Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale is supporting NBA commissioner Adam Silver's proposal to increase the age limit from 19 to 20 years old in order to prevent college players from playing one year in the college ranks before making the jump to the big league.
Asked about his opinion on players playing just a year of college hoops, McHale told USA Today: "I'm totally against it. I understand (the argument) that it's America and everybody has a right to work. I understand that. But the guys aren't ready. (When) you're 16 years old or 15 years old, they don't put you into doggone smelting or anything. Man, the NBA is a man's league, and I think a lot of these young guys come in early and their careers would prosper if they stayed (in college)."
McHale himself played four years at the University of Minnesota before becoming a star in the NBA with the Boston Celtics.
He continued: "I'd like to see us do the three years out of high school or 21 (years old), like football. I just think it would help the colleges. I think it would help the kids. And I know they don't think so, because they want to say, 'Hey, I've got to get in the market. I've got to make all my money and all that stuff.' But you don't make money if you have a three-year career, if you come in at 18, 19, and you're not ready."
Last month, Silver said the league is looking to raise its minimum age requirement from 19 to 20 years old. He revealed that the plan was negotiated with the players during the 2011 lockout but was designated as a B-list item that can be resolved at a later time.
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