NBA announces partnership with NCAA, USAB for junior players

In a step toward the expected elimination of the NBA's one-and-done rule, the league, along with the National Basketball Players Association, the NCAA, and USA Basketball, announced Wednesday an expansion of the men's junior national team program.

The goal is to build on its existing development program to provide on- and off-court player development opportunities for more than 80 top U.S. high school players, many of whom will enter future NBA drafts.

The program will also highlight "positive decision-making, healthy relationships, cultural understanding and diversity, leadership and character development, collegiate eligibility, and recruiting," according to an NBA email.

"We believe this vibrant program will not only assist the players in their on-court development, but also assist them and their families with life skills, and health and wellness knowledge that will last a lifetime," USA Basketball's chairman, retired Gen. Martin Dempsey, said in a joint statement.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in July the league is "ready" to abolish the one-and-done rule, which stipulates players must be 19 years old or one year removed from their high school graduation to be draft eligible.

Wednesday's announcement should open the door to providing more guidance for young players who may ultimately decide to jump straight from high school to the pros. Earlier this month, the NCAA announced substantial changes to its men's basketball eligibility requirements, which apparently caught the NBA and USA Basketball off guard.