To go pro, or not to go pro!

I'm back! For now.
First of all I am actually feeling really good the last couple of days, so I thought it was time to get back in the old computer chair and start banging out amazing, awesome, cool, mostly important only to me, blogs. So, I'm going to talk to you about a topic that has been on my mind a bit today.
As most of you know, Duke basketball is not very far down on the list of things I love in life. I am a little obsessed to say the least. Well, today one of Duke's best players announced that he was leaving school after his freshman season to enter the NBA. At first I was REALLY upset by this because it makes next year's team a bit weaker. If Kyrie Irving were to stick around at least one more year, Duke could be considered a favorite to win the national championship, making me a very happy guy. And, let's face it, that's really what it's all about. So, because he's leaving, I'm upset.
Being a parent changes my outlook.
For years now I have always disliked the idea of guys leaving school early to enter the ranks of professional sports. I have always liked the idea of a guy(or girl actually) sticking around for four years, earning a degree, and growing as an athlete and a person. I always thought that the pros are always going to be there, what's the rush? Well, if you follow Duke basketball you know that Kyrie Irving missed all but 11 games this year because of a toe injury. He was dynamic when he played, making Duke a team many thought could go undefeated for the season. After his injury in the eighth game of the season, everything changed for Duke. Kyrie came back for the last three games, but it just wasn't the same. Many felt that he came back too early from his injury, risking his chance at being drafted this year. As a Duke fan, I wanted him back to help my team have a better chance at another championship. Now I think about it, and my opinion changes. I say good for him. If I were his father, I'd tell him to go to the pros and get paid as soon as he can. If my son or daughter is good enough to play professionally at any sport, I'm not going to rush them, but if there is a chance to make a career out of it, do it now. Irving's injury this year showed just how fragile the opportunity we all hold in life is. What if he came back to Duke, reinjured his toe, and never made it to the NBA? Yes, there are insurance policies to protect him, but that's not the same. Kyrie has the chance to make MILLIONS this year, and he is smart not to pass that up. Most people go to college in order to get a good job right? Well, what if your kid went to college to be an accountant and after his/her second year, the biggest accounting firm in the state offered a HIGHLY paying position that was very secure? What's the point of those other two years of college really? There is no guarantee that the job will be there after two more years in college, grab the opportunity while it's in front of you I say.
A TV show makes my point!

   That's right, I'm going to point out Doogie Howser M.D.! Just because Doogie was a kid didn't make him any less qualified to be a doctor! I know you laugh at this example, but it's the truth. If my kid is brilliant and can go to college and medical school when they should be in junior high, who am I to hold them back. That's the same for Kyrie Irving's parents. Just because he's only completed one year of college doesn't mean he's not qualified to play in the NBA! So, I say, good for you Kyrie!
You just broke my heart that's all!