Press Box: Ambitions gamble for glory
Illustration by Killian Goodale-Porter.
Jenny Allen, Contributing Writer
Playing a sport in college not only shows your commitment but also your ability to find a balance in life. Between academics, social life, practice and games, being a college athlete provides you with a gateway to foster yourself for the future.
While a lot of college basketball players may aspire to be NBA players, the career is unpredictable, ultimately adding to the devotion it takes.
Out of the thousands of men’s high school basketball players, only 3.6% advance to the NCAA, according to NCAA. Only 1% compete at the Division I level, another 1% at Division II and 1.5% at Division III within that group.
Only 1.2% of these thousands end up being drafted in the NBA, according to College Vine. This extremely low percentage of college athletes who take their skills to the professional level proves the dedication, passion and talent that is needed.
There are a handful who then get the chance to go to the next level before their college career is over from this collection.
College gives people the space to find themselves, discover their passions, build connections and expand their insight. While being a college athlete may take some of the freedom away that college generally offers, it still allows for personal growth.
Getting the chance to leave the college life behind before it’s over has the capability to excite athletes, leading them to disregard the jeopardy that can come along with a professional career. This often raises the question: If the opportunity presents itself to one during college, is it best for them personally and professionally to stay for the standard four years, or take the venture and leave?
While taking a gamble and leaving can end up being one’s best choice, it is inevitable that college offers experiences that you may not find elsewhere.
Yes, there are many men’s basketball players who have kept their fame for life, however, that comes along with many other aspects than just being an athlete.
If being a professional athlete is in one’s cards, not only must they consider their future lifestyle, but also the risks that come with being a professional athlete. This not only includes potential injuries but also the fact that fame can be fleeting.
Aside from personal growth benefits, sticking with the average four years of college can majorly contribute to your connection and network base, allowing for the chance to build deeper relationships with mentors, advisors, professors, coaches and alumni.
College also provides you with the option to have a back-up plan if athletics does not end up being one’s route. Staying and receiving a college degree will allow for other opportunities to present themselves if and when they are needed.
The average annual NBA player salary is over $11 million for the 2024-2025 season, according to Sports Illustrated . While many would take the opportunity to receive this money if they had the chance, it also comes with many uncertainties.
While this salary may seem incomparable to the earnings of a college athlete, it is incredible to think about how far Name, Image and Likeness has come over the past few years.
Student-athletes can use NIL to earn compensation through endorsements, brand partnerships, deals, social media and signings.
Each state sets its own NIL laws to regulate specific rules for student-athletes. Each NCAA institution is responsible for implementing NIL guidelines for their student-athletes, according to NIL Network.
As of July 2024, the average NCAA men’s basketball player earned $65,853, according to Paint Touches.
I believe that NIL deals offer college athletes the ability to gain financial independence and build personal name establishments, while also recognizing their hard work and skill.
NIL deals can be a dual opportunity as they can give athletes an incentive to stay all four years of college while providing the chances to gain life lessons.
Life is full of questions regarding whether to take a risk or not, even aside from sports. While taking an opening may unlock new possibilities, show ambition or willingness to embrace the unknown, committing to the present can establish your path, create stability and provide room to grow.
Navigating your way through life consists of what-if’s, it is ultimately one’s personal course of action that determines their destination.
