Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
Elite 2024 Recruits React to Potential Draft Eligibility Changes
By JACOB POLACHECK
The NBA Draft could be in for a big change.
The NBA and NBPA are expected to agree on moving the age eligiblity for the NBA Draft from 19 years old to 18, Shams Charania of the Athletic reported Monday, which would clear the way for high school players to once again make the leap straight to the NBA.
This is especially significant for the high school class of 2024, which features players such as top-rated prospects Tre Johnson, Isaiah Elohim and Ian Jackson who would be able to enter the NBA Draft a year early.
However, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday that “nothing has advanced on the elimination of the ‘One-and-Done’ rule.”
While lowering the 19-and-over draft age will be a significant part of the NBA/NBPA Collective Bargaining discussions, sources tell ESPN nothing has advanced on elimination of the “One-and-Done” rule.
“I never thought that they would allow kids to go out of high school again,” Johnson told ZAGSBLOG. “I heard talks but didn’t think they would do it.”
The age limit of 19 was set in 2005, but NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in July that he was “hopeful” for the rule change in the next CBA cycle.
Johnson, 6-foot-5, 180-pound shooting guard from Lake Highlands (TX), said he would “consider it and keep it as an option like every other route,” in regards to whether he will make the jump straight to the NBA.
Elohim, a 6-foot-5, 190-pound shooting guard from Sierra Canyon (CA), is ranked by 247Sports Composite as the No. 13 overall prospect in the class of 2024.
“It’s a great opportunity for young talent to show that if they’re ready, they can go straight to the league,” Elohim said. “I would consider it if they put it into effect for sure.”
Jackson, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound shooting guard from Cardinal Hayes (NY), is ranked by 247Sports Composite as the No. 1 overall prospect in the class of 2024.
“I think it’s an amazing opportunity for players who have the ability to go out of high school and follow their dream of playing in the NBA,” Jackson said. “I think its great and the best part is that it gives high school athletes more choices.”
Bronny James, son of LeBron James, is in the Class of 2023 and would still need to wait a year before entering the Draft under the proposed change. James recently took a campus trip to Ohio State. LeBron has said he plans to play with Bronny in the NBA during his final season in 2024-25.
This post has been updated. Follow Jacob Polacheck on TwitterFollow Adam Zagoria on TwitterFollow ZAGSBLOGHoops on InstagramAnd Like ZAGS on Facebook
