Yeah, and I don't have a ton of confidence that the NCAA will figure out how to fix it if it does become a problem. You could make an argument that a collective bargaining process would be best for the players, best for the sport, and potentially best for the NCAA and its member institutions but I think that the NCAA will still do everything in its power to avoid it.
Illini Basketball
- Status
I agree...we used to be married to the team...now we are just dating escorts
I think you spelled Dain wrong. Its spelled Dickinson.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
I mean, money for team control is the basic framework of a negotiation for all athletes in all sports.
A lot of hurdles between here and there, but it definitely feels like a CBA with a college player's union is the only happy ending to this.
foby
- Bonnaroo Land
That would make us Top 5 to start the year. And that would be awesome.
But I think he's gonna be a turtle.
Ransom Stoddard
Ordained Dudeist Priest
- Bloomington, IL
I can't think of any scenarios where the NCAA has "fixed" anything. The NCAA's stubborn adherence to player "amateur" status is what started this whole thing rolling. If instead they had made some common sense changes (i.e. allowing actual Name/Image/Likeness payments for endorsements, commercials, autographs, appearances, etc.) we wouldn't be in the wild west.
AyoDos11
- Southern Illinois
Imagine RJ has a Podz-esque season next year for a new team and gets drafted in 2024.
sacraig
- The desert
Agreed. It's just a new system and people are going hog wild, but I think it will stabilize. I also think the NIL system will probably work to stabilize it when donors get tired of funding 1 year of a freshman.
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
miami coach called it speed dating
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Will Baker anyone?
This is how I feel. Not sure if it is because this was pretty much expected or if I’ve just acclimated myself fully to the new college basketball landscape, but my thoughts are just thanks for representing the Illini, good luck and see ya. Would have liked to see him stay, but oh well.
RJ is super talented and by all accounts was committed to the program and his teammates.
For whatever reason he thinks he is better served to move on.
My opinion is that he had all the tools to make a big jump and be a key contributor for another 3 years.
Big loss.
Best of luck RJ. I will be hoping you do great things!!!
Little inside info on Will Baker … 1st off, he’s a great kid … Have heard nothing but good things …
His Mom has been battling cancer for a little while … He would like to be closer to home …
He also wants to study film for his masters … So he will wind up at a school that has that as well if I had to guess …
Why doesn't Werner have all of that info in his 247 portal page. That would eliminate all kinds of pipe dreams.
Two guys who are transferring averaged 20+ mpg this year. Playing time is no assurance that anyone will stick around. Being old school, I love the idea of developing players, reward them with minutes and reap the benefits down the line. Unfortunately, that school has let out.
I first hear about RJ here on page 6, and we are into page 11 already. Anything I wanted to comment on has either been said, or I will once again be banned by the omniscient Dan for repeating a post. The portal as it is absolutely inhales through a straw. The paying customers such as we are is who this whole sport goes on at all. Any minute now I expect to see here a copy of the Twitter post from RJ thanking Illinois for all this and all that, and then the ultimate last sentence where he seeks to better his future without saying why. Illinois is a top level program so the only reason all these kids leave is because BU yells. What else . . . that they don't like strolling the quad, or the training table menu doesn't suit their palates? Come on. This totally out of hand. This benefits no one. Once again, this s*cks and no one can really support what is going out. Why follow any team?
No big loss. He wasn't very good and is easily replaceable. I do wish him well.Th...the portal told him?
NCAA basketball soon to be synonymous with minor league baseball. No one will care about an individual team unless you live in the city/town where they play their home games. NIL/Transfer rules were implemented to allow the players to share in the profitability of the sport. Sad thing is, that profitability will eventually vanish as no one cares/watches said teams. A possible solution, as I see it, is to allow multi-year contracts with the best players to try to limit transfers. As it is currently, you are exactly right. It sucks.
The Galloping Ghost
- Washington, DC
I think you've jumped to conclusions a bit. I absolutely believe athletes should be allowed to earn a living wage. In fact, I've argued for it throughout various NIL threads. The issue isn't players getting paid. The issue is the level of player movement. It's reaching a point where it's untenable. As Gritty said:
AyoDos11
- Southern Illinois
Will be pulling for RJ. No hard feelings. The sad reality is he was only coming back if he was going to start, and if he was starting, we wouldn't be the team we want to be next year.
Underwood was serious about Pizza Hut throw downs
- Status