For the most part, there has been an established route for players to reach the NBA. For many, the pressure to perform begins in middle or high school. From there, college coaches watch, and the best high school players make it to the collegiate level. Then, players play anywhere from just one season to all four years of their college eligibility before declaring for the NBA Draft.
This was the way all-time greats such as Larry Bird and Magic Johnson made it to the league. It was also how Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Charles Barkley proved their talent to NBA scouts.
However, there have been exceptions. Players such as Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and LeBron James went to the NBA straight from high school. Others, such as Toni Kukoc, Manu Ginobili, and, more recently, LaMelo Ball, bypassed college entirely to play professionally overseas before heading to the league.
So, did NIL change everything?
How NIL Changed College Basketball Forever
Recent History
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) refers to a student-athlete’s right to profit from their personal brand through endorsement deals. Up until 2021, athletes playing college sports could not use their NIL to make money, lest the NCAA strip them of their eligibility.
This leads to the 2023 NBA Draft, described as one of the best classes in recent history. The consensus first overall pick was current San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama. His stellar play over the past few seasons has proven why he was the unanimous top choice in his draft. Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller has been solid in his three years as an NBA pro. He is also a key component for Charlotte’s resurgence this year. Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson has largely not lived up to his pre-draft hype, with injuries derailing this season of his career.
However, something stands out about this draft class: the number of players who never played college basketball. Five of the first ten picks were not college players. Aside from them, there were seven other prospects drafted who had never played college hoops.
In the past, many top high school players went to the NBA due to financial constraints and the need to support their families. Since college did not pay them to play basketball, the next step was to go directly to the league.
Recently, however, players have skipped college due to a greater number of lucrative options. OTE (Overtime Elite) is an Atlanta-based basketball league for 16 to 20-year-olds to showcase their talent. Overseas basketball has also grown in popularity, which has led to more opportunities with better pay for young international prospects.
This has been accentuated over the past few draft classes. There were 10 non-college players apiece in 2020 and 2021. That number jumped to 14 by the 2022 NBA Draft and 15 in 2024. Last year, 13 players had never played a single minute of college basketball.
However, the numbers that come up in a 2026 mock draft are surprising. Across 60 picks, there are just three players who have not played college basketball.
The Promised Land?
Recently, however, there has been a wave of former professional players returning to college hoops. James Nnaji, a former NBA draft pick who played in Spain and Turkey, now suits up for the Baylor Bears. Thierry Darlan played professionally in Angola and Central Africa before signing with multiple NBA G League teams. Becoming the first professional athlete to gain eligibility from the NCAA, he now plays for the Santa Clara Broncos.
Alabama Crimson Tide center Charles Bediako, much like Darlan, played with several G League teams before taking a U-turn to college. Serbian pro Aleksa Ristic and ex-G Leaguer London Johnson were also granted eligibility by the NCAA.
The most recent case is that of Amari Bailey. Bailey was picked in the second round of the 2023 draft by the Hornets. The only thing that separates the UCLA standout’s case from the rest is that he played in the NBA. Bailey appeared in just 10 games for the Hornets as a rookie. While the NCAA sees this as the point of no return, that could potentially change.
The Last Word On NIL
NIL has generated mixed opinions over the years. Many want to see the college game remain “pure,” without money corrupting the players and their decisions. However, money is a language that transcends most boundaries. Perhaps NIL could be a good thing, helping college athletes follow their dreams while making money legally at the same time.
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