Q: If you're really, really good and you've been seriously molded for professional play, consider getting an agent. They have the connections you need to get your name noticed and potentially be a part of next year's draft. They'll get your name out there and, hopefully, money in your pocket. That being said, if you get an agent during your college career, you lose your college eligibility – even if you don't get drafted. Consider this very carefully before you jeopardize the next couple years of your life. With an agent in tow, you'll likely sign up for the pre-draft camps at the NBA level. There, you'll make a ton of connections and get your name and your face known. If you can handle the pressure, this may be the exposure you need to turn pro. This will also grant you the opportunity to get feedback on your draft position, who's looking at you, and what your potential for getting drafted is. The only thing you can do in this situation is to keep calm and play your best. There are two rounds of the draft. One by one, players get chosen by teams, also one by one. In other words, you get one chance to get drafted. If you're willing to accept it, fantastic. If you're not, you could try being a free agent and go from there, or not play in the NBA.  If you're semi-okay with it, you could negotiate pay or terms of your contract, making it shorter if you're looking to leave sooner. However, not being willing to take what you're given is pretty rare. If you're a second-round draft pick, you may not make it onto the opening night roster. Know what you're in for and what the terms are before you assume anything. If you weren't picked for the draft or you were unhappy with the outcome of events, you could play for the D-league of the NBA or overseas. The D-league is similar to the minor leagues and you could, in theory, get pulled up into the NBA. Overseas, however, is a completely different story and a completely different machine. Your agent will help score an interview with this one and you could get picked to go somewhere exotic (or not so exotic) for the next year. If you're willing to move, it can be a pretty well-playing gig. Your odds of making it into any pro sport just aren't good. Point blank. Sure, it's possible, but you the odds aren't exactly in your favor. In fact, around 1% of all college players (men and women, though it's microscopically higher for men) make it to the pros. That means out of you and 99 others, only one person will get chosen. If you don't make it, you're in good company. Plenty of talented basketball stars still make a living out of their passion coaching, teaching at camps, or playing in different countries and different leagues. Just because you didn't make it professionally like you envisioned does not mean you have to give up your career.
A: Consider getting an agent. Attend pre-draft camps. Get signed. Alternatively, play for the D-league or overseas. Know that a staggering few make it professionally in any sport.

Q: If you hear something about someone, don’t tell it to other people since it might not even be true in the first place. The truth might also change from one retelling of the story to the next, so you can’t know for certain if your information is correct. Even if it’s fun to talk badly about other people while they’re not there, you wouldn’t want someone doing that to you. If someone asks you directly if you know anything about a rumor, say “I don’t like spreading rumors” and change the subject. Honesty is always the best policy. You can be polite when answering tough questions, but lying will cause you more problems in the long run. People could be hurt if you tell a secret you weren’t supposed to tell. Always treat people the way you want to be treated. If someone tells you something that puts them or other people in danger, don't keep quiet about it even if it could ruin your friendship. Tell a counselor, teacher, or parent right away so that they can get help. Use a calm voice and pleasant demeanor instead of making faces, cursing, or otherwise copying emotions. If you are asked to get involved in a situation, be unavailable without giving a distinct reason. You can say, “Sorry, I don’t really have time to do that right now.” Stay neutral, and don’t reveal that you think their idea is a bad one. For example, if you choose to move to a different math class, don’t defend your decision to the people questioning you. It’s really none of their business! Offer a vague response like “I just wanted to” if people ask you your reasons for doing something. At lunch, sit with a new person or by yourself instead of with the group of problem people. If they see you distancing yourself from all of the tension, they might want to as well.
A:
Don’t spread gossip. Say how you really feel when someone tries to gossip with you. Keep information to yourself when it was told to you in confidence. Stay calm if someone is being mean to you. Refuse to answer questions that don’t concern the other person. Change up your routine.