“With the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats select another talented underclassman leaving early to pursue professional basketball.”

Realistically, that’s what normally happens. The past three No. 1 picks illustrate this point nicely. John Wall, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis all made a name for themselves at big-name Division I institutions and then capitalized on their success by declaring for the draft after their freshman year. “Big thanks to Duke and Kentucky. Keep in touch.” 

In the case of Wall and Davis, that’s the Kentucky way. Head coach John Calipari creates championship-caliber teams by recruiting the best of the best with promises of a one-and-done college career. “Hey, come win a national championship for me and then you’re free to go!” It sounds good in theory, but then they go and lose in the first round of the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). Oops. 

In the end it almost doesn’t matter. Yeah, Kentucky had a major failure of a season compared with their usual standards, but that didn’t stop freshman phenom Nerlens Noel from declaring for the draft. He’ll most likely go somewhere in the top-three picks. 

Basically, it’s a win-win for Kentucky recruits. Even if they don’t win that elusive national championship, they get the exposure necessary to make the jump to the next level with ease.

As if kids leaving school three years early doesn’t seem bad enough, many are in favor of reinstating the rule allowing recently graduated high school seniors to be draft-eligible. While it is possible for high school athletes to be competitive in the NBA — see LeBron James — most kids aren’t anywhere near physically or emotionally ready for that level of play.

Proponents of allowing high school seniors to enter the draft always argue that if an athlete were to wait and attend college, or play all the way through college, they run the risk of getting injured, which would ruin the prospects of their professional career.

I hate this argument. It asserts that there is a negative side to receiving a college education. Worst-case scenario, if a player does choose to stay until their senior year and then gets injured, they leave school with a college degree. This might be a consolation prize to some when compared with the fame and fortune that the NBA can offer, but big picture: it matters.

The same logic can be applied to athletes in other sports as well. Take Matt Barkley for example. He was a big-time player at a big-time school projected to be a top-five pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. He chose to come back for his senior season in the hopes of winning a national championship for the Trojans but was then sidelined with a shoulder injury. And yet, he now finds himself with a degree in communications from USC and a shot to play in the NFL. Maybe he won’t be the No. 1 overall pick, but he’ll get a chance to play professional football. Poor him, right?

The NFL holds slightly different draft regulations in that athletes have to complete their junior year of college before they can become draft eligible. The same argument can be made about the possibility of injury, but realistically, having three years of college football under your belt leaves athletes more mentally and physically prepared for the next level. 

I don’t think you can say the same for kids right out of high school, or even basketball players coming out after only one year, even if they are playing on a high level team like Kentucky or Duke. 

There will always be exceptions to the rule. In fact, most No. 1 picks are probably exceptions, but experience does have a direct correlation to success. This leads me to believe that the NFL is more cognizant of the development needed in its players in order be competitive.

In terms of which draft is more fun to watch, it’s a toss up. 

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell gets booed before he reads each pick, which I believe fans, players and coaches alike find hilarious; however, the NFL draft can definitely drag on. The first round is the most exciting because it’s all the celebrity players everyone’s been hearing about all year, but the enthusiasm tapers off as the night goes on. 

My freshman year here, I decided to watch all seven rounds. Why? I’m way too obsessed with football and I had nothing better to do. I don’t recommend it. Stick to the first two or three rounds, and if something crazy happens, you’ll hear about it from a friend who decides to do what I did two years ago.

The NBA Draft moves at a much faster pace, but a lot of good players get overlooked because there are only 60 picks total. The Lottery picks are pretty much pre-determined which makes for much less drama overall.

Maybe it’s because I’m a girl, but in both drafts one of my favorite parts is seeing what horrible suit combinations the first round hopefuls have put together for themselves. If you want a laugh, google “Jalen Rose draft suit.”

You’re welcome.

Aryn is a junior in LAS. She can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @ArynBraun.