In the NIL era, star college basketball players like RJ Davis are choosing to prolong their college careers, with Davis expected to return to North Carolina for a fifth season, a trend gaining momentum in recent years.

By the Numbers
  • Davis scored 784 points in the 2023-24 season.
  • He is a leading candidate for National Player of the Year next season.
Yes, But

The NIL era, while promoting star retention, has also created challenges with transfer portal activity and financial dynamics between coaches and fans.

State of Play
  • Players like Davis are setting a new precedent by opting to stay in college longer, impacting the landscape of college basketball.
  • The focus is shifting towards celebrating and supporting players who choose to extend their college careers.
What's Next

Davis's decision to stay in college sets the stage for potentially more star players to follow suit, reshaping the culture of college basketball and enhancing fan engagement.

Bottom Line

The shift towards star players staying longer in college due to NIL benefits not only enriches the sport but also revitalizes traditional rivalries and storylines, ultimately benefiting the overall health of college basketball.