From the Miami Herald: Blake's message: 'Go to college'
The NCAA ought to get a videotape of James Blake's Tuesday night news conference. He gave a convincing pitch for college tennis, something you don't hear every day around the pro circuit.
Blake, who meets Roger Federer tonight, played two seasons at Harvard before turning pro.
''My advice to young players is to go to college,'' Blake said. ``Unless you're a clear-cut case like an Andy Roddick, who was playing top-100 tennis when he was 17, I think a year of college is not going to hurt you.''
He said college can bring top junior players down to earth.
''You start at the bottom, I don't care if you're No. 1 in the country,'' he said. 'I came in pretty highly touted No. 3 or No. 4, and I still had to carry guys' bags. I still had to sit in the worst seat on the van and pack up the van.
``I think that helps you. It humbles you, gives you team spirit, and gets you a great group of friends.''
Blake makes a lot of good points here.
I know the parents and agents want to start the kids young and get them as much money as quickly as possible, but I really think that even a year of college is good for the soul - you make friends, you can hone your skills, you get a little education, and generally have a relaxed time.
Posted by: Ally | March 30, 2006 at 11:53 AM