“In today’s NCAA era of NIL money and eligibility battles, student-athletes face a billion-dollar system. Kim Muhammad of Unit 1 Hoop Source explains why athletes must control their destiny.”
Category: College Athletes
“Make the Money Work for You”– Real Talk for College Hoopers Getting Paid
To all young college basketball players getting paid — You’ve entered a new chapter. Whether you realize it or not, you’re no longer just a student-athlete. You’ve stepped into the world of being a professional. Yes, you’re still in school, but you’re also earning money — sometimes more than full-grown adults with careers and families. This…
Carmelo Anthony Calls for Structure: The Business of NIL Needs Contracts, Not Chaos
The world of college basketball has officially entered the business era. Athletes are signing endorsement deals, building personal brands, and earning significant income — all while still in school. But according to Carmelo Anthony, one of basketball’s most respected voices, this new age of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) is missing something essential: structure. And from…
JMU’s Future at Point Guard? Redd Thompson Jr. Has the Tools to Take Over
When discussing freshmen who could make a significant impact at the Division I level, it’s important to highlight those who might not have garnered national attention but possess the skill set, intelligence, and competitive drive to thrive. One such player is Redd Thompson Jr., a 6-foot, 180-pound point guard who will enters his sophomore (2025-26) season at James…
The Identity Crisis: What Kind of Program Does UNLV Want to Be?
The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels basketball program has a storied history, highlighted by their dominance in the late 1980s and early ’90s under Jerry Tarkanian, culminating in a national championship in 1990. However, since those glory days, the program has struggled to maintain national relevance, cycling through multiple head coaches and failing to establish a consistent…
Winning or Just Moving? The Real Impact of the Transfer Portal on Team Chemistry
The rise of the transfer portal has completely reshaped the landscape of college basketball, creating both opportunities and challenges for players, coaches, and programs alike. While it allows athletes greater flexibility to find the right fit, it also raises questions about player development, team chemistry, and the overall direction of the sport. For young athletes…
Beyond Basketball: Building Character, Accountability, and Responsibility in Our Young Adults
First and foremost, I want to express my deep appreciation for the many individuals and organizations in Las Vegas, Nevada who dedicate their time and energy to supporting our youth. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that many young people are searching for an outlet—a place where they can express themselves, grow, and find…
Division I Implements New Reclassification Criteria for Schools Moving Up from Divisions II and III
The NCAA Division I Council has adopted stricter criteria for schools in Divisions II and III seeking to reclassify to Division I, aiming to enhance the student-athlete experience and ensure successful transitions. Under the new policy, schools must meet measurable benchmarks to qualify for reclassification. This includes academic standards, financial aid requirements, and compliance with…
“Leading by Example: Coaches’ Role in Teaching Integrity”
What is the true meaning of integrity? Integrity is the quality of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values. In youth athletics, teaching athletes and parents about integrity is paramount. Integrity is the cornerstone of good character, encompassing honesty, trustworthiness, and keeping one’s word. Demonstrating good…
“Breaking Boundaries: NCAA Lifts Restrictions on Official Visits in Basketball”
The NCAA has recently implemented significant changes in player movement regulations, ushering in a new era of flexibility and opportunity in college basketball. A recent NCAA memo obtained by The Athletic reveals that schools are now permitted to host an unlimited number of official visits for both men’s and women’s basketball recruits. This represents a…
What NBA scouts and Analytics are saying about Kentucky star DJ Wagner……
It wasn’t too long ago that D.J. Wagner was projected as a first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft. The pressure these athletes experience to make the jump to the pros is overwhelming at times. Is it fair to say that Wagner’s, current body of work was definitely subpar. Prompting questions about his readiness for…
The Double-Edged Sword: How Social Media Hype Shapes College Basketball Dynamics”
In the realm of college basketball, the recent game that unfolded with a 20.1/2 point-favored home team facing an unexpected loss sheds light on a broader issue. In the weeks leading up to the game, social media platforms were abuzz with Instagram and Twitter posts. Some college programs even went to the extent of meticulously…
“Scoring Sensation: Sebastian Mack’s Stellar Debut in Madrid”
This past weekend, UCLA Bruins engaged in a series of highly anticipated exhibition matches in the vibrant city of Madrid, Spain. These matchups served as a significant insight into the potential of their incoming freshman, the promising Sebastian Mack. The 6-Foot-3 195 pounds, Mack embodies the role of a bucket getter. While it’s prudent not…
What Does Noah Farrakhan: Commitment Mean to West Virginia….
West Virginia is about to welcome a good two guard: Noah Farrakhan. This seasoned veteran brings a wealth of experience and a scoring ability that’s set to help the Mountaineers’ game. Farrakhan is from Newark, N.J., at 6-foot-2 and 170 pounds. Last season at Eastern Michigan, he averaged 12.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists….
NIL Transparency Proposals Developed
On August 2, 2023, the NCAA Division I Board of Directors held a virtual meeting and directed the Division I Council to develop proposals aimed at improving the environment for student-athletes participating in name, image, and likeness (NIL) activities in college sports. This direction comes after the Division I Council Working Group on NIL conducted…
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