Some big-time college programs are showing an interest in pro guard TJ Clark, according to On3/Rivals. The 6-foot-4 guard is eyeing a move to the college level, an occurrence that could increase moving forward, despite heated opposition from Hall of Fame head coaches.
Major College Programs Showing an Interest in Pro Guard
Per On3/Rivals, Clark is hearing from schools such as Tennessee, Ohio State, Auburn, Clemson, Colorado, Georgia, Georgia Tech and Texas A&M. While he doesn’t have any official visits set up to college campuses, that could change soon. What has to happen for Clark, though, is that he has to be deemed eligible by the NCAA to play in college.
While it’s no guarantee, Clark does have a good shot. That’s because in recent weeks, NBA G League guard London Johnson committed to Louisville, while another G League guard, Thierry Darlan, pledged to Santa Clara.
Experts anticipate that more G-Leaguers and other professional players will try to head to college. They have a better chance these days, because the line between professional and amateur has been significantly muddled. The key reason for that is college athletes have been able to earn endorsement income from NIL deals for several years now. Plus, this summer, a federal judge approved the multi-billion-dollar House settlement, enabling college programs to directly pay their athletes.
Since college players are receiving income, too, the argument is this is basically no different from what professional players are doing in the NBA G League, for example. Understandably, college head coaches, such as Hall of Famer Tom Izzo of Michigan State, aren’t happy about this situation.
NCAA Responds Regarding Pro Players Having Interest in College
Late last week, in response to the comments from Izzo and others, the NCAA sent out a memo on this topic. The statement said in part:
“More schools are recruiting and enrolling individuals who have competed professionally – including many with experience in international and domestic leagues who may find college sports more appealing given the financial benefits now available. NCAA rules do allow players who competed professionally prior to collegiate enrollment to retain eligibility for college sports, though in some cases, players may lose seasons of eligibility due to delayed enrollment.”
College Programs Have an Interest in Pro Guard
Clark, a native of Covington, Ga., was a three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting cycle. Within that class, 247Sports rated Clark as the No. 53 shooting guard and the No. 16 player from Georgia. As a prep recruit, his scholarship offer sheet included Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, Florida Gulf Coast, Jacksonville, Jacksonville State, North Alabama, North Carolina A&T and UNC Asheville.
