Dear Dr. Per Cap:

My son is convinced he’s going to be the NBA’s first home grown Native American superstar.  He is a great high school player but his grades suffer because he’s so obsessed with basketball.  I’m a supportive parent and want to believe in his dream, but it’s such a long shot.  How can I get him to focus on getting a good education so he can excel off the court as much as he does on it?

Signed, Courtside Mom

Dear Courtside Mom

I feel your angst, and you’re right.  A quick Google search reveals that only 3 out of every 10,000 high school ballers will eventually get drafted by an NBA team.  Those odds are slimmer than the chances of getting struck by lightning – seriously.  And that’s just getting drafted not actually playing in the league.  Those odds are even lower.  But by all means don’t crush your son’s hopes.  There’s a reason it’s called a dream, right?

There is a way to support your son’s athletic aspirations while encouraging him to hit the books.  Rather than complaining about what a long shot it is tell him you believe he’ll make it to the pros.  But there’s a catch.  Also explain that he needs to really think about what that means.

Best case scenario he gets recruited to a big time college program before becoming a top first round pick on draft day.  That’s millions of dollars right there.  More than most people will earn in several lifetimes.  Then he goes on to a lengthy hall of fame career as a bona fide superstar. That’s many more millions.  Plus we’re talking huge mega celebrity life, mansions, exotic cars, most prolific Native athlete since Jim Thorpe, a Kardashian girlfriend.  Oops… I take that last one back.  But you smell what I’m cookin’, wild unfathomable success and the pressure and responsibility that come with it.

Then it’ll all end as soon as it began.  A younger, faster, hungrier player will take his spot forcing him into retirement.  And he’ll still be a young man in his mid-thirties tops – with a burning question.  What to do with the rest of his life?

So what if he has more cash than he can ever spend?  It’s going to be really hard to follow up that kind of success with a second act.  It’s no secret than many pro athletes struggle emotionally with the transition into retirement.  Depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders are not uncommon as well as the physical toll on an athlete’s body. 

He’ll need a new passion as the object of all that ambition, dedication, and drive.   The best way to discover that passion is to strive to be a well-balanced person.  Obviously school can play a big role in that pursuit.  A finance degree certainly wouldn’t hurt either, but so can hobbies and other interests besides basketball.  Maybe he’s got a knack for art, music, or computers; anything positive to help him grow as an individual will be critical to his post playing success and well-being.

But I know what you’re thinking.  What if he doesn’t make it?  Shh…we already know how the deck is stacked but at least now he’ll have a back-up plan.  Somewhere inside of your son is the key to a rewarding journey and a great life; whether he plays basketball or not.  It’s your job to help him find it.  Best of luck to your family!

Ask Dr. Per Cap is a program funded by First Nations Development Institute with assistance from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. For more information, visit www.firstnations.org. To send a question to Dr. Per Cap, email askdrpercap@firstnations.org.