The NIL frenzy has changed college sports forever. For better or worse, the power dynamics are nowhere near what they were a decade ago.
Notably, that’s also why turning pro isn’t as appealing as it used to be. Players can now make a lot of money in college, and since most of them will peak there, staying a little longer isn’t an issue anymore.
Considering that, UConn Huskies coach Dan Hurley believes that most of his players would be making a mistake by declaring early for the NBA Draft.
In an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show,” Hurley explained why going to the draft early doesn’t make that much sense for most college players anymore.
Dan Hurley thinks most players should stay in college
“Unless it absolutely makes total sense for you to go in the draft, unless you know you’re a lottery pick or guaranteed to go top-15, top-18, the biggest mistake you can make right now as a college basketball player is going to the draft too early and not staying long enough in college because of the, obviously, the money situation,” Hurley said.
Hurley has helped some of his players decide whether to stay in college or declare for the draft. He’s been there through the NIL transition and frenzy and has seen how things have changed.
That’s why he advised Braylon Mullins to stay in college for another year, knowing that he can make more money at UConn than by being a late first-round pick or a second-round selection.
“Players like Braylon, he’d probably make more money at UConn next year than he would if he was the 15th pick,” Hurley explained.
The goal isn’t necessarily to turn pro anymore, and that’s neither inherently good nor bad. Players can now gain greater financial security and maximize their value during what will most likely be their peak years.
Only a handful of people make it to the pros, and even fewer turn out to be superstars and sign multiple contracts. This new era has opened way too many opportunities for the rest of the pack.
