Members of the NBA, NCAA, USA Basketball, and National Basketball Players Association recently took a step towards eliminating the “one-and-done rule,” according to a report from ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

The new agreement will allow the NBA to prepare a select few of the nation's top high school prospects for professional career.

“USA Basketball has identified top young players for decades and brought them together to train for international competitions,” Windhorst notes in his article. “Now the program will be extended to approximately 80 players, or about 20 per high school class, and the NBA will provide health and wellness training, as well as assisting in other developmental programs. The series of training camps and competitions will begin in October at USA Basketball's headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo.”

The one-and-done rule has been a topic of debate for quite some time. Some feel kids should attend at least one year of college, while others believe certain players can make the jump from high school to the pros with relative ease.

Under this new agreement, players who have been selected will receive training in a variety of fields — not just basketball. Furthermore, Windhorst reports that there will also be training sessions for the parents of the athletes.

“The elite young players will also receive life skills training on a variety of topics from positive decision-making to navigating the college recruitment process,” Windhorst writes. “Also for the first time, there will be sessions for parents and guardians to prepare them for the process of their sons playing basketball at the highest levels.

“The expanded program will provide doctors, athletic trainers and experts in health and performance year-round to the players and be led by longtime Boston Celtics athletic trainer Ed Lacerte,” Windhorst continues. “Once fully operational, not only will it improve training and care but will give NBA officials and teams the chance to work with and evaluate players for several years before they enter draft eligibility.”

All things considered, this is a significant step for young basketball players who have hopes of making it to the NBA. And while it's unclear just when the one-and-done rule may be eliminated, it certainly seems like it's on the horizon.