It is taking advantage. The schools isn't giving the students adequate compensation for the services they are receiving. Yes it is great help to the student for four years but once their scholarship runs out they are on the streets again with no degree, no job experience, and an education they learned nothing from because it was too far beyond their current learning level and they were too busy playing sports to ever come close to catching up. Better to go to a juco first or play professionally if basketball is truly going to be their career.
For the vast majority, professional basketball at 18 isn't an option. So the only two real options are 1) hang out on the street corner or 2) go to college. My guess is those who get "exploited" by the colleges have a better shot at a productive life than those who choose option #1. Regarding Juco vs 4 year school, what's the difference? If anything, it's likely you'll meet more alums who will be of future help at 4 year schools.
