dubbed “1 and dones'” have a lack of fundamentals and polishing due to the lack of thorough understanding of basketball principles. There is no better remedy for poor fundamentals than to be thrown into a coaching therapy by Coach K, Boeheim, Monty Williams, and Tom Thibodeau. Player egos receive a true wake-up call when the coaching staff criticizing them have had the privilege to mold and influence some of the greatest players of all time. Olympic play will cure many of these proverbial diseases. By allowing players within my proposed guidelines to be eligible for International competition, players will be able to work on their game on the national stage under the tutelage of the Nation’s best coaches.

The impact for players will only be positive, the impact on the league will only result in higher revenue, more stars, more disparity, and hopefully a stronger Eastern conference.

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