saturday update: let's talk about the draft.
delayed is not denied: a few thoughts and a few saturday vibes.
Hi there—it’s nice to be in your inbox yet again! Here's a shorter Saturday edition of The Update. Let’s jump in!
I watched the NBA Draft this week, and while the superstar buzz wasn't quite as electric as the WNBA's (a story for another day!), there were some fascinating developments. First, the international flavor was undeniable! Three French players, including the top two picks, went in the first ten slots. By the draft's end, 20 of the chosen 58 weren't even American. Clearly, the NBA is a truly global game now, and scouts are looking everywhere for talent. The Bronny James selection in the second round also marks a historic moment for the league, bringing the first father/son playing duo into reality.
But another trend caught my eye, raising some big questions about the future of college basketball. The top two picks, both international, skipped college altogether. And they're not alone. Young players increasingly explore other paths, like overseas pro leagues or the NBA G League's Ignite program. This got me thinking – is college basketball losing its shine? Is it not preparing players well enough for the NBA, or are the financial and development opportunities elsewhere simply too good to pass up?
Here's the thing – this trend goes deeper than just draft picks. The pressure starts way back, sometimes in middle or elementary school. Families, often with dreams of a better life for their kids, get sold on this incredible future. They’re steered away from their local (inner-city, often underfunded, predominantly Black and Brown) public schools and into (primarily white) private prep programs prioritizing sport over overall development.
The problem? Sometimes, that dream can be challenging to manage in real life. Imagine this: you're a parent, maybe haven't had a lot of experience with big money, and suddenly your teenage son is getting offered a huge NIL deal (Name, Image, and Likeness). Do you know how to handle that? How to invest it wisely? There's a genuine concern, especially for families who don't have access to financial advisors, that these young athletes and their loved ones are being set up to be taken advantage of.
And it doesn't stop there. These kids are thrust into the media spotlight overnight. They might not know how to handle interviews or leverage their media presence to their advantage. Some might even see media training as some muzzle, a way for "the suits" to control them. But the truth is, media training can be a powerful tool, helping young athletes navigate this new world and protect their brand.
The wild thing is that these teenagers already have a head start – millions of followers on TikTok and other social media platforms! They are, in essence, their own media companies. The problem is that they might not realize their power or how to maximize it for their benefit. Imagine the impact they could have on causes they care about or the reach they could have for potential sponsors!
The game is changing. The NBA is international, college hoops might be at a crossroads, and young talent needs protection. We need a support system, not just for the athletes but for their families as well. Financial literacy education and media training are the tools that can help these young stars and their loved ones thrive in this new environment. But let's not forget the power they already possess. We can help them become great athletes, savvy brand builders, and role models by empowering them to understand their social media influence. More on this soon. 😊
The New York Times editorial board thinks Biden should step down to serve the country. If he were going to do that, he would have done it long ago. Let’s be real here. But after this week’s debate performance, many in his party are sounding the alarm. [Read More]
If I were to pick any album that you should listen to this weekend, it would be Lucky Daye’s Algorithm, which was released yesterday. It’s perfect for a drive-and-vibe situation! Grab it here on Spotify or Apple Music.
While you’re listening - I encourage you to catch up on Creative Canvas, the podcast I host alongside my friend
. We’ve spent the month with incredible guests talking about the importance of Black Music Month, and sharing wild takes about our favorite shows. [Listen here]Alright, enjoy your Saturday - stay hydrated! It’s hot outside!
