UCONN offers 6'10 8th grader Marvin Bagley III. ALL NEW Bagley highlights! #35 DUNKS ON DEFENDERS

[Burnsbros23]

It's not an ideal situation. But adding an offer doesn't heighten the pressure on this kid. The YouTube highlights the websites that write about him add the pressure more than an offer. As far as offers go how young is too young? I have seen a fifth grader who you mines well offer a scholarship too.

 

[JaYnYcE]

I'm extraordinarily familiar with a scholarship offer having been an athlete and having multiple family members, friends and athletes I coached received them. His family, after receiving an offer from KO, is absolutely no better off than immediately before. They clearly understand, having had division 1 hoop players in the family (his grandfather was the #2 pick in the NBA draft), that he likely can play at any school in the country. The worry of of free college education is long since an issue.

My issue is that the majority of 8th graders, not to mention sophomores or juniors, arent well equipped to deal with the pressures of the recruiting world. That horse may already be out of the barn but it doesn't change my opinion that it's obscene to be offering 8th graders. Does the practice honestly not give you the willies just a little bit? I'm assuming your an adult as you've been on the board for years but give you some leeway if you're a kid.

I'm an adult. I see your POV but just don't agree with it. I think it would make life alot easier if a kid knows that he doesn't have to worry about going through the rigors of applying to colleges and playing the waiting game. This may or may not apply to this kid but at the end of the day, I'm sure he's happier knowing that he has a future somewhere rather than having to wait to have a future somewhere.

 

[elduderino]

A short time ago a kid like this wouldn't even consider going to college .

I am mostly on the wait till after 9th grade side of this debate, but after watching that video, this looks like one of those exceptionally rare kids who could make the direct to NBA jump as a 17 year old. I was not expecting that kind of length, athleticism or footwork from an 8th grader. He could probably be playing at midlevel D1 tomorrow. Wow.

 

[Kitaman]

I'm an adult. I see your POV but just don't agree with it. I think it would make life alot easier if a kid knows that he doesn't have to worry about going through the rigors of applying to colleges and playing the waiting game. This may or may not apply to this kid but at the end of the day, I'm sure he's happier knowing that he has a future somewhere rather than having to wait to have a future somewhere.

With all due respect what does a kid (i.e. junior high school) know or even care about such things? Admittedly I am an old fart but have raised a few kids, and at that age they aren't mature enough to flush the toilet after use, keep their cell phone bills down or clean their dishes when finished eating. The future decisions are more about what new PS3/X-Box game to get and how to get it.

At that age do you really think its wise to let a kid select a college simply just for basketball? Its the basic and age old reason why many kids need parent(s) and consequently why parents get grey hair fast.

 

[Horatio]

I am mostly on the wait till after 9th grade side of this debate, but after watching that video, this looks like one of those exceptionally rare kids who could make the direct to NBA jump as a 17 year old. I was not expecting that kind of length, athleticism or footwork from an 8th grader. He could probably be playing at midlevel D1 tomorrow. Wow.

It's true. With his skill set and size do people expect Div. 1 coaches to ignore and act like they don't see this kids video. So KO , Cal , Coach K , etc. are supposed to just walk by the gym and act like they dont see this kid. That video doesnt show "potential", it shows actual size , length, and advanced basketball skills that could play right now. Plus , how many " official visits " did Tracy Mcgrady , Dwight Howard , Lebron, etc . Make ? I bet most coaches knew those guys were going pro while they were in the 8th /9th grade.

 

[nomar]

I'm an adult. I see your POV but just don't agree with it. I think it would make life alot easier if a kid knows that he doesn't have to worry about going through the rigors of applying to colleges and playing the waiting game. This may or may not apply to this kid but at the end of the day, I'm sure he's happier knowing that he has a future somewhere rather than having to wait to have a future somewhere.

How many players have accepted offers as 13- or 14-year-olds, never re-opened their recruiting, and then stuck with the original offer? I really can't think of one.

It just starts the process earlier. Doesn't help out anyone, ever. Maybe some AAU coaches and greedy hangers-on. That's it.

 

[elduderino]

It's true. With his skill set and size do people expect Div. 1 coaches to ignore and act like they don't see this kids video. So KO , Cal , Coach K , etc. are supposed to just walk by the gym and act like they dont see this kid. That video doesnt show "potential", it shows actual size , length, and advanced basketball skills that could play right now. Plus , how many " official visits " did Tracy Mcgrady , Dwight Howard , Lebron, etc . Make ? I bet most coaches knew those guys were going pro while they were in the 8th /9th grade.

If he keeps growing into his body and developing his game, I really don't see him needing college ball. Hopefully he can figure out how to get a full ride to an exceptional prep school and just go pro after graduation. Pick up a UConn degree part time and during the off seasons?

 

[Horatio]

If he keeps growing into his body and developing his game, I really don't see him needing college ball. Hopefully he can figure out how to get a full ride to an exceptional prep school and just go pro after graduation. Pick up a UConn degree part time and during the off seasons?

He'd have to go the Brandon Jennings route and go overseas

 

[elduderino]

He'd have to go the Brandon Jennings route and go overseas

Yup, ridiculous system, but I think he could find some educational value on the road at least. I wish him the best, but really don't see him bleeding blue, or needing to.

 

[JaYnYcE]

With all due respect what does a kid (i.e. junior high school) know or even care about such things. Admittedly I am an old fart but have raised a few kids, and at that age they aren't mature enough to flush the toilet after use, keep their cell phone bills down or clean their dishes when finished eating. The future decisions are more about what new PS3/X-Box game to get and how to get it.

At that age do you really think its wise to let a kid select a college simply just for basketball? Its the basic and age old reason why many kids need parent(s) and consequently why parents get grey hair fast.

I can only speak from experience and college was definitely on my mind, especially 1 year away from entering high school. Didn't have a cell phone and I knew how to flush a toilet. You're also talking to a kid raised in a Jamaican houshold who was the oldest of 3. I did everything except pay the bills and cook dinner.