College Hoops Stars Wonder What Their NBA Future Holds

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EL PASO, Texas — New talent may have to put their pro dreams on hold a while longer if the NBA goes on strike for the 2011 season, which would be a new example of another professional sports letdown.

Unless a new agreement is reached, the second NBA work stoppage in about a decade would take place in September 2011. How will the players who are still in college feel about this situation?

UTEP basketball team's guard Randy L. Culpepper. (Courtesy of UTEP Athletics)

UTEP basketball team's guard Randy L. Culpepper. (Courtesy of UTEP Athletics)

From my personal experience as one of these college basketball players I find the NBA lockout as a true misfortune. I can’t help but question why this is happening at the time of my graduation. I’d like to believe that I will have the opportunity to throw my hat into the draft, but reality is making me wonder if I’m going to get my chance.

When I was doing homework in the library one evening I found myself in a conversation with another student over what my career holds for me. She said “Randy I think that would be a big disappointment that you wouldn’t get your chance at your dream. You took a chance on our school and you’ve given the town a new life.”

This really affected me and I’m not putting myself on a peak, but I found it warming that people actually cared. It upsets me that I probably won’t get the chance to do right for the people who support me.

In previous years agreements have shortened the seasons. An example of this would be the 1998-99 NBA season in which the season was reduced to 50 games as a result of the NBA’s owners locking out players until a new collective bargaining agreement was reached.

It is rumored that as many as 20 of the 30 NBA teams lost money in the 2008-09 season. Attendance feels the full effects of the recession until season tickets are sold for next season.

“I’d be upset that players from colleges wouldn’t get their chance to see full potential if a lockout next season was to take place,” said UTEP junior Rudy Reyes, “Indeed these professional athletes should be paid for their talents but the fans pay their salaries and I think they should look at that.”

Randy L. Culpepper (Courtesy of UTEP Athletics)

(Courtesy of UTEP Athletics)

Many NBA players seem to have no difficulty blowing through the millions of dollars they’ve collected. Sixty percent of their initial earnings are paid to their agent and it is possible that a top-notch athlete will pay out about $10 million in the course of their career.

“It’s sad to witness that many of the stars in the NBA or any professional sports don’t really receive the income they deserve. They should be paid for their talents and it seems everyone benefits except the athlete,” said senior Abe Villalobos. “More should be done to keep the money in the pockets of these players. They need to have futures after their professional careers.”

My family has struggled to raise my brothers and me. I am not saying that we are poor or anything like that, but I always figured that by playing in the NBA and making my dreams come true I would be able to support my family like they always supported me.

I’m hoping that some type of agreement will be settled in the NBA and I’m very patient. My goal is to play in the NBA and do right by my family and make something for them. I think most people would understand how I feel.

5 thoughts on “College Hoops Stars Wonder What Their NBA Future Holds

  1. Randy, well spoken by someone who’s not a “flash n’ grab” type of guy. The forethought in your article is to be commended. It’s awesome to have ability and dreams such as yours for which to shoot; but it’s yet more awesome that you recognize that there is life beyond the NBA. So an athlete blows through their money..what’s left after that? If money was your defining goal, it’s fleeting. If supporting your family, then you’re setting a standard to be emulated, not avoided.

  2. Randy,
    Speaking as a crazy UTEP Basketball Fan, we are extremely lucky as a school, community, and entire miner nation to have a player like you wearing our colors. Thank you for always playing your heart out and for not being selfish. Your leadership will bring amazing achievements this next season. Good luck with your future endeavors.

  3. Randy,
    Very well spoken, I’ve enjoyed watching you and your teamates play during your time here. Thanks for choosing UTEP and bringing new life into the city. I wish you well, be patient and things will work itself out.

  4. Baby;
    I am a very big fan of you, I look up to you as my son, you are a great person, and I pray for you every day. I am your number one fan. Keep working hard and just believe, miracles do exist, and I believe that your dreams will come true. Remember keep your patience and your talent don’t let anything, or anybody bring down your dreams keep up the good work.

  5. Randy, GO ham this season like u did at sheffield.and dunk det junt mo.this yo las year bra

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