Four years into the NIL era, and the old heads aren’t convinced of the new direction yet. Tom Izzo, the longest-tenured coach in the Big Ten, went off on the NCAA after Louisville signed 21-year-old London Johnson, who spent 3 years in the G-League, for their 2026 class. And he has Dan Hurley on his side.

According to reports, Johnson is expected to arrive on campus midway through the coming season and will sit out for the rest while retaining two valuable years of eligibility. “This was sprung on us again yesterday, where a guy can be in the G League for two or three years and then all of a sudden, he’s eligible,” Izzo said. “Most of my people knew nothing about it… I’m not real excited about the NCAA or whoever is making these decisions without talking to us, just letting it go. They’re afraid they’re going to get sued.” 

Johnson isn’t alone either. Last month, fellow G Leaguer Thierry Darlan announced his commitment to Santa Clara. Fellow coach Dan Hurley had two emojis as a reaction to Izzo’s callout: “🎯 🐐.” The main problem Izzo had was that youngsters lost opportunities as a result of the commercialization of college basketball. 

“Well, what about the freshmen you recruited there? That’s somebody’s son, and he thinks he’s got himself a good place, and all of a sudden, shazam! They pull out of their hat and bring a 21- or 22-year-old in (from the G League),” Izzo said further. “To me, it’s ridiculous. It’s embarrassing, and I love my job. I don’t respect my profession, and I don’t respect whoever is doing that. Whoever made those decisions because they’re afraid that a lawyer is going to sue them, sooner or later, you’ve got to fight the fight.”

Hurley can’t be thrilled either. He’s got a title-caliber juggernaut, like Izzo, and if a rival can cherry-pick G League talent, it undercuts his road to the promised land. Even if Izzo or Dan Hurley doesn’t like it, Louisville and Pat Kelsey are not doing anything against the rules. So, this rant shouldn’t bring any distaste towards their squad and Johnson. Second, the pros and cons of the NIL are highly debatable. 

Players get their multiplied income, but it changes the very core of college basketball. The players get their first taste of professional-like money before even getting there. However, as Izzo and Hurley agree, it might cost younger players opportunities and impact locker room dynamics. With multiple coaches calling out this new structure, it’s something to think about for the NCAA. In the case of Dan Hurley, his agreement with Izzo sends a mixed message in light of UConn’s signings. 

Dan Hurley’s Tom Izzo backing is ironic in a sense

Former G-League players signing for college programs is certainly a new precedent set by the NCAA. International recruits with pro experience under their belts have been allowed, with some restrictions. But are they any different? The G-League is considered a professional league, and so are multiple international leagues. In fact, Dan Hurley signed someone very similar to London Johnson for UConn. 

Hurley added guard Uros Paunovic from Belgrade, Serbia, who played in the KLS for three seasons. He is a 22-year-old and has played two seasons with KK Dynamic, and most recently played for Zlatibor Cajetina, averaging 9.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 47 percent from the floor and 35 percent from behind the arc in 11 games. He has immense professional experience, much like London, something Hurley cherished while signing him. 

“Uros is a guy we liked on film. He’s got a ton of experience as a 22-year-old; he’s been a starter professionally in the top division in Serbia, a 6-3 guard who’s pretty good with the ball, can shoot and pass, and plays with real emotion on the floor. We’re looking forward to having him join the Huskies,” said UConn’s head coach in a press release.

He has another international prospect signed in Rrezon Elezaj. He is not as experienced as Cajetina, having played for Besiktas at the under-19 level and not the senior level at 18 years old. Arguably, these are inferior leagues to the G-League, but it’s still experience against players of high skill.

If Hurley and Co. want G-League players out of the college circuit, then the same logic should apply to international prospects. So, take Hurley’s anti-NIL stance with a grain of salt. He is benefiting from the change as well.