“How Do You Manufacture Toughness?”: Discrediting Millionaires Alike Bronny James and Angel Reese, Schea Cotton Questions ‘Authenticity’ in NIL Era

Has the inclusion of money changed things forever in basketball? Well, that was the moot point being addressed by an erstwhile player at a time when college players have net worth in millions. Amid glitz and glamour that shadows the dunking and drilling game, the question remains: Does the end really justify the means?

The game of basketball has gone through many phases of transitions over the years. The 21st century has introduced a lot of technicalities in this physical game. A lot of people have the opinion that basketball has become more sophisticated with the inclusion of money. Throwing his hat into the debate is the former basketball star.

Schea Cotton opens up about NIL system

The Showtime Basketball released its latest All The Smoke episode recently. The episode features Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson having a chat with Schea Cotton. During the episode, there was a segment that involved a discussion of the influence and effect of NIL on basketball. Cotton expressed his views and said, “The value of how many followers you have. Do you have a blue check or not? I don’t have a check. I don’t care about that check. I’m tired of all that.”

Cotton was referring to the online fan following of young basketball stars like Angel Reese and Bronny James. In today’s digital world, players can utilize their name, image and likeness (NIL)  to increase their monetary value.

Furthermore, a college basketball player can make the first million before declaring for the NBA draft. It has become fairly convenient to use social media as a means to connect with your fans easily and become a larger-than-life figure. Schea further added, “Where is the realness, the authenticity? It’s gone. How do you manufacture toughness? I see a lot of talented guys that can shoot, they can handle like crazy and are athletic. But when you get tested in the fourth quarter, where are you at then? It’s a different game in the fourth quarter. And the guys that step up then, those are the Elite.”

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LSU Tigers star attraction Angel Reese and the No.6 of the USC Trojans Bronny James are some of the few NIL faces making headlines.

Angel Reese and Bronny James ruling the NIL world

The Bayou Barbie led the Tigers to their first-ever NCAA title last season. As a result, her NIL valuation crossed a million mark and now stands at $1.7 million. On the other hand, the firstborn of the NBA legend LeBron James is trying to get out of his father’s shadow and carve his own identity. His NIL value is a whopping $7.2 million according to On3’s NIL 100 Rankings.

A lot has changed for the fans obsessed with this beautiful game. However, the one thing that has remained constant is their unconditional love for the sport. No matter how, when and who they support, the passion and craze for basketball will never fade.

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Do you agree with Schea Cotton? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.