Rob DiGisi’s Post

🏀📘 The New Era of College Basketball: NIL, NBA Evolution, and Athlete Development In the evolving landscape of college sports, the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights has sparked a significant transformation. At Athletes of Tomorrow (AOT), we believe in leveraging basketball not merely as a sport but as a potent vehicle for both academic and personal growth. 🌱 The recent shifts in NIL and the NBA have interestingly impacted player decisions, especially in college basketball. With the professional game gravitating towards a specific athlete mold, many college players, particularly centers and point guards, are finding more value and opportunities by staying in the NCAA. This strategic decision allows them to not only refine their skills but also to capitalize on NIL deals, enhancing their personal brands and securing a more stable financial future. 🌟 James Fletcher III’s insights reveal a landscape where college basketball has become a prime stage for athletes to shine, benefiting from extended visibility and earning potential through NIL. This era encourages players to maximize their collegiate years, fostering a win-win scenario for both athletes and the sport. 🏆 At AOT, we are committed to guiding young athletes, especially those who are often overlooked, towards seizing these opportunities. By focusing on development both on the court and in the classroom, we aim to position our athletes for success, including securing NIL deals and college scholarships. 📚🏀 NIL has indeed altered the game, providing a path for athletes to thrive in college basketball while improving the sport’s quality and competitiveness. Let’s embrace this new era, supporting our athletes in reaching their full potential, both academically and athletically. #NIL #CollegeBasketball #AthleteDevelopment #AcademicExcellence #AOTBasketball #FutureStars https://lnkd.in/eGh2huys

The Game Yesterday, had the pleasure of attending the biggest college football event of the season, Michigan vs. Ohio State also known as The Game which is one of the greatest rivalries in sports. Michigan and Ohio State are the two winningest programs in Division 1 football history. The first game was played in 1897 and this was the 119 th all-time meeting. The outcome of this game usually determines the Big 10 title and also plays a significant role in the ultimate National Champion. In 2000, ESPN ranked this as the greatest North American sports rivalry ever. There is so much tradition involved in college football. For example, in 1962, the Michigan Wolverines players started a leap to touch their maize and blue banner as they run onto the field before home games. Also the bands from both sides are excellent and provide so amazing performances during the games. The energy was electric at the iconic Big House with over 110,000 fans attending which is the largest venue to watch a college football game in the US. With both teams undefeated and vying for a clear path to the playoff, every play felt like it could be the difference maker. But in the end, it was the Wolverines who emerged victorious. Both teams epitomize everything college athletics is about including the following: 1) Excellence; 2) Faith; 3) Integrity; 4) Leadership; 5) Service; 6) Passion; 7) Innovation; 8) Perseverance; 9) Unity; 10) Responsibility; and 11) Servanthood and much more. The tradition of college football is special to me regardless of the outcome of any game and the language of sports can bring people from diverse backgrounds together in a way that nothing else can. This magical experience reminded me of a great quote from legendary Coach Bo Schembechler. “No man is more important than the Team. No coach is more important than The Team. The Team. The Team. The Team. The Team, and if we think that way, all of us, everything that you do, you take into consideration what effect does it have on my Team ?” If we took some of these timeless lessons and applied them to our daily lives, our world would be a better place.

Why More Drafted Basketball Players Are Skipping College and What the Future Holds A noticeable trend has emerged in recent NBA drafts: an increasing number of players are bypassing the traditional college route. Here's why this shift is happening and what it means for the future of basketball: 1. Alternative Pathways: Programs like the NBA G League Ignite, overseas professional leagues, and elite prep academies provide promising athletes with professional training, development opportunities, and financial incentives straight out of high school. 2. Financial Incentives: Immediate financial rewards offered by these alternative routes can be more appealing than the delayed earnings associated with college basketball, especially for players from challenging economic backgrounds. 3. Exposure and Development: These programs often provide better exposure to NBA scouts and offer rigorous training environments that focus solely on developing professional-level skills without the academic obligations of college. 4. NCAA Restrictions: The NCAA's amateurism rules have historically limited players' ability to profit from their likeness. Although recent changes allow college athletes to earn money through endorsements, many top prospects still find professional pathways more lucrative and straightforward. 5. Global Opportunities: Playing in international leagues exposes young players to different play styles and enhances their adaptability and experience, making them more attractive prospects for the NBA. The Future Path for Aspiring Basketball Athletes: - Increased Diversity of Pathways: Expect a more diversified approach where athletes can choose from college, G League, international play, or specialized training academies based on their circumstances and goals. - Enhanced Development Programs: Both the NBA and international leagues will likely expand and strengthen their development programs to attract and nurture young talent. - Changing NCAA Landscape: As the NCAA continues to adapt its policies to be more player-friendly, we might see a resurgence in college basketball's appeal if it can offer competitive financial and developmental incentives. This evolving landscape offers future basketball stars multiple routes to the NBA, each tailored to maximize their potential and readiness for the professional game. #NBADraft #Basketball #GLeague #NCAA #SportsDevelopment #FutureAthletes #TheFutureofNIL #PINCommunityAdvocate

