Who Pipes Up for the NCAA?

Just a few years ago, I think most basketball fans, and experts of various kinds, tended to have kind things to say about future NBA stars playing NCAA basketball. It made them smarter, or more mature. Boy, has that changed. This morning I read a thoughtful "debate" between Oklahoma City big man Etan Thomas and columnist Dave Zirin on SLAMonline (via Daily Thunder). I put "debate" in quotes, because they both agree on the essential point that the NCAA is an organization that exploits young stars by treating them as free labor, under the guise of education and personal development. The point is, I have read that general point of view from just about everyone imaginable. Players like Thomas, who rave about their education. Professors at those same universities. Sonny Vaccaro, who has played as big a role as anyone in shaping the world of college basketball. It makes me wonder ... I'm sure the status quo has many defenders. But where are they? It has been a whil...