A recent NCAA decision is leaving student-athletes with a unique decision. Highlighting a choice that many College Basketball players face annually.

College sports are facing unique issues because of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the cancellation of March Madness; one of the NCAA’s most lucrative events. To the cancellation of in-person classes and public spring graduation ceremonies. Disrupting one of the most significant events of a graduate’s life. The impact of this pandemic is being felt from lecture halls to school coiffeurs.

Earlier this week, the NCAA sought to address one aspect of the impact. Through approving an extra year of eligibility for Division I spring sport athletes. After their seasons were cancelled due to the pandemic. This decision effects baseball, softball, lacrosse, golf, tennis, outdoor track and field and more. While their tournament’s were cancelled by the pandemic; men’s and women’s college basketball is not effected.

One wonders how many athletes will take up the NCAA’s offer. Many graduating seniors might decide to forgo that extra year of eligibility. In order to move on to a professional career in or out of sports. Several athletes already make that decision every year. For reasons having nothing to do with a global health crisis.

Even if the NCAA’s decision did effect college basketball. One wonders how many players would pursue the extra year. Many basketball players might’ve stuck to their original plans. After all, there are professional options beyond the NBA. Such as foreign leagues and the NBA’s G-League farm system. Plus, players can test their draft stock without forgoing eligibility. Local stars like Xavier Basketball’s Naji Marshall is already doing so.

A similar situation could even play out for one sport that is effected. College Baseball players have an even wider array of potential professional options. From Major League Baseball and several prominent foreign leagues. Plus, a much larger minor league system than the G-League. Ultimately, the prospect of a paycheck will play a pivotal role.

Economic factors make the NCAA’s decision somewhat reasonable. Something that rarely gets said about an NCAA decision. It’s reasonable for athletes that would otherwise struggle to afford college. In sports that have rather limited professional options. Keeping the pursuit of a degree afloat for several students.

However, economic factors also makes the NCAA’s decision irrelevant for various athletes. It’s irrelevant for athletes in the most lucrative sports. With basketball and football being the sports that generate the most revenue. However, disruptions for basketball and football pale in comparison to spring sports. While lucrative professional options in those sports make the decision irrelevant anyway. While student-athletes without a scholarship are potentially left in a financial bind. One that an extra year of eligibility on it’s own wont resolve.