NIL

NIL hasn’t made scouting null, but has raised Heat challenge for NBA draft

MIAMI – If nothing else, there now can be draft clarity for the Miami Heat and the rest of the NBA, with Wednesday standing as the NCAA deadline for players to pull out of the draft and retain 2025-26 collegiate eligibility. In that regard, NIL has made some of the scouting to this point null, […]

Published

5 days ago

May 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

In that regard, NIL has made some of the scouting to this point null, with several returning to campuses for greater guaranteed money under the NCAA policy for Name, Image and Likeness.

So Boogie Fland and Alex Condon can no longer be found on the big board of Adam Simon, the Heat’s Vice President of Basketball Operations and Assistant General Manager. Instead they will be found next season in Gainesville, playing at the University of Florida for more than if selected in the second round or signing after the draft as a rookie free agent.

And yet even while NIL now annually drains the draft pool by the NCAA’s opt-out deadline (the NBA’s formal early-entry opt-out deadline is not until June 15), Simon said he sees benefits of the policy not only to the draft candidates but also to the NBA.

“It’s a smaller early-entry list this year than the last maybe 10 years, where it’s maybe half as many,” Simon said of the initial list that now has been pared down. “I think players are seeing there’s a lot of benefit to stay in college. It’s helping them. It’s probably better for them than being a second-round pick and getting two-ways at this point.”

In 2021, the early-entry list initially featured 353 players for the 60 draft slots. This year’s list began at a more manageable 106, the lowest figure in a decade.

“But for every player that goes back,” Simon said, “it gives another opportunity for somebody else. I think it clears it up a little bit. I think there’s going to be less players making that decision at this point.”

While the debate continues within the players’ association of an open draft without an age limit beyond high school, the NIL process largely has helped players who aren’t quite ready at a younger age, by still being able to cash out in college largely in the range of what would be afforded by a two-way contract.

The flip side has been a greater pool of polished prospects, with the Heat benefiting with the changing pool with last year’s second-round selection of Pelle Larsson out of Arizona and then of the post-draft signing of Keshad Johnson, also out of Arizona, both with full college resumes.

With NIL salaries (which essentially is what they are) for basketball prospects ranging beyond the $2 million range for a season (Cooper Flagg earned a reported $4.8 million this past season at Duke), the NBA rookie scale still mostly can top that, with a starting salary of $2.3 million for this year’s 30th and final pick of the first round. Plus, the sooner a player gets into the NBA, the sooner he moves up in the salary hierarchy.

That, for the most part, has known first-round quantities remaining in the draft. But because draft evaluation is subjective, players projected by some in the 20s could just as easily fall into the second round. As a matter of perspective there, Larsson’s Heat salary this past season after his second-round selection was $1.2 million.

So for a team drafting at No. 20 such as the Heat, a potential selection could wind up back at school for guaranteed cash. And while some teams will offer a draft “guarantee” for a player to assure a selection somewhere in the first round, that largely has not been the Heat’s approach.

Regardless, NIL, hardly a policy of the NBA’s own making, has reshaped what will be seen in the June 25 first round of the draft and the June 26 second round.

Against that backdrop, and against the backdrop of Wednesday’s deadline to withdraw and still retain NCAA eligibility, Simon and his scouting staff now know the playing field.

“I think it’s a good draft,” he said. “I think there’s a lot of good talent that’s there. I think you’ll have a lot of good young players. But I think it’s too early to say how good the draft is at this point.

“But I think the players are getting better as they get into the league and I think it will continue to be better because players are staying in college longer at this point.”

The Heat do not hold a pick in the second round this year, which is when NIL could have the greatest impact.

“I personally think it’s going to change the back of the draft and the non-drafted group, because so many players are staying, players that would have been drafted in the second round,” Simon said. “But I think with the players that are going to be staying in, we have a good sense of the most talented of this draft year. I think it will be good throughout the first round.”

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USC RB Waymond Jordan inks NIL deal with C4 Energy

With his first season at USC on the horizon, Waymond Jordan signed an NIL deal with C4 Energy, he announced via social media. He arrived in Los Angeles this past spring as the top junior college running back transfer on the market. Jordan committed to USC in January out of the transfer portal and is […]

Published

6 minutes ago

June 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

With his first season at USC on the horizon, Waymond Jordan signed an NIL deal with C4 Energy, he announced via social media. He arrived in Los Angeles this past spring as the top junior college running back transfer on the market.

