I was able to be a part of a discussion recently that I will refer to as the JUCO discount. Basically what the person was saying is that JUCO players are not looked at as having proved themselves because of the level of competition they face and that is why they are taken in the draft where they are. He stated that scouts are not able to get a true assessment of their playing ability and whether or not it would translate to a higher level. Needless to say I was a little perplexed because HS players have the same type of challenge, if not more challenging, because a HS coach has to go with what he is given from the area whereas a JUCO coach can go and recruit from anywhere. And these guys are two and sometimes three years more mature than what a HS player might face. Can someone explain to me what these gentlemen were saying?
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Additionally, the "elite" HS player likely played on summer teams that exposed him to high level competition making the pro teams feel confident in their assessment/projection.