It’s no secret that college basketball teams have been getting away with a lot lately. From players breaking the rules, coaches cheating, and an FBI scandal, the world of college basketball needs a change.

Due to all the drama, the NCAA formed a group of 12 people looking to make these needed changes.  According to the Washington Post, The group was composed of retired coaches, players and college administrators and was headed by Condoleezza Rice. Rice and the group made it clear that they wanted change in the NCAA and that these reforms were needed.

The group focused on five main matters: the relationship between agents and players, NBA draft rules, AAU basketball, players, coaches and schools' involvement with apparel companies, and the overall enforcement of the NCAA.

They met over a period of seven months and came up with numerous reforms and rules that will help get the NCAA back on track and in control of all of the college basketball controversies.

They presented their proposal to the NCAA board and commission and here are a few of the main highlights:

  • Players should have more options when it comes to deciding between college and professional teams. They made it clear that the one-and-done rule has to go.
  • They decided not to mirror the rules of baseball.
  • To create a program allowing certifying agents to be available for players from high school through college.
  • Players should not be paid, they are not trying to make another professional league.
  • Coaches and presidents should be held more accountable for their actions. The punishments should be stiffer, such as a year's suspension for actions.

I can guarantee they are going to get some hesitations and complaints about some of these rules, but I agree with every rule listed. They all seem reasonable and workable. In fact, I think all of these rules are absolutely needed.   

All of them have a specific purpose in why it’s being changed or added and it is something that will help the NCAA in the long run. If passed, these new rules and regulations will enable the NCAA to take charge of the controversies and matters in the realm of college basketball. Though there may be a large list of changes, nothing unreasonable was proposed and after this past year, it is clear that they are needed.

The sooner they agree to these terms and pass these rules, the better. Especially since they will have to be working with outside contact to get all of the rules enforced and set up by August, which is when the ideally would like to start. For example, the one-and-done rule will need to be worked out with the NBA, so if passed, they need to jump right on that.

The NCAA needs to take charge and ensure that all teams, players, and coaches are acting just and following the rules. These new rules will enforce the values of the NCAA and those who can not follow the rules will finally have to take responsibility for their actions.

Teams can no longer cheat and get away with it. Athletes won’t be able to break the law and have coaches and spectators act like its nothing Reform is finally here and it is needed.

Sources: ESPN, The Washington Post

For a look at all the reforms and rules proposed, click here.