PREPNET / SPEAK OUT

Would you be willing to postpone your college career, perhaps forever, for a chance to turn professional in your sport?

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NICO BOLLINI

Servite, Golf

I wouldn’t do it. There’s no guarantees in golf. In a sport like baseball, you get a guaranteed contract and go to the minors, but with golf there’s usually no monetary backing when you start out. You have to come come up with your own money to travel all around the world. After a couple years in college, if I won the U.S. Amateur and had nothing else to accomplish, then maybe I would.

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AARON YOVAN

University, Tennis

I think so. I am thinking of maybe trying a few Futures tour events while I’m still in high school. If I do well, then I will at least delay my college career. I’m not too enthusiastic about college anyway, so if I have a spot on the pro tour, there’s no reason to turn back.

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JAY NICHOLS

University, Baseball

It’s too risky to put my education on the line when I could enjoy four years of college. It’s been my dream to always experience college. It wouldn’t be the same coming back [to college] after growing up in the minor leagues.

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JOE AIHARA

Western, Basketball Coach

If I had a player in that position, with the opportunity to take care of himself and his family for the rest of his life, why not? You can sit there and say education is important, and it is, but these guys get chances to sign million-dollar contracts. If you’re a sure bet, who am I to say you shouldn’t? From a teacher’s perspective you hate to say that, but then, why do we go to college?

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LEN FIELDS

Long Beach, Retired businessman

If the athlete is from a poor or needy family--one that has had a difficult time for many years--it would be tempting to jump under the financial umbrella that a professional contract could provide. On the other hand, there is no substitution for a good solid education that only a college program can provide. Down the road, education is going to be the catalyst that allows the athlete a productive life. There are exceptions--like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neil, Kevin Garnett, etc. that might make you think twice. When push comes to shove, get that college degree.

NEXT QUESTION

Should coaches leave star players in the game so they can achieve records at the expense of embarrassing an overmatched opponent?