The number one prospect in the 2020 ESPN 100, Jalen Green, announced that he would be forgoing his college experience and taking his talents to the NBA G-League.
The NBA has been coordinating with its’ G-League affiliate to give a more complete transition for top prospects to consider other avenues besides the temporary one-year stint at a university. This transition includes a one-year, $500,000 contract to elite prospects like Green to experience the NBA life directly out of high school.
Green is scouted as being the number one overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
His decision can now set a new precedent for future top prospects. Instead of taking the “one-and-done” route with colleges, prospects can transition directly into a professional development system while being paid to do so. The worst part about the college experience is that it offers nothing educationally or financially, exposing the athlete to injuries and future setbacks with little payout.
Joining Green in shaking up the system are prospects LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton, who chose to play professionally in Australia instead of spending a season at a college. Both the NBA G-League and international leagues offer professional coaching and facilities in leagues that offer more talent than the NCAA.
Multiple shoe companies are prepared to offer Green, who has a significant social media following and would be the number one overall pick this year if he were eligible, a seven-figure shoe contract.
