Why the NBA could go back to drafting high schoolers in 2024, explained

The NBA does not allow players under 19 years old to get drafted as of right now. However, that policy could reportedly change — and it could happen reasonably soon.

Some of the game’s biggest stars of all-time, such as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, decided to forego their collegiate eligibility and declare for the draft after finishing high school. None, however, were allowed to do that since the rule changed in 2005.

But for nearly two decades since then, even the most NBA-ready prospects have used a buffer season between high school and the NBA. Some, such as LaMelo Ball, opted to play overseas. Others, like Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga, chose alternative paths like the G League Ignite. Now, we can add another non-collegiate route to the mix.

So is this the end of college basketball as we know it? Probably not!

However, the prep-to-pros trend may become fashionable again once more. Here is what we know about when and why this might happen.