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Addison Patterson Commits To Oregon, Will Reclassify Into 2019 Class

Aug 19, 2019 10:30 PM

Addison Patterson officially announced his commitment to Oregon.

Patterson will also reclassify into the class of 2019.

Patterson, who represented Canada at the U17 World Cup, was the #31 ranked player in ESPN's 100 for 2020 class. 

Jeff Borzello/ESPN

Tags: Oregon Ducks, NCAA, NCAA Commitment

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N'Faly Dante Commits To Ducks, Reclassifies For 2019

Aug 14, 2019 2:22 AM

N'Faly Dante announced his commitment to the Oregon Ducks in a letter written in The Players' Tribune.

The 6-foot-11 Dante will also reclassify into the class of 2019.

Dante, a five-star recruit ranked no. 18 in ESPN's class of 2020, chose Oregon over Kentucky.

Jeff Borzello/ESPN

Tags: Oregon Ducks, NCAA, NCAA Commitment

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NCAA Drops College Degree Requirement For Basketball Agents

Aug 12, 2019 4:55 PM

The NCAA has amended its certification process for agents who represent basketball players who are testing the draft waters that will no longer require them to have a bachelor's degree.

"We are committed to providing student-athletes who are deciding whether to stay in school or explore NBA draft options with access to a wide array of resources to make their decision," the NCAA said in a statement on Monday.

"NCAA member schools developed the new agent certification process to accomplish that goal and reflect our higher education mission. However, we have been made aware of several current agents who have appropriately represented former student-athletes in their professional quest and whom the National Basketball Players Association has granted waivers of its bachelor's degree requirement."

The NCAA issued a memo to agents last week that outlined new certification requirements.

In an op-ed piece for The Athletic on Monday, Rich Paul wrote: "Requiring a four-year degree accomplishes only one thing -- systematically excluding those who come from a world where college is unrealistic. Does anyone really believe a four-year degree is what separates an ethical person from a con artist?

"Let's also be clear that once the NCAA requires a four-year degree for athletes 'testing the waters,' it's only a matter of time until this idea is socialized, no longer questioned, and then more broadly applied. We all know how this works. Unfair policy is introduced incrementally so people accept it because it only affects a small group. Then the unfair policy quietly evolves into institutional policy. I'm not sure what the technical term is for that because I didn't finish college but I know it when I see it."

Mark Schlabach/ESPN

Tags: NCAA, NBA, NBA NBA Draft, NBA Draft General

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Rich Paul Writes Op-Ed On New Restrictions From NCAA On Agents

Aug 12, 2019 10:29 AM

Rich Paul wrote an op-ed with The Athletic about the so-called "Rich Paul Rule" that would prevent agents like Paul who didn't graduate from college from representing NCAA players who are testing the draft waters.

Paul first clarified that the media naming it after him is not accurate.

"The media is calling it “The Rich Paul Rule” that, while incredibly flattering, is not accurate," writes Paul. "It has no impact on me or the business of Klutch Sports Group. However, it does have a significant impact on people like me and the NCAA should be called out for it.

"To be honest, I have no idea whether the NCAA adopted the new rule specifically because of my work with Darius Bazley, as people have speculated, or if it is because they know there are more and more people like me fighting for their chance and challenging this antiquated system.

"The harmful consequences of this decision will ricochet onto others who are trying to break in. NCAA executives are once again preventing young people from less prestigious backgrounds, and often people of color, from working in the system they continue to control.  In this case, the people being locked out are kids who aspire to be an agent and work in the NBA and do not have the resources, opportunity, or desire to get a four-year degree.

"I actually support requiring three years of experience before representing a kid testing the market. I can even get behind passing a test. However, requiring a four-year degree accomplishes only one thing — systematically excluding those who come from a world where college is unrealistic."

RealGM Staff Report

Tags: NCAA, NBA

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Yoeli Childs Receives Nine-Game NCAA Suspension

Aug 10, 2019 7:09 PM

BYU senior forward Yoeli Childs received a nine-game suspension from the NCAA.

Childs did not submit the appropriate paperwork and received improper expenses while he worked out for an agent in testing his NBA draft prospects earlier this summer.

Childs averaged 21.2 points and 9.7 rebounds per game last season.

ESPN

Tags: NCAA, NCAA B-Ball IQ

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Kentucky Lands Commitment From Cam'Ron Fletcher

Aug 10, 2019 12:04 AM

Cam'Ron Fletcher announced his commitment to Kentucky, joining B.J. Boston as the second top-50 recruit to join John Calipari's program.

Fletcher is ranked number 45 in the ESPN Top 100 for 2020.

Kentucky, Duke, and Virgnia are the only three schools who have landed multiple top-50 recruits in this cycle. 

Jeff Borzello/ESPN

Tags: Kentucky Wildcats, NCAA, NCAA Recruiting

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NCAA Implements 'Rich Paul Rule' For Underclassmen Testing NBA Draft Waters

Aug 6, 2019 9:12 PM

The NCAA is outlining new certification requirements for agents to represent players testing the NBA draft waters.

Agents must possess a bachelor's degree, NBPA certification for at least three consecutive years, professional liability insurance and completion of an in-person exam taken at the NCAA office in Indianapolis in early November.

The requirement of a bachelor's degree has led some to refer to it as the "Rich Paul Rule." Paul began working with LeBron James while in college and didn't graduate.

According to the new NCAA criteria, Paul wouldn't be able to represent underclassmen testing the NBA draft waters.

James weighed in on the new certification requirements via social media Tuesday.


Jeff Borzello/ESPN

Tags: NCAA, NBA, NBA NBA Draft, NBA Draft General

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Evan Mobley Commits To USC

Aug 5, 2019 8:22 PM

Evan Mobley has committed to USC as part of the 2020 incoming class.

Mobley is considered the top prospect in the class.

Mobley's father is an assistant coach and his brother, Isaiah Mobley, is an incoming freshman.

"I want to get it out of the way before I start my senior year. And I know where I want to go," Mobley told ESPN. "As a freshman and sophomore, I wasn't sure exactly where I was going to go. I was looking for the best fit. But after my junior season, I know that being at USC is the right fit for me."

Mobley plays at Rancho Christian High School and suited up for the Compton Magic this spring and summer, won gold medals with USA Basketball at the 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup and the U19 World Cup earlier this summer in Greece.

Jeff Borzello, Paul Biancardi/ESPN

Tags: Evan Mobley, USC Trojans, High School, NCAA, NBA, NBA NBA Draft, NBA Draft General

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