'Melo out -- one-and-dones can be a great help
This is about reality, about how elite talent is the most-important ingredient for any college basketball team, about how getting it for just one year is better than never having it to begin with. You know that saying about how it's better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all? The same principle applies here; only difference is instead of a broken heart, you end up with a practice facility, national title or -- in the case of Ohio State's Thad Matta -- a contract extension and $500,000 per year raise.
Want to know why Memphis is No. 1 in many preseason rankings?
Because it added a possible one-and-done player (Derrick Rose).
Want to know why UCLA might win its 12th national title?
Because it added a possible one-and-done player (Kevin Love).
Want to know why Indiana could return to the Final Four?
Because it added a possible one-and-done player (Eric Gordon).
Bottom line, the evidence in favor of embracing one-year players is overwhelming at this point. So if you don't mind, I'd like to take the myth that they are hazardous to a program's health and just bury it for good.
Hey Carmelo, can I borrow your shovel?
