One of the NBA’s all-time poster boys for one-time preps to pros phenomenon believes the league should now do away with its much debated “one-and-done” rule.
Tracy McGrady, who made the NBA jump straight from Mount Zion Christian Academy en route to a 16-year career where he won two scoring titles and was named All-NBA First Team twice, told USA TODAY Sports he believes players should be required to attend at least two years of college before entering the league.
“At least go to school for two years because the league is so young,” he told the paper. “I think we need to build our league up. I mean, I hate to say it, but the talent in this league is pretty down."
Now playing for San Antonio and his first NBA title, McGrady also details how difficult it was for him to the make the transition to the NBA lifestyle as a teenager.
"It was pretty difficult becoming a man so early and competing against grown men," he told USA TODAY. "You're the best player on the floor in high school and then you come face the best players in the world. Also, the transition to living on your own, having to deal with the traveling, dealing with the different climaxes, getting into cities at 2 or 3 in the morning and then waking up the next morning for shootarounds and practices. I mean, it was a culture shock."
Though he stressed he doesn’t regret the route he took, McGrady admitted he believes going to college "probably would have" better prepared him for the NBA.
"Let's see, Adidas gave me a $12 million contract,” McGrady answered when asked why he chose to bypass the college scene. “I mean, enough said."
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