April 16, 2020 may go down as an iconic day in basketball history simply because of Jalen Green.
In a groundbreaking move, ESPN’s number one ranked and Rivals number two ranked prospect, Jalen Green, broke historic ground when announced via his media outlets on Instagram and Twitter that he would forgo the college system and enter the NBA’s G League system under a new one-year program for development.
Green wasn’t alone in signing his G League deal. Another top-ranked prospect, Isaiah Todd, also decided to sign a G League deal under this system. He recently decommitted from Michigan and now we see why.
But why is this so important?
The G League’s path that was initiated back in 2018 gives high school players the ultimate alternative to gain experience. Though the competition will be against former NBA vets and players who went undrafted or shifted down from their NBA affiliate, the knowledge still remains.
Secondly, it allows players to gain immediate access to potential financial freedom.
Third, it allows upcoming players to avoid the reality of the NCAA benefiting from a player’s ability to generate sales and revenue. This has been the case in basketball since the “one and done” rule was implemented back in 2005.
Jalen Green’s Ground-Breaking Path
Jalen Green’s G League deal is a top prospect’s dream deal for this kind of system and one like no other. The McDonald’s All-American averaged 31.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5 assists this last rotation.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the deal is in the range of $500 thousand and would allow Green access to endorsements immediately.
Jalen Green’s NBA G League deal is expected to be in range of $500,000 and an ability to reach more with endorsements, appearances and education, sources told @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. https://t.co/T3DDuw8OkR
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 16, 2020
But his G League deal also gives Green something that many prospects might find to be the ultimate draw.
The deal gives Green a full scholarship if he wants his college degree.
Green stated in an interview with Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes that his college of choice would have been Memphis under former NBA star Penny Hardaway. He also stated that he wasn’t “missing out on college” and how “school is a big thing” in his family.
The team Green and Todd will play on will be a “select team” of elite high school prospects. They will play alongside a mixture of NBA veterans and will potentially run 20 games.
And Green understands and knows that if he succeeds with this path, he would advise other players to follow.
“It’s a great opportunity for me,” Green said in his interview with Yahoo Sports. “I could have gone down other paths, but this one right here is leading me to my goal of playing in the NBA.”
“But for what I’m doing, I would advise some of the top guys to do the same. If everything works out for me in the G League, I would definitely advise guys to take this approach.”
What Jalen Green’s Move Means for Top Prospects and College
Greg Brown still remains uncommitted and has already been offered a G-League deal according to reports.
What Green has done is simply open the door for more potential players to follow this route.
This year alone, two other top prospects in Greg Brown and Makur Maker remain unsigned. Brown has reportedly already been offered a G League deal and there is belief that Makur may have an offer as well.
Down the road, this causes a massive problem for college basketball.
With players such as recently crowned Gatorade Player of the Year Emoni Bates, Mikey Williams, and even Bronny James up and coming, college basketball would lose out on even the possibility of players going to their campuses.
In the year I’ve labeled the “year of uncertainty” in college hoops, the NCAA is going to have to see if they have any potential ideas. The potential rotation of March Madness before the COVID-19 shutdown could have benefited college hoops. But it’s nothing in comparison to a year of having stars.
I mean as fans, I don’t think you’ve forgotten about Zion yet, have you?
But as far as today goes, Jalen Green deserves a round of applause and standing ovation.
Follow me on Twitter @ErrolChandler15 and check out other great NBA articles by the Belly Up Sports team.
