Memphi$ Tiger$ mad about paying players

[iKrager]

The NBA G-League didn’t kill college basketball, they just provided elite players who want to get paid handsomely an alternative to the corruption of the NCAA. There will still be plenty of talented, entertaining players in the NCAA to bring the fans to their seats and incentivize boosters to provide money to their Alma Mater.

Agree! Also there will still be kids are vastly underscouted and turn into big names (Ja Morant and Steph Curry are two names that come to mind!)

 

[JelloPuddinPup]

Agree! Also there will still be kids are vastly underscouted and turn into big names (Ja Morant and Steph Curry are two names that come to mind!)

Can't wait for a kid to get paid to go to LSU or Memphis, then decide not to honor the commitment and go on to get paid by the G-League. Double up on that payday!

 

[Chris4Vols22]

Can't wait for a kid to get paid to go to LSU or Memphis, then decide not to honor the commitment and go on to get paid by the G-League. Double up on that payday!

No way NCAA cheaters are dumb enough to pay kids before they are locked in.

 

[walkenvol]

Retainerrrrrr

 

[K-town Vol Fan]

Yeah, I know it's a crazy thought, but would it not be pretty cool if collegiate athletes were going to school in order to obtain an education? And those who want to "take thier skills" to the professional ranks do so? The opinions of decidedly "farm system" head coaches (PH, Cal, K) are not only extreme minority, but should be ignored. They have turned the University into a NBA Farm System. I have zero problem w Farm Systems. Just go elsewhere to do so.

Honestly, if all 32-34 "5*" players all chose each and every year to join the G Leauge, leaving all the rest to go get their education while playing, then CBB would still be 100% Amazing. IMHO, Universities should be first and foremost about education, with athletics enhancing that experience.

Totally agree

 

[LeannaVol]

Yeah, I know it's a crazy thought, but would it not be pretty cool if collegiate athletes were going to school in order to obtain an education? And those who want to "take thier skills" to the professional ranks do so? The opinions of decidedly "farm system" head coaches (PH, Cal, K) are not only extreme minority, but should be ignored. They have turned the University into a NBA Farm System. I have zero problem w Farm Systems. Just go elsewhere to do so.

Honestly, if all 32-34 "5*" players all chose each and every year to join the G Leauge, leaving all the rest to go get their education while playing, then CBB would still be 100% Amazing. IMHO, Universities should be first and foremost about education, with athletics enhancing that experience.

Great post. You can't turn down a player like Keon Johnson or Springer that want to come to UT and can help us win but I would rather Barnes continue to focus on players that will likely be here 3 or 4 years. We are recruiting at a different level right now and a part of me thinks we are becoming a program I don't want to root for. Kentucky basketball is completely unrelated to the university and higher education because many of their players attend classes for one semester and are gone to the NBA. That is not college basketball. Barnes history at Texas seems to indicate he is better at working with the 3 star kids and winning games then working with the 5 star kids over the long haul. I would rather be a Gonzaga than a Kentucky and Duke any day.

 

[pimo1]

Penny gonna have to step up his game. Funny to see the Memphis recruiting class tank when Penny can't pay the most. The NBA has deeper pockets than him....

Memphis coach Penny Hardaway blasts G League for recruiting tactics that are 'almost like tampering'

Im sorry folks need to stop doing the whole homerism thing and look at what's being said over who is saying it. Penny makes a very valid point here. if the NCAA does not make some serious steps top players will skip college and go straight to G-league. This upcoming draft will be the litmus test of that with 2 high profile players that bypassed NCAA and went developmental routes to become lottery picks.

 

[Chris4Vols22]

Im sorry folks need to stop doing the whole homerism thing and look at what's being said over who is saying it. Penny makes a very valid point here. if the NCAA does not make some serious steps top players will skip college and go straight to G-league. This upcoming draft will be the litmus test of that with 2 high profile players that bypassed NCAA and went developmental routes to become lottery picks.

It is a valid point, but I think the freedom gained by young players far outweighs a possible decline in recruit quality for schools.

 

[BowlBrother85]

Im sorry folks need to stop doing the whole homerism thing and look at what's being said over who is saying it. Penny makes a very valid point here. if the NCAA does not make some serious steps top players will skip college and go straight to G-league. This upcoming draft will be the litmus test of that with 2 high profile players that bypassed NCAA and went developmental routes to become lottery picks.

It's not any different than what baseball coaches at major schools contend with. Tennessee signed Mookie Betts in 2011. The best coaches will learn to adjust, and always have a fallback plan when their elite prospects opt for the quick money. Coaches like Penny will just be left high and dry and whine about it.

