Why International Leagues, G League Ignite are great options for aspiring NBA players
In the U.S., the post-high school path to the NBA usually includes an obligatory stop in college. But the landscape of basketball in the U.S. is rapidly changing, and players are considering different routes to the NBA.
With this shift in landscape, a critical question arises — are international leagues and the G League Ignite program often overlooked as strong alternatives for men's basketball players after high school? The answer to that question is yes.
Elevated competition level
One of the primary advantages of choosing to play for the G League Ignite or an international team instead of playing for a collegiate team is the immediate exposure to high-level competition. On both Ignite and international teams, young players can play against veteran players with years of professional experience.
Exposing young players to elite professional competition will prepare them for the intensity and skill needed to make the NBA. Playing alumni will also prepare young players for the physicality and mental fortitude needed to play in the NBA.
Learning from professionals
Not only do young players get to compete against seasoned professionals, but they are also teammates with them as well.
The Ignite team combines young talent and league veterans. In the Euroleague, it is common to find many teams composed of former NBA players or other accomplished professional players. These veterans can serve as mentors to young players and help guide them throughout the world of professional basketball.
NBA-Like rules and game structure
The International Basketball Association has changed many rules in the Euroleague to make it more similar to the NBA.
These changes include a 24-second shot clock, 8 seconds to advance the ball beyond half court and four quarters of 10 minutes each, which is just 2 fewer minutes per quarter than the NBA. Other than the rules in overtime, the G League's rules are exactly like the NBA.
Similar rules and game structure can help young players prepare for the speed and pace of the NBA.
Statistical similarities between the EuroLeague and the NBA
In 2019, a study was conducted to analyze and compare NBA and EuroLeague basketball through box score statistics in the period from 2000-2017.
The research findings support that the EuroLeague is becoming increasingly similar to the NBA both quantitatively and qualitatively. When adjusting for game pace and trends, there are no significant differences in player rotations, assists, steals or rebounds.
The decreasing differences between the two leagues raise the possibility that international leagues, particularly the EuroLeague, provide a better pathway for player development than the collegiate path does.
Real-Life examples
Charlotte Hornets guard Lamelo Ball famously decided to forgo college and play basketball internationally. Ball played in the National Basketball League in Australia, where he excelled, averaging 17 points, approximately seven assists and approximately eight rebounds.
After his season in Australia, Ball was selected third overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA draft. Since then, Ball has been a standout player for Charlotte and recently signed a five-year contract extension worth $260 million.
If you are an NBA fan, chances are Scoot Henderson has been dominating your social media feed recently. Henderson did not attend college, choosing to play for the G League Ignite instead. Henderson was impressive in his lone season with the Ignite, averaging 16.5 points per game, nearly seven assists per game and approximately five rebounds per game.
After his season with the Ignite, Henderson was selected third overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2023 NBA Draft and hopes to become the Trail Blazers' newest franchise player.
As the basketball landscape evolves, high school prospects are rewriting the narrative and picking the paths that best correspond with their goals and aspirations. While the college route makes sense for some, it is becoming increasingly clear that international leagues and the G League Ignite program provide players with the right environment and skills to succeed in the NBA.
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