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There is an unprecedented stampede of teenagers beating down the NBA's door this year. Will it be the end of civilization as we know it? Or is something else going on here?

Why are more kids than ever rushing to get into the NBA -- even though many of them aren't ready?

The answer is simple. Their agents or "advisors" are telling them to. The rampant speculation that an age limit is imminent may push a record number of high school players into the draft this year. This year, scouts believe that as many as 12 high school players could enter the 2004 NBA draft. Most of them are projected as first-rounders, and 10 of the 12 are playing in the McDonald's All-American game on Wednesday. Not all of them can be lottery picks, but that's OK these days.

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