These Gamecocks stand to benefit from NCAA changing stance on name, image, likeness
The NCAA took a step forward Wednesday, announcing its support for rule changes aimed at allowing student-athletes to be compensated for third-party endorsements. The move created more questions than answers, as next steps and the mechanics for monitoring and meeting the NCAA goal of “fair and balanced competition” remain unclear.
But it does leave the interesting question in Columbia of which current South Carolina athletes would stand to benefit.
Businesses in Columbia have from time to time used both Steve Spurrier and Will Muschamp as pitchmen. Former South Carolina football player Marcus Lattimore became a spokesman for a sandwich chain locally. Former quarterback Connor Shaw appeared in ads for Century 21 and Lexington Medical once his playing days ended.
Perhaps if the NCAA changes go forward in the face of rapidly changing laws about the issue, these Gamecocks could find themselves with local sponsorship or taking advantage of other avenues for endorsements.
(Since this won’t come into play until 2021-22 at the earliest, no seniors are on the list. There are also no baseball players because only current freshmen, who played a truncated season, or sophomores who don’t leave for the draft, will be on the 2022 team)
Quarterback Ryan Hilinski
In any athletic department, the quarterback is the most visible student-athlete, and that’s especially true with Hilinski. He was a topic of attention throughout his recruitment, a known name well before he stepped on campus and has been extremely public-facing both out in the world and on social media. Much of that has gone toward social uplift, either helping with tornado relief or just passing along positive notes. It should not take away from that work he’s done that his personality and profile would be a marketing professional’s dream.
Women’s basketball center Aliyah Boston
Only a freshman, she’s already got a case as one of the best players in the country, earning numerous All-American nods. With the profile women’s basketball has generated in Columbia, regularly drawing large crowds to Colonial Life Arena, she likely could get some kind of traction on the endorsement side.
Running back MarShawn Lloyd
This requires a little projection but, simply put, skill players are top options for endorsers, and Lloyd has the potential to raise his profile quickly. There’s a very good chance he ends up South Carolina’s starting running back in the fall. Quick and explosive, if he has a big freshman season and draws some attention, it could make him a worthy candidate.
Men’s basketball guard Jermaine Cousinard
If these changes had any chance of happening sooner, A.J. Lawson would probably be in this spot. But given his annual flirtation with the NBA, assuming he’ll be around in 2021-22 is a stretch. But Cousinard is already a top-three scorer as a redshirt freshman and has a lot of room for growth in his game. If he takes a step forward next year and hits shots as he’s capable of doing, he could round into his junior year with some opportunities.
Defensive end Jordan Burch
A silent figure through much of his recruitment, his name certainly has some recognition to it. He’s the highest-rated recruit to join the program since Jadeveon Clowney and his process to arrive was closely watched, even on a national level. Throw in the fact he played high school ball in Columbia and might have the talent to be an impact defender quickly, and he could soon enough be a player worthy of a crush of endorsements.
This story was originally published April 29, 2020 at 6:28 PM.