 

[BigOrangeMojo]

Im sorry folks need to stop doing the whole homerism thing and look at what's being said over who is saying it. Penny makes a very valid point here. if the NCAA does not make some serious steps top players will skip college and go straight to G-league. This upcoming draft will be the litmus test of that with 2 high profile players that bypassed NCAA and went developmental routes to become lottery picks.

Penny is upset this destroys his recruiting pitch.

Penny's recruiting pitch is "We've been in the NBA, let us get you ready for the NBA.". When the actual NBA says "We ARE the NBA, let us pay you to get you ready", it trumps Penny's pitch.

There is nothing the NCAA can do to keep Top 5-Top 10 prospects in college, especially once the NBA gets rid of the 1 and done with their next CBA.

 

[BowlBrother85]

Penny is upset this destroys his recruiting pitch.

Penny's recruiting pitch is "We've been in the NBA, let us get you ready for the NBA.". When the actual NBA says "We ARE the NBA, let us pay you to get you ready", it trumps Penny's pitch.

There is nothing the NCAA can do to keep Top 5-Top 10 prospects in college, especially once the NBA gets rid of the 1 and done with their next CBA.

It places increased emphasis on player evaluation and development. The 2nd tier players such as a Corey Walker become more valuable. Penny hasn't invested much time on those... and probably wouldn't be very good at developing them anyway.

 

[pimo1]

It is a valid point, but I think the freedom gained by young players far outweighs a possible decline in recruit quality for schools.

I would agree but the thing is at that level scouting is at best. sketchy. If a kid goes to college and he's not fit for the league he at least has a scholly and the chance at an education. aka backup plan. He goes to G-league and its all falls apart. .done deal. SO honestly more kids going straight to G-league will get hurt than helped. trust me every kid coming out that was the best on his team things hes the next MJ and so does everyone around them. Lavar Ball si a great example. Good thing he had 3 kids 2 were NBA worthy.. 1 wasn't but he thought they were all instant all-stars. Lonzo is at worst gonna be a decent NBA player probably all-star at some point. Lamelo is likely a top5 lottery pick and a big thing behind this movement. but Jello (liangelo) didn't pan out. Imagine if he wasn't bookended by two brothers with the right talent? He'd be a really bad situation now. Ineligible for college but more than good enough to get 4 years at a D1 uni.
The D-league route will put pressure on the NCAA but at the same time it will lead to a lot of kids making the wrong choice.

 

[JelloPuddinPup]

I would agree but the thing is at that level scouting is at best. sketchy. If a kid goes to college and he's not fit for the league he at least has a scholly and the chance at an education. aka backup plan. He goes to G-league and its all falls apart. .done deal. SO honestly more kids going straight to G-league will get hurt than helped. trust me every kid coming out that was the best on his team things hes the next MJ and so does everyone around them. Lavar Ball si a great example. Good thing he had 3 kids 2 were NBA worthy.. 1 wasn't but he thought they were all instant all-stars. Lonzo is at worst gonna be a decent NBA player probably all-star at some point. Lamelo is likely a top5 lottery pick and a big thing behind this movement. but Jello (liangelo) didn't pan out. Imagine if he wasn't bookended by two brothers with the right talent? He'd be a really bad situation now. Ineligible for college but more than good enough to get 4 years at a D1 uni.
The D-league route will put pressure on the NCAA but at the same time it will lead to a lot of kids making the wrong choice.

I'll be honest, I'm not entirely sure what your point was in that post.

 

[pimo1]

Penny is upset this destroys his recruiting pitch.

Penny's recruiting pitch is "We've been in the NBA, let us get you ready for the NBA.". When the actual NBA says "We ARE the NBA, let us pay you to get you ready", it trumps Penny's pitch.

There is nothing the NCAA can do to keep Top 5-Top 10 prospects in college, especially once the NBA gets rid of the 1 and done with their next CBA.

you and the poster above you both failed to get my point. What Penny said on its face has merit. Period. who cares if its the opposing/enemy/guy we hate this week coach. His point is valid. Discounting truth because of source is always a mistake. I do not care why he feels how he feels. he is right. it won't just affect him it affects all schools and furthermore it affects less basketball rich programs more than it does him.

