Time and time again, people stereotype sports players as people whose most complicated thoughts are what numbers match what plays.

Many times in the past, the game was more important than education. Therefore, coaches would assist players one way or another to make sure they graduated. So, programs were designed to cater to the players talents. This is evident today in the number of degrees in general studies and B.A.‘s in individual programs at many schools.

Providence, for example, had four types of majors for their players on the 1987 final four tournament team. There were four players in individual programs, four in general studies programs, four in American studies programs and one in a humanities program.

If you’re not good enough to go Pro and managed to graduate with a major in basket-weaving, job offers don’t just fall in your lap. This problem stemmed the 1986 NCAA Proposition 48.

Proposition 48 requires a college-bound athlete to maintain a 2.00 grade point average in the 11 core high-school courses and achieve a score of 17 on the ACT or a 700 on the SAT.

These requirements were implemented seven years ago and the NCAA has now released the long awaited report determining if the changes have served their purpose.

“Test scores are rising,” said Dr. Robert Brigham, NIU special assistant compliance and eligibility officer. “(It’s) a good piece of legislation that has proved itself creditable.”

A recent study by the NCAA shows a six percent increase in the national graduation rate of athletes as compared to athletes at those same colleges three years before. This is a positive sign the program has been effective.

“It sends a message to high schools,” said Brian Hammel, NIU men’s basketball coach. “They have to be focused and get priorities in order.”

The trend of pushing along athletes without the education seems to start in high school because of the promise of money and fame. However, the player will be the loser in the long run.

Brigham said recruitment has not changed but the possibility of players slipping through the system is much less likely due to the new screening process.

“Sitting out the first year really helped her grades,” said NIU’s women basketball coach Jane Albright about E.C. Hill—a player who didn’t meet the Proposition 48 requirements. “It’s too bad she lost a year of eligibility.”

The loss of one year of eligibility is a sore spot to both Hammel and Albright. A slight change in the legislation that would make it possible for players to earn back the year lost was suggested by Hammel.

Grades must come first to show athletes in high school how important class work is—they won’t just automatically get their four years of playing time if they don’t put the effort into school, Hammel said.

“If you’re a champion,” said Albright, “you’ll do it.”

“It (Proposition 48) sends a message to high schools. They have to be focused and get priorities in order.”

Brian Hammel, NIU men’s basketball coach