By Rafael Bandayrel
Young hoop prospects could soon find a new path to the NBA without going through a year of college.
The NCAA currently serves as the NBA's feeder system after former Commissioner David Stern imposed a rule that players must be 19-years-old or a year removed from their high school graduation before they are eligible to join the draft.
With the controversy surrounding college basketball and the NCAA’s alleged corruption, Commissioner Adam Silver is looking into a potential system for up-and-comers to go straight to the NBA, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.
“A plan is expected to include the NBA starting relationships with elite teenagers while they are in high school, providing skills to help them develop both on and off the court,” Windhorst reported.
Windhorst also reported that Silver has formally met with the National Basketball Players Association about bringing down the age limit from 19. Windhorst added that Silver is also planning to enhance the G-league by offering larger incentives and revamping two-way contracts.
"We are looking at changing the relationship we have with players before they reach the NBA," a high-ranking league official said. "This is a complex challenge, and there's still a lot of discussion about how it's going to happen, but we all see the need to step in."