Funny Facts as far as basketball Memphis is not far off if not above UT for men's BB and NBA prospects. Are they blue bloods? Nah but neither are we as far as men BB is concerned. They have a history of high level picks and a coach thats likely on a poster on a lot of recruits walls. Penny was a real deal superstar whose career was derailed by injuries. He has a cache even Rick Barnes or even Coach K can't math. he p[layed at the highest level and even MJ said when asked who are the guys you pass the torch to? He said Grant Hill and Penny. The last dance is gonna work hard for Memphis recruiting for a while. so, if he is saying this it carries legit weight whether you like him or not.

 

[Chris4Vols22]

I would agree but the thing is at that level scouting is at best. sketchy. If a kid goes to college and he's not fit for the league he at least has a scholly and the chance at an education. aka backup plan. He goes to G-league and its all falls apart. .done deal. SO honestly more kids going straight to G-league will get hurt than helped. trust me every kid coming out that was the best on his team things hes the next MJ and so does everyone around them. Lavar Ball si a great example. Good thing he had 3 kids 2 were NBA worthy.. 1 wasn't but he thought they were all instant all-stars. Lonzo is at worst gonna be a decent NBA player probably all-star at some point. Lamelo is likely a top5 lottery pick and a big thing behind this movement. but Jello (liangelo) didn't pan out. Imagine if he wasn't bookended by two brothers with the right talent? He'd be a really bad situation now. Ineligible for college but more than good enough to get 4 years at a D1 uni.
The D-league route will put pressure on the NCAA but at the same time it will lead to a lot of kids making the wrong choice.

Long story short, NBA needs to tighten up with scouting and when to not throw crazy amounts of money at unproven players. Additionally, there's nothing stopping an athlete from enrolling in college at any point.

 

[pimo1]

I'll be honest, I'm not entirely sure what your point was in that post.

my point is Penny makes a very valid point. kids going straight from HS to the D-league is gonna be a problem if it becomes the norm. Most of them are gonna lose out long term going that route. Each year there are probably maybe 10 or so guys that would benefit from this route and make the league College offers a transition and fall back option most kids need..

 

[pimo1]

Long story short, NBA needs to tighten up with scouting and when to not throw crazy amounts of money at unproven players. Additionally, there's nothing stopping an athlete from enrolling in college at any point.

actually there is something stopping an athlete from enrolling in college at any point U go G-league yore a pro.

 

[Chris4Vols22]

actually there is something stopping an athlete from enrolling in college at any point U go G-league yore a pro.

If you're in G League or playing professionally overseas, mission accomplished. If you're someone who got cut and get can't play professionally, you're probably not going to want to play in college even if you could. I know that's not the point you're trying to make, but it's really hard for me to be upset about the situation because the new system gives athletes more freedom and more choices. Sure, the scenario you laid out is not ideal for an athlete, but that's an example of a calculated risk that didn't pay off. The rewards far outweigh the risks with the new system (for the players anyway) imo.

 

[pimo1]

If you're in G League or playing professionally overseas, mission accomplished. If you're someone who got cut and get can't play professionally, you're probably not going to want to play in college even if you could. I know that's not the point you're trying to make, but it's really hard for me to be upset about the situation because the new system gives athletes more freedom and more choices. Sure, the scenario you laid out is not ideal for an athlete, but that's an example of a calculated risk that didn't pay off. The rewards far outweigh the risks with the new system (for the players anyway) imo.

if you make that transition yes. bt signing out of high school means u get the opportunity its no guarantee. you might last 10 years or 10 days. Once you make that jump you've burned bridges. You can sign with a college.. play in college and then go to Europe of G-league. U cant go the other way. Most high profile athletes tend to be feeling themselves. Heck, most mid-level athletes tend to feel themselves a lot. For every 1 guy on the end of an NBA bench, I can show you 50 guys that think they deserve that spot. 10 of those 50, I can beat in a game and I'm not good enough for NAIA level. College is the best route for 99% of high school athletes period.

 

[Chris4Vols22]

if you make that transition yes. bt signing out of high school means u get the opportunity its no guarantee. you might last 10 years or 10 days. Once you make that jump you've burned bridges. You can sign with a college.. play in college and then go to Europe of G-league. U cant go the other way. Most high profile athletes tend to be feeling themselves. Heck, most mid-level athletes tend to feel themselves a lot. For every 1 guy on the end of an NBA bench, I can show you 50 guys that think they deserve that spot. 10 of those 50, I can beat in a game and I'm not good enough for NAIA level. College is the best route for 99% of high school athletes period.