Jordan committed to USC in January out of the transfer portal and is looking to compete for a role in the Trojans’ running back room with last year’s leading rusher Woody Marks off to the NFL. He opened eyes during spring practice following his commitment, as USC running backs coach Anthony Jones said.

Repped by Darren Wilson, Jordan is also capitalizing in the NIL space. He joins an impressive list of athletes to sign an NIL deal with C4 Energy in the last few years, including former Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and new Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch.

Jordan is coming off a standout sophomore season at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College, where he won NJCAA DI Football Offensive Player of the Year and led the program to an NJCAA national title. He totaled 1,614 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns across 12 games, leading the nation in both categories.

It was a breakout year for Jordan, who had 202 yards and two touchdowns in seven games as a freshman in 2023 after arriving from Pensacola (Fla.) Escambia. That leap forward helped him become the No. 12 junior college player and No. 1-ranked JUCO running back transfer this past cycle, according to the On3 Industry Junior College Rankings.

What Lincoln Riley said about Waymond Jordan

During spring practice, USC head coach Lincoln Riley spoke highly of the different skillsets the Trojans had in the running backs room. Between Waymond Jordan, Eli Sanders – a transfer from New Mexico State – and Bryan Jackson still in the fold, the Trojans have options at the position.

“Waymond’s really compact, really kind of moves effortlessly and obviously a ton of production at [Hutchinson Community College],” Riley said. “Eli’s explosive. You just see his explosion. It jumps off the tape already, which is what we saw on tape. He averaged big-time yards per carry, but I think really brings a real explosive aspect to the room.”

USC will get the 2025 season underway Aug. 30 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Trojans will take on FBS newcomer Missouri State in Week 1.

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FSU men’s basketball offseason thread #3: Roster updates, portal entries, transfer additions

Florida State basketball is undergoing massive changes across the board. Not only will a new coach be leading the Seminoles for the first time in 23 years but, in the day and age of the transfer portal, NIL, and yearly roster turnover, FSU is undergoing a massive roster overhaul. Advertisement “There will be a lot […]

Published

25 minutes ago

June 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Florida State basketball is undergoing massive changes across the board.

Not only will a new coach be leading the Seminoles for the first time in 23 years but, in the day and age of the transfer portal, NIL, and yearly roster turnover, FSU is undergoing a massive roster overhaul.

“There will be a lot of guys that hit the portal, and that shouldn’t scare anyone. That’s by design, both for these players and myself,” Loucks told reporters during his second interview since becoming Florida State men’s basketball coach.

This article will be updated throughout the off-season, tracking player movements and who will be part of Loucks’ first team in Tallahassee.

FSU basketball offseason roster changes: Departures

Transfer portal

Guard/forward Taylor Bol Bowen (Alabama)
Guard Daquan Davis (Providence)
Forward Malique Ewin (Arkansas)
Guard/forward Anastasios Rozakeas

Eligibility

Transfer portal additions

Guard Kobe Magee (Drexler)
Guard LaJae Jones (St. Bonaventure)
Forward Chauncey Wiggins (Clemson)
Guard Robert McCray V (Jacksonville)
Forward Alex Steen (Florida Southern)

Returning players

High school recruits:

Forward Thomas Bassong (France/ Overtime Elite)
Guard Cam Miles (IMG Academy)

https://youtube.com/@cbbtransferportal/videos (where you can find film on the new guys)

https://app.seminoles.com/LukeLoucks (donate!)

https://seminoles.com/news/2025/5/28/mens-basketball-florida-states-opponents-released-for-18-game-acc-schedule-in-2025-26 (sked)

https://www.tomahawknation.com/florida-state-seminoles-basketball-fsu-noles-hoops-team-tallahassee-college-cbb-acc/2025/5/2/24422555/florida-state-basketball-luke-loucks-michael-alford-nil-transfer-portal-acc-ncaa-tournament-kobe-nba?commentID=c3b192b2-c9cf-46ee-8c81-7041c4676e1c

https://247sports.com/season/2025-basketball/transferportal

https://on3.com/transfer-portal/wire/basketball

(portal activity is pretty much over, but that’s there for folks to see what’s still left in the bargain bin and to eavesdrop on other teams)

