NBA Reportedly Considering Engaging, Possibly Recruiting More High School Players

The NBA has been reluctant to include high numbers of high school athletes within their ranks, but that could change soon.

NBA possibly involving high school athletes

According to an ESPN report, the league is weighing becoming more involved with high schoolers. This could signal the end of the NBA’s one-and-done rule, which dictates players must be at least one year out of high school and 19 years of age at the time of the draft. The league is also rumored to potentially develop a G League.

LeBron James is among the NBA stars who joined the league after high school, without attending college.

Some reports also claim the growing severity of scandals plaguing college basketball — like the illegal recruiting, bribery and corruption controversy that has led the FBI to investigate several NCAA programs — has given the NBA an additional reason to push for more engagement of high school athletes.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has previously suggested creating basketball academies, like the ones that exist internationally, to help develop young players. Others have pushed for the NBA to provide more advisers for youth.

NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: Markelle Fultz walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City.