"When they get to college, they think they should be in the NBA" - Sidney Moncrief on the biggest problem among NBA prospects in 2000
sidney-moncrief
Sidney Moncrief was best known for his signature tenacity on both ends of the floor, which seemed to contradict his relatively quiet personality. The Milwaukee Bucks legend preferred to let his game do the talking for him, but behind the scenes, he displayed focus and determination on developing his craft.
In an interview with SLAM in 2000, he credited his disciplined upbringing with helping him take instructions more easily and develop more quickly into a better player. Moncrief also agreed that many prospects at that time probably didn't have a similar resolve.
"Definitely a huge problem," he said. "The biggest reason is that today, a kid is identified as a 'potential superstar' in seventh, sixth, even third grade. So they think they've arrived and don't take instructions from the time they're young. When they get to college, they think they should be in the NBA. It can be difficult."
Still a problem to this day
It's unclear if "Sir Sid" still holds the same sentiment today. However, many retired NBA players have already complained about the state of youth basketball. Jason Richardson and Andre Iguodala have mused on what has plagued it, including the highlights of culture, politics, controlled narratives, and, of course, money.
As for Rod Strickland, he echoed Moncrief's assertion, saying recently that some fourth- or fifth-graders already think they're pros. The retired ball wizard also pinned the blame on the system and people around young hoopsters.
Aspiring basketball players have to remember that at any given time during the regular season, the 30 NBA teams are limited to 15 players with the option to up to three two-way contracts. So, there are less than 600 roster spots to fill but tens of thousands of NBA hopefuls.
Moncrief's dedication to his craft
Perhaps today's youngsters should read up on the legendary Buck and learn how he became a Hall of Famer.
Growing up in a neighborhood in Little Rock, Arkansas, rampant with crimes and drugs, Sid dodged trouble by joining a Boy Scout troop and helping out in his family's garden. He didn't officially pick up basketball until seventh grade and only managed to join the varsity in ninth grade. By then, listening to coaches' instructions had become effortless for him.
He eventually became a star during his time with the University of Arkansas, even making it to the cover of Sports Illustrated.
After graduating in 1979, Moncrief entered the NBA draft, where he was selected fifth overall by the Bucks. He spent 10 seasons with the franchise, establishing himself as one of the best two-way guards of his era and earning the respect of other legends, including Michael Jordan and Larry Bird.