Dyson Daniels, a potential NBA player, will be watching the Final Four to see college players compete for a national title and possibly making some endorsements.
An Australian teenager will not feel as though he is missing something.
Daniels, a 6-foot-7 point-guard, said that he loves watching college basketball and the NCAA Tournament. He also joined the G League Ingnite developmental program for elite NBA players. It’s the largest tournament in the world. My goal was to reach the NBA.
Daniels, 19 years old, is one of a growing number who choose to skip college basketball in order to pursue more lucrative and training-focused routes to the pros.
This means that they said “no thanks” for being part March Madness, which was up to recently not available with the chance to profit from player names, images and likenesses (NIL).
In a short time, the options for top prospects have dramatically changed. They have the option to go abroad and participate in the second-year NBA-affiliated Ignite or first-year Overtime Elite developmental programs.
The growing world of lucrative financial opportunities that the NCAA created last summer for athletes allows them to take advantage of their fame while at school. This is something they should consider.
Aaron Ryan, Overtime Elite’s president and commissioner, stated that he believes there is enough space for everyone.
Ryan might be right. It appears to be working for college players and those who skipped school, as well as the three top NBA draft prospects.
Paolo Banchero, a Duke freshman who will face North Carolina in Saturday’s national semifinals, is now reaping the rewards of being among marketable NBA prospects.
According to the Seattle forward, he was approached by overseas players and in the G League. With endorsement opportunities rolling in, he decided to pursue his college basketball dream.
Banchero, representing Creative Artists Agency in marketing deals said that “it’s definitely been more than I’ve ever seen growing up.”
These include Banchero being the first college player to be featured in the NBA 2K videogame, a Paninibasketball trading card, an advertisement with British sports-fashion retailer JD Sports
The Blue Devil and Chet Holmgren, a top Gonzaga prospect, will be “brand ambassadors” to Yahoo Sports’ NCAA Tournament Picks contest.
Holmgren also offers deals like with Topps Trading Cards, while Auburn’s Jabari Smith – another top freshman prospect – owns his T-shirt collection including 2 Commas Clothing.
Banchero stated that college can be more attractive because you can earn money and also go to college. It’s a great thing, I think.
For players who do not play in the NCAA Tournament’s wide-exposure spotlight, there are some options. Jalen Green, Houston Rockets rookie, was not affected by missing March Madness. was the Houston Rockets’ 2nd overall draft pick and was one of three Ignite players who were drafted last summer .
Green stated, “I don’t regret it.” It would have been fun, but I don’t regret it. It’s something that every college player wants, and it’s already lit in the arenas.
The players who opted to skip college this year are the first to do it knowing they could make some money from school endorsements. But, a year ago, no one knew what would happen and it’s still not clear where it will end.
Dominick Barlow is a 6-foot-9 forward from New Jersey who chose to play for Overtime Elite. He said that he is more focused on his game than having an NIL portfolio.
Barlow, ESPN’s 58th-ranked prospect in the draft, stated that “you have every resource possible to become pro here.” “So it seems like a simple decision for me personally. Some people are attached to college basketball. That’s okay. If you love basketball, however, you should definitely come here.
Daniels says he would not have earned NIL money if he had played at Arkansas, Colorado or Houston because of student visas that prohibit him from working off-campus . He also knows that there was no guarantee that he would make it to the NCAA Tournament. Australian Ben Simmons, who was a standout at LSU and is currently a Brooklyn Nets guard, also failed to reach the NCAA Tournament in his one-year with the Tigers.
Daniels believes that NIL opportunities can change how prospects see college basketball as part of their NBA pursuits.
He said, “I believe in today’s game, being able to earn money is a huge thing.” “Some children see money as a big opportunity to be financially independent and provide for their families.
He was ranked ESPN’s No. Daniels was ranked ESPN’s No. 10 draft prospect. He said that he has gained 20 pounds since joining Ignite in order to play older pros in NBA systems and rules. He is not wistful about missing the Final Four, even though he loves college basketball.
He said, “It would have been wonderful to play in that, but I don’t regret it.” “There are no regrets.”
