you are right on that fluff, but indeed people could start with a 19 year old. this is what I am trying to get across and most people do understand it but some dont.
As a NT coach I can only guide people into what we need for the future off the NT. And like elmacca said, it would help the NT more to have 19 year MVPs or HoF or better potentials to be trained than 18 year perennial allstars or superstars. (if there is nothing available at a good price at 18 years). Simply because we have 5-6-7 bigs that are half decent and at an age that they can still play for the NT for another 5-6-7 seasons, but they are all salary capped at Superstar potential. In order to get better players, which you as an english community should aim at, do you want the NT to move forward is, train bigger salary players and for this you need higher potential. If this isnt possible due to lack of 18 year olds fitting the bill, perhaps people can train 19 year olds...
trust me, merchandise wise it is very welcoming for a team to train their own draftee to NT potential...