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It’s not uncommon for young basketball enthusiasts to fantasize about making it to the NBA, and YouTuber Jordan Haber was no different.
However, unlike many others, Haber managed to make his dream a reality. The twist? Haber, who recently graduated with a law degree, has never played a game of college basketball.
How did he achieve this seemingly impossible feat? By leveraging his legal education to discover a loophole in the NBA draft regulations.
Haber’s Journey to the NBA Draft Class of 2023
On May 28, Haber uploaded a YouTube video detailing his unique path to the NBA Draft Class of 2023.
After meticulously reading the NBA bargaining agreement, he discovered the key requirements for draft eligibility: being at least 19 years old and a graduate from a four-year college in the United States.
Haber met both conditions.
Despite submitting all necessary documents to the NBA, Haber’s name was initially missing from the draft list.
Persistent, he followed up with an email query, and soon received a response confirming his eligibility for the 2023 NBA Draft.
Documenting the NBA Draft Experience
As a law student from Florida, Jordan Haber’s journey to the NBA Draft has drawn significant attention.
He has leveraged his social media presence, particularly on TikTok and YouTube, to share this extraordinary journey with his followers.
Despite not having played basketball at a professional level, Haber has received an unofficial invite to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, where the NBA Draft takes place.
Throughout this process, Haber has consistently shared updates on TikTok.
He’s emphasized the hectic and surreal nature of the experience, mentioning a lack of sleep and expressing gratitude for the unique opportunity.
He’s also promised his followers that a second part to his YouTube series will be released soon.
Not Alone in Using the Loophole
Though Haber has drawn attention for his unconventional route to the draft, he’s not the first to take advantage of this particular loophole.
He joins the ranks of what the NBA terms the “B List” – a group of “unknown individuals” deemed draft-eligible.
The first known application of this loophole was Reinhard Schmuck, a former player for Baruch College’s Division III team, who entered the NBA draft to raise awareness for Baruch’s athletic programs.
Others, like author Jeff Pearlman and a student named Zachary Feinstein, have also attempted to make use of this eligibility rule.
The Impact of Haber’s Draft Journey
Haber’s unlikely journey to the NBA Draft underscores the diverse pathways available for individuals with unique dreams and determination.
It also sheds light on the legal intricacies of sporting institutions, and how they can be utilized by individuals with enough knowledge and perseverance.
Regardless of the outcome of the draft, Haber’s story serves as a reminder that often, it’s not just about reaching the destination, but also about the journey and the creative strategies one employs to get there.
