Why One-and-Done Rule Must Change to Save the Future of College Basketball

One-and-done is a term synonymous with college basketball.

Current NBA stars like Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose made successful jumps to the pro ranks after one year in college, while players like Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Austin Rivers are doing the same in this year's draft.

While it's exciting to see some of these players play in the NBA, I personally believe the one-and-done rule must change to save the future of college basketball.

Now, before I start, I understand that you only have a handful of players that will spend one year in college and then go to the pros.

But, what I don't like seeing is schools that are in the running for the national title, having players being done after one year essentially creating a revolving door at schools with a lot of tradition.

To me, college basketball is great, especially when it comes to March Madness.

But, it seems like it's losing its luster prior to the conference tournaments.

With so many players leaving schools early, it's becoming increasingly difficult to build familiarity with some of the top programs in the nation.

While that doesn't prevent me from watching when I can, it might for more traditional college basketball fans.

March Madness will always be exciting, no matter who is playing. But the NCAA is falling behind in ratings, especially before conference play.

While the regular season will never get the ratings that March Madness does, there could be some definite improvement.

A good place to start is for the NBA to change its eligibility rule.

In the NFL, players have to be out of high school at least three years before they can go pro. While the MLB allows players to be drafted out of high school, players who choose to attend a Division-I school have to wait three years. If they go the junior college route, then they can go into the draft after one year.

In my opinion, I think the MLB way is the best way.

If players can go straight to the NBA out of high school, the college game won't be missing anything.

But, if players choose to go the Division-I route, then they must wait three years before they can enter the draft. That will allow college fans a chance to get used to players on their team and root for them.

I have no problem with junior college players going to the NBA after one year because it's not like college fans will be missing much.

As a college basketball fan, I would've loved to see if Davis and Kidd-Gilchrist could repeat as national champions.

Unfortunately, we won't get to see that happen.

Give me players who are committed to playing the college game for a few years, and you'll see the ratings go up.