G-League Ignite on TV

NickRU714

Heisman
Aug 18, 2009
14,116
12,905
113
Looks like the G-League Ignite team is on ESPNU at 3pm.

This is the team with a bunch of the elite 2021 recruits.

They could end up with 3-4 1st round picks ( and 2 in the Top 5 - Green and Kuminga).
 

NickRU714

Heisman
Aug 18, 2009
14,116
12,905
113
Looking ahead, it seems they have 4 or 5 games in the next couple of weeks all on ESPNU or ESPN2.

So much for the "but they won't be on TV" narrative?
 

ruman

All-American
Nov 30, 2001
12,460
9,112
98
Looking ahead, it seems they have 4 or 5 games in the next couple of weeks all on ESPNU or ESPN2.

So much for the "but they won't be on TV"

Would not watch that if somebody wanted to pay me
 
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Mr_Twister

All-American
Apr 1, 2004
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Can they enter some kind of professional transfer portal if they are not happy with their situation?
 
Feb 22, 2002
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The G-League is only going to become a more and more appealing option to this kids as the NBA continues to invest in this space. The IGNITE team model is first class experience for these elite kids and the focus is getting them ready to be pros, not doing what may be best for the university & TV ratings. NBA coaching & S&C, life skill training, full ride to Arizona State & $500K. No kid should say no to that. The partnership the league has with OVERTIME & ESPN will continue to elevate this platform and bring sponsors into the fold to really make the model sustainable. The dissemination of the content to kids that are interested in these guys is fresh and innovative. If OVERTIME gets this elite HS league off the ground...the path to the G League and the number of elite kids going this route will drastically increase. It's not for everyone...but any 5 star or borderline 5 star has to give this a long look.

I also don't think it is a coincidence that Green, Kuminga, Todd and Nix going this route vs landing at UK or Duke as 1 & done is part of the reason those programs are suffering. I bet that Jalen Johnson probably wishes he went this route as well.

The NCAA better start moving a but more swiftly in setting a new model. Innovate or die. The NIL isn't going to save the NCAA. The whole thing needs a reboot.
 

e5fdny

Heisman
Nov 11, 2002
114,397
53,541
102
The NBA should really follow the MLB model for drafting out of high school
I have no issue with this.

This relationship between MLB and the player hasn’t ruined the college game.

College baseball is still very popular. Maybe not so much here yet, but someday.
 

Mr_Twister

All-American
Apr 1, 2004
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Not sure what you mean.

Cade Cunningham isn't picking the franchise he is going to either.
Are G League players guaranteed at least a cup of coffee with an NBA team?
I have not followed the Cade Cunningham situation.
Are you suggesting he is banned from the transfer portal that would disallow him from transferring to Rutgers or Kentucky? I assume like other college prospects, Cunningham is subject to the NBA draft if he has the right stuff. I have no idea what a player’s options are as a G League participant, and what percentage of them become NBA players.
 

Rutgers25

All-American
Jul 29, 2001
7,759
6,173
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The golden era of college basketball was from the late 70s through the 90s. The disconnect between the pro game and the NBA is as wide as it’s been. None of the high draft picks these days had much of a college impact if at all. The best teams these days have maybe 1 or 2 NBA prospects and are typically grade out as 2nd rounders at best. It used to be that the best teams were loaded with NBA prospects.
 

Mr_Twister

All-American
Apr 1, 2004
15,684
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There is a disconnect with fans as well. Many college hoops fans ignore NBA hoops, and vice versa NBA fans who ignore college hoops. And there is a large group of fans who only get interested in hoops when the NBA playoffs and the Big Dance roll around — regular season is a too long preliminary event (opening act).
 

e5fdny

Heisman
Nov 11, 2002
114,397
53,541
102
The golden era of college basketball was from the late 70s through the 90s. The disconnect between the pro game and the NBA is as wide as it’s been. None of the high draft picks these days had much of a college impact if at all. The best teams these days have maybe 1 or 2 NBA prospects and are typically grade out as 2nd rounders at best. It used to be that the best teams were loaded with NBA prospects.
There is a disconnect with fans as well. Many college hoops fans ignore NBA hoops, and vice versa NBA fans who ignore college hoops. And there is a large group of fans who only get interested in hoops when the NBA playoffs and the Big Dance roll around — regular season is a too long preliminary event (opening act).
I think there is still enough of both to make the experience just as fun.

I enjoy watching those who wear the Block R. And those they compete against.

If they make they the NBA, NFL, MLB or PLL...great, I’m happy for them. Very happy. But I have much more interest in our Scarlet Knights while they are here than post grad.