So You Wanna Be a Pro ...

OK, you're the best athlete your school has ever seen, and you want to get right out there and play for the pros. But wait a minute! Look at what else you have to do before you sign up for the big time …

Baseball: Must be a high school graduate.

Basketball: Must be a high school graduate who either gives up college eligibility by written notice to the NBA at least 45 days before the draft or plays college basketball and is drafted from there.

Football: Must be a high school graduate who either plays for four years of college or waits four years after high school.

Golf: In order to play on the LPGA tour, women have to be at least 18 years old, but that can be waived in some instances. There is no age requirement for the PGA Tour, but you need to finish in the top 35 in a qualifying tournament.

Ice hockey: Must have played high school hockey for three years or college hockey for one year. Must be 18 years old by September 15 of year drafted.

Tennis:Women must be at least 14 to play professionally and 15 to play in a WTA Tour event.