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NBA star and former Kentucky standout Anthony Davis has expressed disappointment with the current state of college basketball, citing a noticeable shift in the sport\u2019s competitiveness and structure since his time at the University of Kentucky.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n In a recent interview, Davis reflected on his one-and-done season with the Wildcats in 2011\u201312, a year that ended with a national championship and established him as one of the most dominant college players of the decade. But Davis says the game has changed dramatically \u2014 and not necessarily for the better.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n > \u201cCollege basketball doesn\u2019t feel the same anymore,\u201d Davis said. \u201cThe passion, the intensity, the sense of team \u2014 a lot of that is missing now.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The 8-time NBA All-Star pointed to the growing impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the transfer portal as two major reasons for the shift in culture. While he supports players having financial opportunities, Davis believes the focus has moved away from team-building and long-term development.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n > \u201cI\u2019m all for players getting paid \u2014 we didn\u2019t have that chance when I played \u2014 but now it feels like guys are choosing schools based on money or exposure more than the actual basketball fit,\u201d he added.<\/strong><\/p>\n Davis also commented on the increasing trend of top prospects bypassing college altogether in favor of professional options like the NBA G League or overseas leagues.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n > \u201cBack then, playing for a school like Kentucky meant everything. Now, there are so many other routes that college just isn\u2019t the same draw it used to be,\u201d he said.<\/strong><\/p>\n Despite his criticism, Davis emphasized that he still supports the NCAA and hopes reforms can help restore the integrity and competitiveness of the college game.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n > \u201cI want college basketball to succeed,\u201d Davis said. \u201cIt gave me a platform and memories I\u2019ll never forget. But it needs to get back to its roots.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Davis joins a growing list of former players and coaches voicing concern about the evolving landscape of college sports in the NIL era.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"