To the editor:

Congratulations to the Jayhawks! As a 1971 graduate of Kansas University, suffering through a loss to UCLA in the semifinals, we alums are certainly proud and happy for coach Self and the players.

To the KU players: I know many of you are excited and looking forward to NBA careers. As both a Jayhawk fan and Golden State Warriors fan, I would like to give you a word of advice. The NBA is a world far different than college.

The competition is more than fierce, it is war, and they take no prisoners. There are few hugs or words of encouragement from coaches like Bill Self. Many of you are very good basketball players, but before you decide to go pro, evaluate carefully your ability, strengths, weaknesses and goals.

Some of you, in my opinion, would benefit greatly from another year of development in college, including playing time, strength, conditioning, and maturity. If you are 6-foot-5, you will be guarding Kobe, LeBron, and Jason Richardson. If you are a point guard, compare you skills to Monta Ellis, Chris Paul, Baron Davis and Jason Terry. Are you strong enough, mature enough, and quick enough to deal with them night after night?

Consider your decision carefully, because many a player entered the NBA prematurely, only to see their careers end with disappointment and bitterness because they received bad advice from agents, family members, and others who did not understand the demands and unforgiving nature of the NBA.

Dr. Barry Breaux,

Oakland, Calif.