Evan Turner, Ohio State’s outstanding point guard, faces a difficult decision. A junior All-American and odds-on favorite for college basketball’s player of the year, he’s projected as one of the top picks in the upcoming NBA draft. With millions of dollars beckoning, why
would he consider returning for his senior year with the Buckeyes?
But he says his decision isn’t cast in stone. Now that OSU has cinched at least a tie for the Big Ten championship, Turner said he’s focused on the Big Ten tournament and then the NCAA Tournament. Then he’ll weigh the alternatives.
Again, why would Turner even think about remaining in college when he can become an instant millionaire? There are two reasons: Right now, even with hours of practice and conditioning, coupled with classwork, he’s still having fun playing a game he enjoys. Once he gets into the NBA, even if he becomes a star, it’s business, a job.
There’s also the reality the collegiate experience is once in a lifetime. A former Buckeye who gave up eligibility to turn pro, then returned to finish his degree, reportedly made this sage observation: “You can go back to school, but you can never go back to college.” In other words, once you assume adult responsibilities, you can’t go back to being a kid.
Even today, nearly 40 years later, I cherish my college years. I was young and stupid, but in the process of learning – and growing up. Sure, if the New York Times or Washington Post had made a generous offer for me to “come out early,” I would have considered it. Fortunately, I wasn’t an All-American – even in journalism school – so that temptation never arose. But my years at OSU will always stay with me.
Being young, there’s a tendency to see life in the short-term, seeking instant gratification. The perspective of years helps us to appreciate special times, thankful we didn’t toss them away.
would he consider returning for his senior year with the Buckeyes?But he says his decision isn’t cast in stone. Now that OSU has cinched at least a tie for the Big Ten championship, Turner said he’s focused on the Big Ten tournament and then the NCAA Tournament. Then he’ll weigh the alternatives.
Again, why would Turner even think about remaining in college when he can become an instant millionaire? There are two reasons: Right now, even with hours of practice and conditioning, coupled with classwork, he’s still having fun playing a game he enjoys. Once he gets into the NBA, even if he becomes a star, it’s business, a job.
There’s also the reality the collegiate experience is once in a lifetime. A former Buckeye who gave up eligibility to turn pro, then returned to finish his degree, reportedly made this sage observation: “You can go back to school, but you can never go back to college.” In other words, once you assume adult responsibilities, you can’t go back to being a kid.
Even today, nearly 40 years later, I cherish my college years. I was young and stupid, but in the process of learning – and growing up. Sure, if the New York Times or Washington Post had made a generous offer for me to “come out early,” I would have considered it. Fortunately, I wasn’t an All-American – even in journalism school – so that temptation never arose. But my years at OSU will always stay with me.
Being young, there’s a tendency to see life in the short-term, seeking instant gratification. The perspective of years helps us to appreciate special times, thankful we didn’t toss them away.
The Bible tells us, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). If Evan Turner does elect to turn pro, good for him; I hope he does well. But I also hope he takes his decision seriously, valuing the moment, rather than rashly opting for the obvious. After all, you’re only a kid once.
No comments:
Post a Comment