NCAA eligibility talks must include coaches, says NABC's Robinson - ESPN

Craig Robinson, the executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, said Thursday that communication with coaches about the proposed timing of Charlie Baker's five-for-five eligibility proposal that could alter collegiate sports is «non-negotiable.»

Baker has pushed the idea of giving all athletes five years of eligibility over five years, beginning with high school graduation or when they turn 19, whichever is earliest. It's an idea echoed by an executive order recently signed by President Donald Trump. The change would eliminate the flurry of waivers and redshirts that have been at the center of legal challenges in recent years.

It could also stabilize the influx of players with professional experience in America and internationally who hope to earn college eligibility.

The Division I Cabinet, the most influential powerbrokers in collegiate sports, could vote on the measure in May and it could be implemented as early as June. That means college basketball players who were seniors this season may get another year to play. That's potentially problematic for teams that have tried to finalize their rosters now that the transfer portal is closed and most of the key available players have committed to teams.

«The NABC shares the NCAA's urgency to stabilize college sports eligibility, and coaches have expressed general support for an age-based model during initial discussions with NCAA leaders. However, this rapid shift requires diligent implementation, especially given the active recruiting and transfer cycles. Coach perspective is vital to any legislative reform,» Robinson said in a statement. «On matters of eligibility that immediately impact roster management, the NABC views collaboration and