NIL

Mississippi State lands Brian O’Connor, making major NIL investment

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State made a bold statement hiring Brian O’Connor as their new baseball coach. Now they may be making another one. There are reports the Bulldogs are committing significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) resources to rebuild and elevate the program. O’Connor, who arrives after a legendary tenure at Virginia, is now at the […]

Published

26 minutes ago

June 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State made a bold statement hiring Brian O’Connor as their new baseball coach. Now they may be making another one.

There are reports the Bulldogs are committing significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) resources to rebuild and elevate the program.

O’Connor, who arrives after a legendary tenure at Virginia, is now at the helm of a program with unwavering championship expectations and a passionate fanbase eager for a return to national prominence.

O’Connor’s track record speaks for itself. He has 917 wins, a 2015 College World Series title, seven Omaha appearances, 18 NCAA Tournament bids and more than 100 MLB draft picks developed under his guidance.

His arrival in Starkville may signal a new era for Mississippi State baseball. Folks are serious about the Bulldogs being back at the top.

Athletics director Zac Selmon made the school’s intentions clear.

“Brian O’Connor is one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in college baseball,” he said. “He’s a national champion, a Hall of Famer, and a proven leader with a track record of building a championship-caliber program.

“This is a defining moment for Mississippi State Baseball and a powerful step forward for our program, our players and our fans.”

O’Connor may not have been happy at Virginia, according to some insiders. That happens over time as a coach’s bosses come and go. Plans change.

“Mississippi State represents everything I love about college baseball — tradition, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he said in a release. “I’ve coached against this program and followed it closely for years. The atmosphere at Dudy Noble Field is nationally recognized as the best in the sport.

“I’m incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead a program with this kind of legacy and fan base.

“Mississippi State has set the standard in college baseball, and I can’t wait to get to work, build relationships, and compete for championships in Starkville.”

The investment in O’Connor is not limited to his coaching salary.

Mississippi State is reportedly making a major push into NIL, providing O’Connor with a large pool of resources to attract and retain top talent through the transfer portal and high school recruiting.

This is a critical step for the Bulldogs, who have recently lagged behind SEC rivals in NIL funding but are now rapidly closing the gap.

According to recent reports, Mississippi State’s NIL collective, The Bulldog Initiative, has an estimated annual budget of $6.48 million, bolstered by an $8 million gift to the State Excellence NIL fund in September 2024.

While this still places the Bulldogs behind some SEC counterparts, the tide is turning as more fans and alumni recognize the necessity of NIL in modern college athletics.

“We are well-equipped to do what we have to do,” said Charlie Winfield, a key figure in the NIL effort. “We still have to be smart, but at the same time, we don’t have to back off anybody.”

The pressure on O’Connor is immense.

He is expected to build a championship-caliber roster quickly, likely leveraging the transfer portal — which opened the same week as his hiring — and the influx of NIL support.

With only three Bulldogs currently in the portal compared to 12 former Virginia players available, O’Connor has work to do, but the resources are now in place to compete for elite talent.

Mississippi State’s storied baseball history includes 41 Regional appearances, 12 College World Series trips, and the 2021 national title under former coach Chris Lemonis.

It didn’t continue long and Lemonis found out how long the honeymoon is in Starkville after a national title.

Recent years have seen inconsistency and a drop in SEC standings, prompting the move to O’Connor and a renewed focus on NIL as a cornerstone of the program’s future.

O’Connor’s expertise in player development and his reputation for building winning cultures make him a strong fit for a program eager to reclaim its place among the nation’s elite.

The Bulldogs’ commitment to NIL is a direct response to the evolving landscape of college athletics.That’s not going to be changing and will get more expensive.

As other SEC schools leverage robust NIL budgets to attract and retain elite recruits, Mississippi State is adapting to ensure it does not fall behind.

