The transfer portal and NIL have become the new norm in college basketball. With players finally able to get paid for their services, switching teams has become the new norm, leaving many fans unhappy.
ESPN Analyst Calls NIL System ‘Broken’
ESPN college basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla called the system “broken” in a social media post on Monday, estimating that Collin Gillespie, “one of the best college guards of [the] last decade,” will be getting paid less in the NBA than about 500 Division I basketball players.
“I am guessing there are 500 D-1 players that will make than the [Phoenix] @Suns Collin Gillespie’s 578K salary this year. One of the best college guards of last decade,” Fraschilla wrote. “This fact along is indicative of a broken system that won’t sustain itself long-term. Where are the administrative ‘adults in room’ who can help fix this? Gone.”
I am guessing there are 500 D-1 players that will make than the @Suns Collin Gillespie’s 578K salary this year. One of the best college guards of last decade. This fact along is indicative of a broken system that won’t sustain itself long-term. Where are the administrative…
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) April 7, 2025
Gillespie, a 2018 NCAA champion and two-time Big East Player of the Year winner (2021, 2022) with Villanova and 2023 NBA champion with the Denver Nuggets, currently plays for the Suns on a two-way contract.
The post led to a passionate discussion between Fraschilla and fans, one of whom believed the new system could lead to a “Golden Age of College Basketball.”
“Actually, I think it shows the value that College Basketball has for all its Fans and the Institutions that provide Teams,” @CAThompsonEsq wrote. “There are only 150 starters in the NBA and 450 Players in total. I think you can make the argument that this could be the Golden Age of College Basketball 🏀”
Fraschilla rebutted, calling salaries “inflated” and the system chaotic, predicting an eventual impact on all sports in college programs.
KEEP READING: ‘Is This A Joke?’ — Fans React to Meechie Johnson’s Crazy Transfer Portal Saga Between South Carolina, Ohio State
“You could make that argument, and many do. But I believe the inflated college salaries for many players (and not college stars like Cooper Flagg) has caused systematic chaos and eventually will have an impact on all sports in college programs,” Fraschilla wrote.
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
