s
In recent years, the NBA has seen a surge in the number of top 1-and-done prospects entering the league. These players are typically college freshmen who have declared for the NBA draft after just one year of college basketball. While these players have had a huge impact on the NBA, their presence has also had a notable effect on college basketball polls.
The most obvious impact of top 1-and-done prospects is the lack of star power in college basketball. These players often leave college after just one year, meaning that they don’t have the opportunity to develop into stars in college. This has led to a decrease in the number of top-tier teams in college basketball, as many of the best players are now in the NBA. This has had a direct effect on the AP Top 25 College Basketball Polls, as teams with fewer star players are now less likely to be ranked.
Another impact of top 1-and-done prospects is that it has shifted the focus of college basketball away from team success and towards individual success. Many of these players are more concerned with their own individual development than with helping their teams win games. This has led to an increase in the number of individual awards and accolades given out in college basketball, as these players are more likely to be recognized for their individual accomplishments than for helping their teams win games.
Finally, top 1-and-done prospects have also had an impact on recruiting. Many of these players are highly sought after by college coaches, as they can provide an immediate boost to a team’s success. This has led to an increase in the number of highly-ranked recruits entering college basketball, as coaches are now more willing to take a chance on these players.
Overall, top 1-and-done prospects have had a significant impact on college basketball polls. They have caused a decrease in the number of top-tier teams in college basketball, shifted the focus away from team success and towards individual success, and increased the number of highly-ranked recruits entering college basketball. As more of these players enter the NBA, it will be interesting to see how their presence continues to shape the landscape of college basketball.