The landmark House v. NCAA case, which challenges NCAA restrictions on athlete compensation, could further reshape the NIL landscape, offering new opportunities for schools like State to compete for top talent.

O’Connor’s arrival is not just a coaching change. It is a statement of intent.

Mississippi State is investing in its future, backing a new coach with unprecedented NIL support, and setting the stage for a return to national prominence.

The expectations are clear and O’Connor probably knows what he’s walking into here.

Championships are the goal, both in the SEC and on the national stage. He’s already seen, too, that doesn’t get lifetime security with the Bulldogs, either.

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Florida Atlantic University Athletics

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic’s men basketball will participate in the eight-team Sunshine Slam Tournament, held from November 24-25 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Fla. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com. The Owls are part of the four-team Beach Bracket, which also includes George Mason, Loyola […]

Published

50 minutes ago

June 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic’s men basketball will participate in the eight-team Sunshine Slam Tournament, held from November 24-25 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Fla. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com.

The Owls are part of the four-team Beach Bracket, which also includes George Mason, Loyola Marymount and Ohio. Two semifinal games will take place on Monday, Nov. 24, with the championship game as well as a consolation matchup on Tuesday, Nov. 25. All-Tournament teams will be selected following the conclusion.

Matchups and schedules will be announced at a later date, with CBS Sports Network broadcasting all four games featuring teams in the Beach Bracket.

The Owls have been regular participants in November tournaments over the past three seasons, winning the ESPN Events Invitational at Walt Disney World in 2023 and then taking part in the 2024 Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic the following season.

Head Coach John Jakus, entering his second season at the helm of Florida Atlantic’s program, led the Owls to an 18-16 record during the 2024-25 campaign that culminated in a berth in the NIT, the team’s fourth straight season with a postseason appearance.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at Ticketmaster.com or on the day of competition at the Ocean Center box office.

PARTICIPATING TEAMS
THE BEACH BRACKET
Florida Atlantic
George Mason
Loyola Marymount
Ohio

THE OCEAN BRACKET
Bethune-Cookman
Jacksonville
Pacific
Stony Brook

ABOUT THE GAZELLE GROUP

The Gazelle Group is a sports marketing firm, specializing in event production and management, client representation, and sponsorship consulting. Gazelle produces numerous nationally recognized college sports events, such as the Empire Classic, Legends Classic, Gotham Classic, Sunshine Slam, College Basketball Invitational, Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off, Deacon-Wolverine Challenge, Boardwalk Battle, Jersey Jam, and Holiday Hoopfest as well as on-campus events at Duke, Kentucky, Ohio State, Marquette and other institutions across the country. For more information on the Gazelle Group, please visit gazellegroup.com.

FOLLOW THE OWLS

To stay up to date on all things FAU men’s basketball, follow the Owls on social media @FAUMBB.

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Dez Bryant Added to College Football Hall of Fame Ballot

STILLWATER – Former Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant has been added to the ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame announced Monday. Bryant is one of 79 players from the FBS included on the ballot for the 2026 class. A three-year […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

STILLWATER – Former Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant has been added to the ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame announced Monday.

Bryant is one of 79 players from the FBS included on the ballot for the 2026 class.

A three-year letterwinner on the Cowboy football team from 2007-09, Bryant is most remembered for his sensational year as a true sophomore in 2008. That season he was a consensus first team All-American, a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year and a first team All-Big 12 pick as both a receiver and return specialist.

Statistically, Bryant finished in the 2008 national rankings at second in receiving yards with 1,480, second in receiving touchdowns with 19, second in points scored with 128, third in yards per punt return at 17.9 and third in punt return touchdowns with two. He was also a second team honoree on the 2008 Academic All-Big 12 team.

His junior season was cut short, but in three games he caught 17 passes for 323 yards and four touchdowns and he was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated following his two touchdown catches in OSU’s win over No. 13 Georgia.

Bryant’s career numbers at Oklahoma State include 28 games, 147 catches for 2,425 yards (16.49 per catch) and 29 touchdowns, 22 punt returns for 431 yards (19.6 per return) and three touchdowns, six kickoff returns for 143 yards and nine 100-yard receiving games. His career punt return average ranks No. 6 in FBS history among those with at least 20 returns.