The Game Yesterday, had the pleasure of attending the biggest college football event of the season, Michigan vs. Ohio State also known as The Game which is one of the greatest rivalries in sports. Michigan and Ohio State are the two winningest programs in Division 1 football history. The first game was played in 1897 and this was the 119 th all-time meeting. The outcome of this game usually determines the Big 10 title and also plays a significant role in the ultimate National Champion. In 2000, ESPN ranked this as the greatest North American sports rivalry ever. There is so much tradition involved in college football. For example, in 1962, the Michigan Wolverines players started a leap to touch their maize and blue banner as they run onto the field before home games. Also the bands from both sides are excellent and provide so amazing performances during the games. The energy was electric at the iconic Big House with over 110,000 fans attending which is the largest venue to watch a college football game in the US. With both teams undefeated and vying for a clear path to the playoff, every play felt like it could be the difference maker. But in the end, it was the Wolverines who emerged victorious. Both teams epitomize everything college athletics is about including the following: 1) Excellence; 2) Faith; 3) Integrity; 4) Leadership; 5) Service; 6) Passion; 7) Innovation; 8) Perseverance; 9) Unity; 10) Responsibility; and 11) Servanthood and much more. The tradition of college football is special to me regardless of the outcome of any game and the language of sports can bring people from diverse backgrounds together in a way that nothing else can. This magical experience reminded me of a great quote from legendary Coach Bo Schembechler. “No man is more important than the Team. No coach is more important than The Team. The Team. The Team. The Team. The Team, and if we think that way, all of us, everything that you do, you take into consideration what effect does it have on my Team ?” If we took some of these timeless lessons and applied them to our daily lives, our world would be a better place.

NCAA president proposes creation of subdivision allowing schools to directly compensate student-athletes NCAA president Charlie Baker has proposed a revolutionary plan that could clear the way for schools to directly compensate athletes through an educational trust as well as name, image and likeness deals, according to a letter obtained by CBS Sports. The proposal would include the creation of a new subdivision of Division I schools for football governance purposes. Membership in the new subdivision would be voluntary, but would require an investment of at least $30,000 per year into an educational trust fund for at least half of its total number athletes. That would guarantee half the schools' athletes $120,000 over four years of competition. Money distributed by the university would be subject to Title IX requirements, meaning half the allocated money would be required to go to female athletes. In addition to base compensation delivered through a trust, schools could then sign additional NIL deals to augment compensation. The football-based subdivision would be independent of the FBS and FCS dichotomy. Teams at either level are eligible to opt into the football subdivision. However, teams that opt in will ultimately be able to exist at a different level than the rest of college football. The group could decide different roster sizes, recruitment practices, transfer or NIL rules, even while competing against other members of FBS or FCS working under the existing rules. #NCAAAction #CollegeSports #NIL #StudentAthletes #NCAAFans #NCAASports https://lnkd.in/g63rMiq3

🎓 Embracing the Rollercoaster of University Farewell🎓 As the final stretch of my university journey unfolds, it's a whirlwind of mixed emotions. The pressure is on, with last-minute assessments and the looming dissertation deadline making each day a blend of stress and determination. The late nights spent cramming may be challenging, but they also serve as a testament to the resilience developed throughout this academic adventure. 📚 The struggle is real, but so is the sense of accomplishment. As I navigate through these demanding final months, I can't help but reflect on the incredible growth, both academically and personally. The challenges have been tough, but they've moulded me into a more tenacious and adaptable individual. 🌟 Amidst the chaos, there's a unique joy in experiencing the "lasts." The last game on the lacrosse field carries a bittersweet taste, a blend of nostalgia for the countless memories and excitement for the new chapters awaiting. The last few weeks of living the quintessential university student lifestyle bring a mix of gratitude and anticipation for what lies ahead. 🙌🏽 This journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but as the finish line nears, I'm filled with an overwhelming sense of pride. Each assignment completed, and every hurdle overcome is a testament to the dedication invested in this academic pursuit. The university chapter is closing, but the lessons learned and connections made will last a lifetime. 🚀 So here's to the final push, the sleepless nights, and the proud moments of overcoming challenges. It's not just about the destination, but the transformative journey that shapes who we become. Excited for what the future holds, while cherishing the 'lasts' that make this chapter truly unforgettable. #UniversityJourney #FinalStretch #MixedEmotions #NextChapter #ProudGraduate #cccu

Would private equity help or hurt the Big 12 Conference and its schools? Experts say it’s hard to predict. The college athletic conference, which includes the University of Houston, is reportedly considering a groundbreaking partnership with a global private equity firm. This would be the first business arrangement of its kind, marking a significant shift in the college sports landscape. Last year, the university was one of the four schools to join the Big 12 conference, which will again expand in August to 16 members. The athletic conference is likely gaining an additional, unconventional partner. This global private equity firm would infuse it with cases while having little influence on the group and its institutions. According to sports and private equity experts, the possibilities of ramifications are more uncertain than in a college sports landscape where the schools frequently switch conferences and student-athletes who are getting an ever-expanding piece of the financial pie. According to CBS Sports, the Big 12 is exploring a partnership with a Luxembourg-based CVC Capital Partners, a private equity firm whose portfolio includes European rugby, soccer leagues, an Indian cricket team, and the Women's Tennis Coaching Association. This would be their first partnership with any American college sports team; the firm is considering an investment of up to $1 billion in exchange for a 15-20% ownership stake in the conference. This would include public and private universities in Texas, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah.  #UniversityofHouston #HoustonPublicMedia  #Big12conference #CBSSports  #CVCCapitalPartners #universities  #privateequityfirms #collegesports  #WomensTennisAssociation  #Europeanrugby #soccer #cricket #ownership #stake

