DeMarcus Cousins shares gripes about NCAA after Zion Williamson injury
Warriors’ star says players deserve share of profits
OAKLAND, Calif. — The topic first prompted DeMarcus Cousins to make a plug about his shoe.
Duke freshman star Zion Williamson both sprained his right knee during Wednesday’s game against North Carolina and tore through the soles of his Nike shoe. Cousins mentioned that never happened to him since he is a “Puma guy.”
“I don’t have anything,” Cousins said following morning shootaround on Thursday. “I’m a Puma guy.”
Cousins still had plenty of sympathy and perspective regarding Williamson’s injury. Not only did Cousins wish Williamson well. Cousins argued Williamson’s injury illustrates his issues with the NCAA pertaining to the so-called oneand-done rule, if college athletes should be paid and if Williamson should sit out the rest of the season to protect his draft prospects.
“Knowing what I know now, college is bull----. College basketball and the NCAA is bull----,” Cousins said. “My advice to him is do what is best for you and his family. Obviously college (basketball) isn’t (doing that). It does nothing for you at this point. You’re proving you’re the No. 1 pick coming out and proving your talent. Get ready for the next level.”
Cousins stressed that he “loved my experience in college” during his lone season at the University of Kentucky (2010). Cousins called that experience “some of the best years in my life,” as he helped the Wildcats reach the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament. The Sacramento Kings (30-27), which played the Warriors (41-16) on Thursday at Oracle Arena, then selected Cousins No. 5 overall in the 2010 NBA draft.
Still, Cousins took issue with “just how crooked the NCAA business is.”
Exhibit A: Cousins cited an ESPN report that said the cheapest ticket price for the Duke-North Carolina game cost $2,500. The report noted one ticket sold for $10,652.
“How much does Zion Williamson get?” Cousins asked rhetorically. “That’s who they’re coming to see. That’s what the NCAA gets. Actually, who does it go to? How does it benefit any player on that team? But to get $20 and a free meal, they are labeled a bad kid and get a bad rap, are called uncoachable or thugs or whatever the case may be. It’s been bull----.”
Therefore, Cousins argued that the NBA should eliminate the so-called oneand-done rule that requires players to play in college basketball or overseas for at least one year.
“I don’t understand the point of it,” Cousins said. “What’s the difference between 18 and 19? Or 17 and 18? They’re immature and young and ignorant to life in general. So what’s the difference? They still have a lot of growing to do.”
The Associated Press reported Thursday that the NBA recently sent a proposal to the National Basketball Players Association about lowering the minimum age to enter the NBA Draft from 19 to 18, as the sides continuing moving toward eliminating the “one-and-done” policy.
AP says the proposal is part of the ongoing talks between the league and the players’ union. The person spoke to The Associated Press Thursday on condition of anonymity because neither side made the proposal public. USA Today Sports first reported the proposal changing hands.
Cousins also argued that players should explore skipping college and enter the G League. Cousins also praised LaVar Ball, the outspoken father of Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball who created the Junior Basketball Association. That league features eight teams and plays players between 18 and 20, including his son, LaMelo.
“It’s not a popular thing right now, but I think it will grow over time. You’ve seen a couple of young guys enter that program early,” Cousins said of the G League.
“It’s cool with what Ball did and his whole league. I think it’s a cool thing. Obviously he doesn’t have the greatest name and people look at him in a foolish manner.
“But what he’s doing makes sense. He’s helping his kids. He understands how the college level is corrupt.”