The UNC scandal (and it was a scandal but wasn't treated that way enough) was not exactly "the kids" at fault, but a corrupt system that is to blame and should have been held far more accountable in serious ways than it was. There were a lot of "adults" who were complicit in what is fraud. Maybe what it really points to is the need for an NBA farm system, like MLB's minor leagues" whereby a "kid" who doesn't want to actually go to college but sees it as the only route to professional b'ball can "try out" for the NBA in its farm system. As it is, colleges serve as a farm system with so much money involved but until recently not for the "student-athletes" and the colleges doing all of the work for the NBA. It is amazing that there are those who truly are student-athletes, who have grueling schedules with practice, travel, games, recovery and still have the classes and student demands to meet. There is merit in scholarship AND athleticism but not everybody has both of those qualities; there should be room and encouragement for both areas of talent and/or ambition.
It is my ongoing hope that Illinois IS clean and remains clean and STILL recruits good guys to play the game "in the right way" as coaches like to say. Maybe I'm naive but I believe it is possible to win games and not be crooked, not be a really bad example for "kids" who should be learning good things and not how to cheat and scam to get ahead. There are undoubtedly plenty of good players who are also "the good guys" and families who don't want to go the crass, cheating route but who want to be part of a good program.
For those who need to make money and who can play professional ball but are conflicted about college, they could be encouraged to return to college later as most will still be young after finishing their professional careers, if they go that route.
...yeah I need that 20 lbs in 7 day diet too!