March is one of my favorite times of the year. With spring around the corner and major sporting events captivating audiences, the energy is here! This week, the excitement of March Madness epitomizes this spirit perfectly. Having experienced the electric atmosphere at the A10 conference semi-finals last weekend at Barclays, the anticipation for the NCAA D1 tournament and the ensuing madness of the big dance is undeniable. The unifying thread among all teams, beyond the sport, is the reality of tuition. There's no doubt that many of these players may have scholarships that cover the cost of going to their namesake institution. However, that's not the case for the majority of students at these universities and colleges As we gear up for our March Madness event this Friday, alongside clients and guests, here are some insights on higher education: - The first tournament was played in 1939…Wonder what the average cost of college was this year! - A child born today faces an anticipated private college tuition exceeding $500,000 for a four-year degree. - A child born today faces an estimated public out-of-state tuition over $400,000 - Recent headlines have sparked debates on the value of higher education, especially with the progress in technologies and shifting societal roles, suggesting a potential reevaluation of the traditional cost/benefit analysis. - The financial commitment of attending college or university has become a significant consideration for students and their guardians alike, as they navigate decisions about their financial futures. - Current data still supports the notion that obtaining a college degree correlates with higher earnings potential. What do you think about these trends and the future positioning of colleges and universities two decades from now? #MarchMadness #Education #PersonalFinance

Below are the only 11 NCAA Division I universities to spend less than $10M/year on athletics. 5 of the bottom 6 in spending are HBCUs (including the one my father worked at for 30 years). Plus two others are over 70% African American. Chicago State is not an HBCU but is ~70% Black and ~5% White. Arkansas Pine Bluff is 73% Black and 22% White. I am not trying to saying spending more or less is good - just an observation from a comparative standpoint. These are the colleges who are going to be most challenged to compete in their respective leagues. If they are doing well, it would be a good qualitative study to find out why. One factor could be the number of sports they sponsor. 9 of the 11 are in the Southeast. https://lnkd.in/gmdvSh5a Mississippi Valley State University University of New Orleans Alcorn State University University of Maryland Eastern Shore Coppin State University Chicago State University South Carolina State University University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff University of North Carolina Asheville University of Wisconsin-Green Bay University of South Carolina Upstate

If you live in a household like mine, then you're likely very familiar with college basketball and the all-encompassing chaos of March Madness. I am a UNC fan at heart, it's my alma mater and my educational home; there's no place better than Carolina <3. I will probably get flack for this post, but it would be foolish to not think through and celebrate this NC State team. For the first time in 41 years, the NC State Men's Basketball squad has advanced to the Final Four; their women's team too - a first in school history. Simply incredible stuff. The men's team ended their regular season with a barely winning record, a coach's tenure on the line, and a less-than 1% chance of being selected into the NCAA tournament. This team was disregarded, shrugged off - thought to not be talented enough or good enough to compete in one of the biggest college sporting events of the year. Nearly all professional analysts had them out, the tournament entirely out of reach based on merit alone. Their only hope for competing on the big stage? Winning the ACC tournament and getting an automatic bid, another feat that had collected dust for 4 decades. They'd have to win 5 games in 5 days and beat some incredibly hard teams, some of which were ranked in the Top 10 nationally. Impossible, everyone said. But they persisted. They never quit. They worked harder. They believed in themselves and what they had to offer, both individually and as a team. They did not let the world's opinion of them change their determination and drive. They won the ACC tournament. They got into the NCAA tournament. They won the first round, then the second. Must be a fluke right? Then they won the Sweet 16. Okay okay, the road has to end here now. Nope. They flew through the Elite 8 and are now headed to Phoenix to compete in the Final Four. Their motto this season has been "Why Not Us?" and it got me thinking that this idea, this motivation and drive, it is all something that should be a part of each and every one of us. Why not you? Why not me? Why can't we reach higher? Why can't we accomplish our goals? Why not us? Our own successes and drives are heavily limited by our own perceptions and feelings of our abilities, self-worth, and capacities to achieve. By changing the framework of our thoughts, by believing in ourselves and our teams first and foremost, you can pave a smoother path towards accomplishing the dreams you set for yourself. Cheesy? Yes. But as this team is illustrating, the world's perception of you is just a single viewpoint that can, and should, be challenged and changed to assist you in achieving greatness. Believe in yourself. Believe in your team. Set an example of how to achieve greatness. Why not you? Congrats, WPN!