The Junior Basketball Association (JBA) was a professional basketball league that featured players aged 16 to 18. The league was founded in 2018 by LaVar Ball, the father of NBA stars Lonzo, LaMelo, and LiAngelo Ball. The JBA had high ambitions, aiming to revolutionize the way young basketball players are developed and showcased. But despite the bold vision, the league folded after just one season. So, what happened to the talented players who graced the courts of the JBA? Where are they now?
The Dream That Faded
The JBA's mission was to provide a platform for young players to showcase their skills and accelerate their path to the NBA. The league operated with a unique format, featuring shorter seasons, faster-paced games, and a focus on individual player development. The JBA also had a significant media presence, with games being broadcast on ESPN and CBS Sports Network.
Despite the initial hype and attention, the JBA faced numerous challenges. Financial instability, lack of support from the basketball community, and internal conflicts led to the league's demise in 2019. The sudden end left many talented players in limbo, wondering about their future in basketball.
Finding New Opportunities
After the JBA folded, the players were forced to find new avenues to pursue their basketball dreams. Some returned to high school or college, while others explored international opportunities. A few fortunate players were able to secure contracts with NBA G League teams, the NBA's developmental league.
Notable Players and Their Paths
Among the most notable JBA players, here's a look at where they are now:
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Jalen Green: One of the most highly touted prospects in the JBA, Green returned to high school before declaring for the NBA Draft in 2021. He was selected second overall by the Houston Rockets and is now a rising star in the NBA.
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Kyree Walker: Walker, a dynamic guard, returned to college after the JBA folded. He played for the Montana Grizzlies before transferring to the Ohio State Buckeyes. He entered the 2023 NBA Draft and was selected by the Indiana Pacers.
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Mac McClung: McClung, known for his high-flying dunks, played for the Georgetown Hoyas after leaving the JBA. He gained fame for his participation in the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, where he won the title. He currently plays for the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Legacy of the JBA
While the JBA may have had a short lifespan, its impact on the basketball landscape cannot be ignored. The league provided a platform for young players to showcase their talents, and many of them went on to have successful careers in college and the NBA. The JBA also sparked discussions about the need for alternative pathways for young basketball players to develop and reach their full potential.
The Future of Player Development
The JBA's demise raises questions about the future of player development in basketball. The traditional path through high school, college, and the NBA G League remains the most common route, but there is a growing recognition that alternative pathways are needed to cater to the diverse needs of young players.
The success of the JBA players who have gone on to excel in college and the NBA shows that there is a market for alternative developmental leagues. These leagues can provide players with the opportunity to accelerate their development, gain exposure to a broader audience, and potentially earn a living playing basketball.
Conclusion
The JBA may be gone, but its legacy continues to inspire discussions about how to best develop young basketball talent. The players who graced the JBA courts have demonstrated their resilience and determination, and they continue to chase their dreams of basketball stardom. The future of player development is uncertain, but the JBA's brief existence has shown that there is a demand for alternative pathways to the NBA.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Why did the JBA fold?
- The JBA faced financial difficulties, a lack of support from the basketball community, and internal conflicts.
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What happened to the JBA players?
- Some returned to high school or college, while others explored international opportunities. A few fortunate players secured contracts with NBA G League teams.
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Which JBA players have had the most success?
- Jalen Green, Kyree Walker, and Mac McClung are among the most notable JBA players who have gone on to successful college and NBA careers.
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What is the future of player development in basketball?
- The future of player development is uncertain, but there is a growing recognition that alternative pathways are needed to cater to the diverse needs of young players.
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What can be learned from the JBA's brief existence?
- The JBA's existence demonstrated the demand for alternative developmental leagues and sparked discussions about how to best develop young basketball talent.