NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Ranking 2023 5-star wing Ron Holland’s top 8
By Ian Mumm
G-League Ignite
The G-League has become a new option for recruits in recent seasons and has already proved to be a successful bridge between the high school and NBA ranks. Under the guidance of NBA-certified staff and training programs, this option provides a lot of emertion into the professional lifestyle many players must learn to deal with when they make this jump post-college. It’s a great path for individuals who solely want to focus on their skillset prior to entering their name in the draft pool.
The impact of NIL on players deliberating this route has yet to be determined, but G-League Ignite alum Jalen Green has proved his decision did little negatively impact if any, his final draft stock. In fact, it may have even elevated it as it has for current G-League Ignite players Jaden Hardy, Dyson Daniels and MarJon Beauchamp.
While this option has provided a positive environment for the players who have chosen to take it, it also has not overwhelming detracted from the draft stock of those who have opted to attend college. Players who have selected a college program have received significant national exposure via TV deals showcasing college games on multiple networks.
The format has helped college athletes to further their brands and garner more attention when entering the NBA Draft. That’s not to say Holland’s draft stock will be hurt by opting for this route, but the level of his brand could be elevated should he opt to attend elsewhere.