The NBA has taken a significant step towards changing the "one-and-done" exception for NCAA athletes. As of right now, collegiate players can opt for the draft after completing their freshman campaign in the NCAA, but the NBA hopes institute more years of service between high school and the pros.
The NBA has joined in an agreement with the NBA Player's Association, the NCAA and USA Basketball in an effort to effectuate the rule change. As part of the agreement, USA Basketball Junior program will receive a boost in enrollment, to a talent pool extending to 80 participants, or about 20 per age gradient (freshman to senior ranks).
This is the first time all four parties have agreed to pool their resources. A collegiate commission has already requested that age limits be abolished by the NBA, with the league targeting the 2021 or 2022, perfectly timed to conincide with USA Basketball's very first graduating class under league reform. Currently, high school players can bypass college ball, but they must pass through the G League for a year of orientation, as in the case of Mitchell Robinson who was drafted by New York Knicks in 2018 after foregoing his college status. Robinson was subsequently ruled ineligible for the G League season because of an indelible mark on his NCAA record. He was none-the-less allowed to enter the Draft after training on the sidelines with other pros and high school recruits.