Following his outstanding OSU career, Bryant was the first round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2010 NFL Draft. He went on to set the Dallas franchise records for most career receiving touchdowns (73), most games with two receiving touchdown (15), consecutive games with receiving touchdown (7) and most games with two receiving touchdowns in a season (4, twice). He was also a three-time Pro Bowl selection, the 2014 NFL receiving touchdown leader and part of the 2010 All-Rookie Team. Bryant played for Dallas from 2010-17, for the Saints 2018 and for the Ravens in 2020.

The 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot was emailed to the more than 12,000 NFF members and NFF Hall of Famers whose votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF’s Honors Court, which will deliberate and select the class. The Honors Court includes an elite and geographically diverse pool of athletic administrators, NFF Hall of Famers and members of the media.

The announcement of the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be made in early 2026, with specific details to be announced in the future.

The 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on December 8, 2026, at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, and they will be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute during the 2026 season.

Of the 5.78 million individuals who have played college football since Princeton first battled Rutgers on November 6, 1869, only 1,111 players have earned induction into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame, or less than two one-hundredths of a percent (.02%) of those who have played the game during the past 155 seasons.

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Why did Stephen Curry pick Under Armour over Nike?

In 2013, Stephen Curry stunned the sports world by signing with Under Armour Inc UAA a relatively unknown brand in basketball at the time, instead of renewing his deal with Nike Inc NKE, the dominant force in NBA footwear. What seemed like an unlikely pairing has since evolved into one of the most impactful athlete-brand […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Why did Stephen Curry pick Under Armour over Nike?

What seemed like an unlikely pairing has since evolved into one of the most impactful athlete-brand partnerships in modern sports business.

At the time, Nike controlled nearly all of the NBA sneaker landscape. Signing with them was considered a rite of passage for most rising stars.

But for Curry, who had just begun to emerge as one of the league’s brightest talents, the decision came down to more than just brand recognition – it was about vision and respect.

How Under Armour ended up signing Stephen Curry

Part of the momentum behind the move came from Curry’s then-Golden State Warriors teammate Kent Bazemore.

While Bazemore wasn’t a household name, he became an unexpected influence in the sneaker world. Under Armour had aggressively courted Bazemore with gear, attention, and consistent support, so much so that Curry began to notice.

“About three months into the Warriors’ season, Curry is looking next door at Ken. He’s like, ‘Who’s this brand that you get all this attention from? Because I’m with Nike, and I really am not,’” said Kevin Plank, Under Armour’s founder and CEO, in a CNBC interview.

That contrast in treatment was highlighted further during Curry’s final meeting with Nike, where executives reportedly mispronounced his name and used a presentation that appeared recycled from previous pitches to other athletes, including Kevin Durant.

The lack of personalized attention left a sour impression.

On the other hand, Under Armour offered Curry a platform to lead. The brand presented a $4 million-per-year offer, substantially more than Nike’s $2.5 million proposal.

More importantly, it gave Curry the opportunity to become the face of a growing movement. Nike chose not to match the offer, and the rest, as they say, is history.

At writing, NKE shares are down more than 20% versus their year-to-date high.

What attracted Stephen Curry to Under Armour

Under Armour’s underdog message resonated deeply with Curry. At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, he didn’t fit the mold of a traditional NBA superstar.

“We’re the underdog brand,” Plank said. “We’re for the ones that were maybe born not big enough or tall enough or fast enough.” It was a narrative Curry lived – and one he was ready to lead.

Since then, Curry has developed over a dozen signature shoes and in 2023 was named president of the newly established Curry Brand under Under Armour. He received 8.8 million shares in the company, valued at $75 million at the time.

The brand has also enabled Curry to build impact-driven initiatives, including court refurbishments in under-resourced communities and the Underrated Golf Tour for minority youth athletes.

Note that Under Armour shares have been struggling in the post-pandemic world. They’re going for less than $7 only at writing versus nearly $27 in late 2021.

But Curry’s decision to join them was less about short-term gain and more about long-term influence, he told CNBC. He didn’t just want to wear a shoe; he wanted to build something bigger – and with Under Armour, he did.