LOOK: Kentucky basketball staffer sounds off on transfer portal, NIL
As the ever-changing NCAA Transfer Portal and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) era of collegiate sports continues to have an impact on the game of college basketball, football and its schools, many people are pushing for the NCAA to implement some rules and guidelines regarding the matter.
While student-athletes are constantly entering and exiting the transfer portal, and with others landing luxurious NIL deals, there’s plenty of uncertainty going around with where college sports are heading.
As certain teams and players are being accused of having improper communication within the portal and with NIL deals playing an important role in where some players end up, Kentucky men’s basketball is speaking out and standing its ground – saying it is not involved in any misdoings.
TJ Beisner, who serves as Kentucky’s director of player development and oversees NIL deals for the Wildcats’ players, took to his Twitter account on Tuesday morning to speak out on the program’s behalf.
“Our basketball program has and continues to be ahead of everyone else,” Beisner wrote. “I know. I have these conversations with recruits and other schools. We just don’t flaunt it on social media…BECAUSE WE DONT NEED TO. It’s Kentucky! The biggest stage FOR EVERYTHING!
“But we will not guarantee money as an inducement. To anyone. Ever. Period. Because we don’t need to. And we haven’t missed out on anyone because of that.”
Beisner continued his statement by reiterating that Kentucky’s program is the best place for a player to be – adding that there is plenty of potential with NIL deals, too.
“Our stance continues to be that there is no better place on earth for a young person to develop as a player and person…and now there’s no better place for NIL,” Beisner said.
Beisner’s comments come after reports recently surfaced that Kentucky forward Oscar Tshiebwe made the decision to return to the Wildcats due to NIL opportunties – with compensation said to be in the millions range.