<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">SAN DIEGO -- Greg Oden is against increasing the NBA age limit to 20, not because he has plans to enter the NBA draft after high school but because he said the decision of when to go pro should be up to each player. Oden's views will be among those featured in the HBO show "Costas Now," scheduled to air at 8 p.m. Friday. The program includes a taped interview with Oden at his home and interviews with other players projected as possible NBA lottery picks in 2006, such as Derrick Caracter, a 6-8 forward from New Jersey. "It was basically us speaking for the rest of the high school players," Oden said Wednesday from the USA Basketball Youth Development Festival at San Diego State University. Currently, players are eligible for the draft at 18. NBA commissioner David Stern is pushing for a minimum age of 20. "I'm not a fan of it, but I personally want to go to college," said Oden, projected as the No. 1 NBA pick in 2006 if he declares. "But if there's a player good enough to do it, why not give him the chance. "It's not like they have to draft him if a player enters the draft. I don't see what's the problem with them being so young. It should be the player's choice." Oden, a 7-foot center entering his senior season at Lawrence North, reiterated he has no intention of declaring for the draft after high school. "I still want to go to college," said Oden, who has narrowed his college choices to Ohio State, Wake Forest, Indiana and Michigan State. Still No. 1 Rivals.com unveiled new player rankings Wednesday and Oden remained the No. 1 player in the Class of 2006. "I think it's a tribute to Greg that he stayed No. 1," said Jerry Meyer, the rivals.com scout in San Diego this week. "It's human nature for people to look for a reason to change. A lot of national analysts are looking for a reason to debunk Greg and put someone else No. 1, but it's a tribute to him that he stayed No. 1." Oden, who has been the No. 1 player in his class since after his freshman year of high school, said he doesn't care where he's ranked. "I know there are a lot of players better than I am," he said. "They are just rankings. But I'm still going to go out and try my hardest and play my best every time I play." Scouts have noticed improvements in Oden's game, from his developing jump shot to stronger moves in the post. Teammate Mike Conley, also playing this week in the festival, dropped from No. 35 to 40 but was No. 7 among point guards. Like Oden, he shrugged off the rankings. "College coaches know what they want in certain players," the 6-1 Conley said. "Some player they might be looking for might be in the back of the rankings."</div> Source
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting J_Ray:</div><div class="quote_post">Who is this guy to say Not to make the age limit go up. He hasn't even graduated yet.</div> I think that it is ok for him to speak out agianst it. I mean, people are sticking mics in front of his face all of the time, he has to say something.