Yeah, I'm personally still not seeing that scenario as a likely one. If a kid is legitimately an NBA prospect and decides to go straight to the professionals out of HS, what are the chances they would even want to play in college? Is it even possible to, minus a catastrophic injury, be a legit prospect, make a team, get a check, get cut in the same season, never have the skills or ability to play professional ball again? If a prospect is that shaky, it would be unwise to pursue prof ball out of HS.

I don't know if any system is perfect, but I think we're going in the right direction. What if, later on, they allowed former professional players to go to NCAA provided they are no longer receiving compensation as an NCAA athlete? I don't see the harm in that outside of corruption.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

The G League isn't going to destroy college basketball. You'll have a few super talented kids who aren't a fan of school that will unfortunately elect to go straight to the G League, but there will still be plenty of kids, like Kennedy Chandler, who are top athletes that will go to college not only for the experience, but because you build a better brand playing on national television 2-3 nights a week rather than ESPN5 The Cinco for a random G League game.

I can't say with definitive proof, but my best guess would be if Zion Williamson had the chance to go straight to the G League instead of Duke, his brand would have been nowhere near as global as it was playing an entire season in some of college basketball's most bitter rivalries. College basketball is great for brand building, and the jury is still out on whether or not the G League can do the same for its players.

 

[pimo1]

The G League isn't going to destroy college basketball. You'll have a few super talented kids who aren't a fan of school that will unfortunately elect to go straight to the G League, but there will still be plenty of kids, like Kennedy Chandler, who are top athletes that will go to college not only for the experience, but because you build a better brand playing on national television 2-3 nights a week rather than ESPN5 The Cinco for a random G League game.

I can't say with definitive proof, but my best guess would be if Zion Williamson had the chance to go straight to the G League instead of Duke, his brand would have been nowhere near as global as it was playing an entire season in some of college basketball's most bitter rivalries. College basketball is great for brand building, and the jury is still out on whether or not the G League can do the same for its players.

i never said or thought it would destroy it. I am saying the current situation will lead to a lot of kids/families making bad choices. The burden of blame is not on the NBA or G-league. It's on the NCAA because folks are pushed to this level because of archaic and draconian rules. the rule changes that go in play next year will lessen that but sadly it won't have as much effect on sports outside of football and to a lesser extent basketball.

Basketball is the most sensitive of l the sports because of this 30 teams and 15 spots. The NFL rosters are a lot bigger as are baseball rosters so there is more margin for error and more opportunity. Trust me no way in the world a Football player with the talent level of Carmelo Anothony with no serious off/on the field issues gets blackballed the way he was. Its strictly because of roster size. Baseball and hocket have larger rosters and well defined minor league feeder programs. The NFL has much bigger rosters and practice squads as well as the CFL, Arena League and the upcoming XFL.. The NBA has nothing, The G-league is just now becoming something, Playing overseas is ...playing overseas.

Penny's point is the NCAA needs to look hard at making some bigger changes than just their amorphous 2021 ones. The whole idea of amateurism only really exists in Basketball these days in a negative. Football is its own animal. Baseball and hockey bot have very well minor league systems in place and don't require as much physical development as Football or Basketball. No one in their right mind is ok with an 18-year-old playing in the NFL. The NBA is the only league that goes for the 17-18 year-olds and does not give them a route to develop. Baseball or hockey u might be drafted young but u get developed in the minor leagues for decent money and they bring you up years later. in the G-leagues if u don't splash the first couple of years you're done. and its limited number of teams with small rosters comparatively.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Penny's point is the NCAA needs to look hard at making some bigger changes than just their amorphous 2021 ones.

Sorry, but I find it hard to believe Penny Hardaway is being genuine in his concern for student athlete welfare. If Penny didn't lose out on every major recruit he was in on this cycle, he wouldn't have said a word about this occurring. He knows his job is on the line if he can't do the one thing he was brought to Memphis to do (recruit). He'll pipe down again *if* they land Cisse.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

I'm all for it. I think that college basketball will be better minus players that don't want to be student-athletes. Plus they'll probably be able to make something off of their name and likeness starting in 2021-22 so the really good players that opt for school will have some spending cash without worrying about the NCAA (or the IRS) busting them.

 

[JelloPuddinPup]

my point is Penny makes a very valid point. kids going straight from HS to the D-league is gonna be a problem if it becomes the norm. Most of them are gonna lose out long term going that route. Each year there are probably maybe 10 or so guys that would benefit from this route and make the league College offers a transition and fall back option most kids need..

I see what you're saying now. Wasn't trying to be a jerk, I literally just got lost in your post with how I was reading it and did not understand your point with the example you presented. Sorry about that.