Long Gone is the NLI

As we get deeper into the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) era, the NCAA continues to make major changes to “help” future athletes navigate their recruitment. Last week the NCAA decided to eliminate the National Letter of Intent (NLI) in favor of written offers of athletic aid. Did they make this change to streamline the recruitment or transfer process? Or did they just want to get rid of the NIL v. NLI acronym battle?

Scoreboard

• NY Liberty take Game 2 80-66 to tie the WNBA Finals 1-1…Game 3 Wednesday night

  • Breanna Stewart 21 points, 8 rebounds, 7 steals

• LA Clippers defeat the Mavericks 110-96 in their new $2 billion dollar arena

• Final Four standout Zach Edey drops 23 and 9 rebounds in preseason action

• NCAA Men’s Basketball is back! The back-to-back defending champs UConn Huskies defeat URI 102-75 in a preseason exhibition

Starting Five

1. WNBA Finals: In a thrilling WNBA Finals Game 2, the New York Liberty showcased their resilience and skill, clinching a vital victory against the Minnesota Lynx. A standout moment came from Leonie Fiebich, whose crucial shot helped the Liberty pull ahead in the final stretch. The team's defensive prowess, powered by Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, was instrumental in stifling the Lynx's offense. By emphasizing rebounding, disciplined defense, and efficient play, the Liberty not only tied the series but also demonstrated their determination and ability to adapt under pressure.

2. Transfer Portal Changes: The NCAA Division I Council has introduced pivotal changes to college sports recruiting, notably reducing the transfer portal windows for football and basketball from 45 to 30 days. For basketball, players will have a single 30-day portal opening after the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Additionally, the National Letter of Intent will be replaced with written offers of athletic aid, providing athletes protection from recruitment by other programs. These reforms aim to streamline the recruiting process and reflect the ongoing evolution in collegiate athletics, particularly in the context of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements.

3. Father & Son: In a historic preseason game for the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, took the court together for the first time, marking a significant milestone for their family. LeBron, who values these shared experiences deeply due to his own upbringing, relished the opportunity to play alongside his son. During the first half against the Phoenix Suns, the duo faced some challenges, including turnovers and missed shots, but the experience was priceless for both. As Bronny, a second-round draft pick, continues to hone his skills, fans can look forward to more moments where this father-son duo showcases their shared love for the game.

4. Juju Watkin$: USC basketball star JuJu Watkins has made headlines by signing a significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Gatorade, becoming the third college player to join their roster, alongside UConn's Paige Bueckers and former Iowa standout Caitlin Clark. This partnership will see Watkins involved in Gatorade marketing campaigns and supporting the Gatorade Player of the Year program. Expressing her excitement, Watkins, a former Gatorade National Basketball Player of the Year, is eager to embrace this new chapter while maintaining respect for her fellow athletes. With her recent lucrative shoe endorsement deal with Nike and a focus on her upcoming season at USC, Watkins continues to rise as a prominent figure in college basketball.

5. Basketball Hall of Fame: Vince Carter's long-awaited induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a testament to his incredible achievements and lasting impact on the sport, particularly in Canada. During the Hall of Fame weekend, which features a series of events including news conferences and a tip-off celebration, Carter will be celebrated alongside 12 other inductees. The enshrinement ceremony promises to be a memorable occasion, showcasing the profound influence Carter has had on the game and his contributions beyond the court.

College Basketball: Recruiting News

The Boozer twins, Cameron and Cayden, have established themselves as standout basketball players, achieving success at every level since childhood. Growing up in a basketball-centric family, they have celebrated multiple championships and proudly represented Team USA. Committing to Duke for their college careers, they are set to follow in their father's footsteps while navigating the intense expectations that come with their talent. Their journey is defined by a strong brotherly bond as they aim to make a significant impact both on and off the court before potentially heading to the NBA.

Drill of the Week

highlevelculture

View more on Instagram

Shooting - 25 Point Drill

▪️3 players - 1 shooter, 1 rebounder, 1 passer
▪️Two basketballs

The player shooting is going to cover 5 spots (2 corners, 2 wings, top of the key). Set a timer to 5 minutes. When the timer starts, the shooters goal is to make 2 shots in a row rotating from spot to spot after the 2 makes. Each time a player makes 2 in a row, it counts as one point. The goal is to get as many points as you can in 5 minutes. Then players can switch until all 3 players have shot.

15-20 makes = Decent Shooter
20-25 makes = Great Shooter
25 + Makes = Elite Level shooter

This is a collegiate/pro level drill so if you are in middle or high school getting 15+, that's a great starting point!

Locked In! Podcast