Well, that’s the issue. We’ve always talked about the proverbial (e.g.) KU bag 💼 man; now it’s just more out in the open. With as much money as the conference is going to be raking in, Iowa needs to step into the now and get a real seat at the table. Fran has already proven what he can do with kids who were marginal P5 talent in high school. Imagine what he can do signing 1-2 top 100 players each recruiting class. It’d be like taking a trip back to the 1980s.
I'm hopeful that the NIL stuff is going to be better this coming off-season when we get to portal recruiting. Fran and co has been doing a separate NIL venture with business leaders around the state. Jordan Montgomery Co has been the one arranging these parties to help drum up interest. Unfortunately, it seems the SWARM isn't that interested in giving lump sum deals to possible recruits, whereas businesses can do whatever they want. Fran has said this fall that portal recruiting has to be different because there's a baseline amount that almost every Power6 program is offering.
doesnt really sound like much different than pre nilWhen it came to TJ Power, from what I have read, NIL played a factor in him choosing Duke. Duke already has a national brand and national championships to wow prospects with (and, yes, TJ said we was wowed on his Duke official visit). But now Duke is taking full advantage of NIL. Paolo Banchero, for example, reportedly made more than $1 million in his season with Duke before he was picked # 1 in the 2022 NBA draft.
You asked how much does Champs Sports have to do with NIL. Well, from what I have read, Champs Sports has been BOTH selective in who they deal with and aggressive when it comes to NIL. Champs Corporate Headquarters are in ACC/SEC country (Florida). They have a store in West Des Moines but the nearest store to Iowa City is in Moline IL. So, based on these and other factors (Iowa is not the brand that Duke is, etc.), if a player like TJ Power chose Iowa, I am not sure if Champs would be interested in doing an NIL deal (to answer your question if they would pay a 5 star player if he went somewhere other than Duke).
Back to Jared McCain, the Duke commit who signed with Champs. He's a 5 star, top 20 player in the 2023 class (just like TJ Power, who is a 5 star and #21). Jared has a huge social medial presence (1.7 million followers on TikTok, for starters). Combine that with the Duke national brand and I can see why Champs Sports was interested in him.
I found this Sep 21, 2022 story. Some excerpts:
“Jared McCain has done one heck of a job growing his own personal brand,” On3 national basketball analyst Joe Tipton said. “However, Duke will only strengthen it, especially in the NIL era.”
Champs has been aggressive in the NIL space. It announced a partnership with Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson on Tuesday (Sep 20). Miami basketball players Haley and Hanna Cavinder have played a heavy role in marketing since they signed back in December.
The company strategy is not changing any time soon.
“As NIL evolves, we’re looking forward to growing our roster of athlete partners and continue being a leading example for athlete partnerships in the space,” Champs Sports and Eastbay’s general manager Guy Harkless told Boardroom.
Jared McCain lands multi-year NIL partnership with Champs Sports
Jared McCain has signed a multi-year NIL partnership with Champs Sports, where he will headline the sports retail company's fall campaign.www.on3.com
This exactly. NONE of what is going on, (at most schools), was the intention of NIL. At least with C Clark she's actually A). already established her marketability on the national stage. B) she actually is doing work, commercials etc. for her NIL partners. Nowhere in NIL were high school kids supposed to be getting six figure deals lined up before they ever got on campus. Unfortunately the cart is careening down the street, and the horse is still in his stall in the barn......
He reminds me of Glen Worley. A decent shooting 4, trying to be a 3. Has some good post moves, but not a banger and not a great jumper to be a shot blocker on a consistent basis.
LADJI DEMBELE: SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS OF NY RENS VERSATILE TOP-100 BIG
www.thehoophustle.com
The film on him from this summer doesn’t look all that impressive. I remember reading that there was a fall event Iowa was going to watch him participate in. If I had to guess, I would say he was probably more impressive in that event, given the offers he garnered since then.
Yes. Started at Gardner Webb for 2 years, then transferred to Marquette for a year, then transferred to Manhatten for last year. Has 4 years where he's played in at least 10 games each of those years. This would be his Covid-19 year.
Apparently they are afraid that someone will think they committed because they are wearing Iowa colors. I noticed it this year. Then when they do commit, it's so effing obvious that I can't believe anyone would be confused. But this is social media today...
Walked out of the tunnel next to Owen Freeman and let me tell you he is one tall drink of water!
Nah, just the $100 handshakes.did you buy Owen, Brock & Pryce cones?
Ok Hooper, how tall are you and is Harding a legit 6 foot? Spill the beans......
I am 6’1. I would guess 5’11” on Harding. The kid was moving so hard to be super accurate, lol.
Knowing nothing about his recruitment I suspect Rutgers will be tough to beat on this one.
Class of 2023 forward Ladji Dembele is down to 3 schools | Zagsblog
By ADAM ZAGORIA Ladji Dembele, the 6-foot-9 […]www.zagsblog.com
Iowa, Wake and Rutgers are finalists here
