EXPLOITATION OR OPPORTUNITY?

Today, professional basketball is a major vehicle for young African American men seeking to escape the hardships of urban life. Although it is relatively rare, some players elect not to attend college in hopes of turning professional immediately after high school.

Critics contend that African American athletes have been exploited for their athletic prowess by professional, collegiate, and, in some cases, high school basketball programs. Some, including author John Hoberman, argue that "the cult of black athleticism continues a racist tradition that has long emphasized the motor skills and manual training of African Americans." Hoberman and others suggest that the enormous salaries of today's professional athletes send the wrong signal to young children

But many disagree, including black basketball coaches who argue that basketball should be seen as a legitimate and viable vehicle for young, poor African Americans seeking a better life. A coach can play a major role in the athletic and personal development of young basketball players, ensuring that the desire for a professional sports career is moderated by the necessity of education.

Some African American coaches have worked throughout their careers to teach young players the value of education and the importance of becoming a well-rounded individual, including two of the most respected coaches in basketball, Clarence "Big House" Gaines and Lenny Wilkens. Gaines was a coach at Winton-Salem State University and is the winningest coach in NCAA Division II history. After his 1,000th victory in 1996, Lenny Wilkens became the winningest coach in NBA history. Other outstanding African American coaches include John Thompson, John Chaney, K. C. Jones, Clem Haskins, George Raveling, and Nolan Richardson.