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How low will the NBA go? By Kris Henry On the heels of Wednesday's historic NBA Draft, I feel it's imperative the following announcement be made: Nicklaus Ryan Henry will be making himself draft-eligible for the 2002 NBA Draft. That's right, young Nick will forego the college game. In fact, at 4-years-old, he will forego all levels from high school to pee-wee recreation. Sound ridiculous? Wait until you hear about his potential. Although much of his basketball experience to date has been the kind involving imaginary hoops, he's shown an uncanny knack for scoring. Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. And even though he's only about 40 pounds and a few inches shy of the 4-foot mark, he's quicker than a hiccup. The down side? Well, he admittedly has a clumsy nature. Running more than 15 feet will have him landing face-first on a regular basis. Traveling rules may also need to be slightly altered since his main offensive move consists of two dribbles and then a run toward the imaginary goal. That's not too much to ask of the NBA, though, is it? I mean, a league this interested in "potential" should have no problem opening the doors for Nick. And marketable, have I mentioned how marketable he can be? There aren't too many redheads romping up and down the basketball court these days. He'll smile and tout any product you ask of him. Problems with drinking or drugs won't be a factor either since he's only interested in milk, cereal and the occasional peanut butter and jelly sandwich. And despite being a proud father, I vow not to let greed get in the way. A few million now, a few more later, I'm easy. You want a long-term contract, you got it. Still not buying it? Well you shouldn't, and neither should the NBA. It's as ridiculous as having three high school players drafted among the top-4 picks in Wednesday's NBA Draft. What used to be a novelty is coming dangerously close to commonplace. And it has to stop. The argument that 18-year-olds are asked to fight a war for their country or go out in the workplace - therefore should be eligible for the NBA - just doesn't cut it. This is the NBA. The elite of all basketball. The icons many like my son Nick will be pretending to be on courts across the nation. It stands to reason that these players be as socially ready for such grand stakes as they are physically. And that just doesn't seem to be the case, this year or any year for that matter. I know what the players are thinking, because I was the same way. Most teenagers feel like they are ready to take on the world. Then comes that first year away from home. Maybe there's panic of being on your own, maybe not. Maybe you know how to manage your mounting credit card bills, maybe you don't. Maybe you broaden your horizons and discover the person you truly are, maybe you don't. Either way, those are all life's lessons that need to come sometime. What's wrong with learning them outside the microscope of a professional's life? Just one year away from home or in college is enough. The fame and money will still be there, only with added perspective from those lessons learned. And those lessons may just make you wealthier than any NBA contract ever could. Reach reporter Kris Henry at 776-4488, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.