The world of men’s college basketball is shifting fast. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and revenue sharing are at the heart of this change.
These moves aren’t just keeping the sport alive—they’re making it more competitive and, honestly, more fun to watch. The 2025 freshmen class is already being called historic.
Without NIL’s financial draw, a lot of these top prospects would probably have skipped college for pro leagues. Now, they’re bringing their talent to campus, giving fans something fresh to cheer for.
The Impact of NIL on College Basketball
NIL came onto the scene in 2021 and, wow, it’s flipped things upside down for college hoops. Athletes can finally earn money from their own names and faces.
That’s a big reason why top high school players are picking college over the G League, Overtime Elite, or heading overseas. It’s not just about cash, either.
There’s a real opportunity to grow, get noticed, and start building a personal brand—all while playing in front of packed student sections.
Elite Freshmen Staying in School
This year, you’ve got guys like AJ Dybantsa (BYU), Darryn Peterson (Kansas), Cameron Boozer (Duke), and Koa Peat (Arizona) suiting up in college. These are names you’d expect to see in pro leagues, not on campus.
But thanks to NIL, they’re here, lighting up the college game. The talent level? It’s just wild right now.
Historical Comparisons
Freshmen haven’t usually dominated the AP All-American teams. In the last ten years, only in 2018 did three freshmen make the first team.
There were also a couple of years with three on the second team (2021 and 2022), and one year with more than one on either team. With NIL in play, it’s suddenly possible that freshmen could take up half the spots.
Rule Changes Enhancing the Game
NIL isn’t the only thing shaking things up. Coaches can now work with players as soon as they get to campus in June.
This early start helps teams gel, and the results show—there’s been a noticeable uptick in high-scoring games. Big programs aren’t shying away from tough matchups right out of the gate, either.
High-Profile Early Games
Opening week saw more power five schools facing off on each other’s home courts. Kansas at North Carolina, Arkansas at Michigan State—these are the kinds of games fans crave.
Ken Pomeroy pointed out there were seven of these matchups in the first week, the most since 2020. If the NCAA lets teams play 32 games next season, we’ll probably see even more early fireworks.
Coaches Embracing the Change
Coaches are rolling with the punches. Tom Izzo at Michigan State, for example, scheduled tough games early even after a rough exhibition loss to UConn.
The Spartans knocked off Arkansas at home, proving the value of early challenges. And North Carolina’s win over Kansas, led by freshman Caleb Wilson, was a huge moment for coach Hubert Davis and his team.
Conference Dynamics and Key Players
The ripple effects are everywhere. The Big 12 is stacked, with Houston, Arizona, Texas Tech, BYU, Kansas, and Iowa State all looking dangerous.
This conference could be a nightmare draw in March Madness. Depth like this doesn’t come around often.
Notable Freshmen and Transfers
Some new faces are already making noise:
- Virginia Tech’s Neoklis Avdalas from Greece dropped 33 points in an overtime win against Providence.
- Wisconsin’s Nick Boyd, a transfer from San Diego State, put up 25 in a win over Northern Illinois.
- Gonzaga’s Tyon Grant-Foster, coming in from Grand Canyon, is averaging 14.5 points a game.
Revived Rivalries and New Opportunities
Some old rivalries are getting new life, too. Georgetown’s win over Maryland was a big one for coach Ed Cooley.
He’s aiming for a top-five finish in the Big East and a shot at the NCAA Tournament. That win? It’s a solid step in the right direction.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Not everything is smooth sailing, though. The ongoing government shutdown is messing with travel plans, causing delays and cancellations for some teams.
The NCAA’s telling programs to stay sharp about travel, especially with fall championships coming up. It’s just one more thing to juggle in a season that’s already full of surprises.
Looking Ahead
The future of college basketball? Honestly, it feels pretty electric right now. NIL and those new rule tweaks are shaking things up in a way that’s hard to ignore.
We’re seeing elite talent pour in. Coaches are getting creative with schedules, and some teams already seem to click before the season even tips off.
That means more big-time games and wild moments from those hyped-up freshmen. Old-school rivalries are finding new life too, which is always fun to watch.
If you’re craving more takes and in-depth breakdowns, check out HoopsHQ.
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