During the Pro Day for his program on Wednesday, Smart discussed that idea. It is anticipated that up to ten players from his program will be selected in the April draft, with Brock Bowers being at least one first-round pick.
He hopes he could show recruits those statistics and have some significance attached to them. Rather, “a lot” of them are singularly focused on money. More precisely, zero dollars.
They would like to know their pay scale. All other information enters one ear and exits the other.
Naturally, this is not a revelation that will rock the world. The entire picture of collegiate athletics has altered due to Name, Image, and Likeness. Under the cover of amateurism, what was formerly a professional sport is now open to the public.
Nick Saban felt that sportsmen were motivated solely by money, which is why he decided to retire. The bigger lesson comes from Smart’s viewpoint, even though there is plenty to be said about a coach who bemoans the players’ desire for compensation despite their millions of dollars annually.
During his first seven years as Georgia’s head coach, he produced more than 50 draft picks in total. Saban needed nine years at Alabama to accomplish that milestone,
That should be a major selling point for and his program: “We will get you to the NFL.”
Instead, the recruits are more focused on the immediate future and short-term finances than long-term success. Those that believe they are going to the league one day anyway feel entitled to superstar treatment. Those who do not believe they have a shot at playing on the pro level want to get their money while they can.
