Former Top NBA Pick Anthony Davis Breaks His Silence on How NIL Is Transforming College Basketball — His Unfiltered Opinion on the New Wave of Athletes and the Evolving Culture Has Everyone Buzzing
In a rare and unfiltered interview that’s already making waves across the college basketball world, NBA superstar and former No. 1 draft pick Anthony Davis has opened up about the dramatic impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals on the culture of the game he once dominated at the collegiate level.
Davis, who led the Kentucky Wildcats to a national title in 2012 before being selected first overall in the NBA Draft, didn’t hold back. While he acknowledged the positives of players finally getting compensated, he expressed concern that NIL is “changing the fabric” of college basketball in ways fans and programs aren’t fully prepared for.
> “It’s a different mindset now,” Davis said. “Guys used to come in hungry to win, to develop, to be part of something bigger. Now, there’s a business element — and that changes everything.”
The Lakers big man admitted he would’ve benefited immensely if NIL had been around during his time at Kentucky, but he questioned whether today’s players are still grounded in team culture and long-term goals.
> “Don’t get me wrong — these kids deserve to profit off their names,” Davis continued. “But when you’re making six figures before you even play a game, it’s easy to lose focus. Coaches have a harder time building chemistry. It’s not just about basketball anymore — it’s branding, it’s deals, it’s distractions.”
His comments have sparked intense debate among fans, former players, and analysts. Some agree with Davis, warning that the “one-and-done” era may now evolve into the “get-the-bag-and-bounce” generation. Others argue NIL is long overdue and empowers athletes who have long been exploited.
Still, Davis made it clear he’s not anti-NIL — just wary of how it’s being implemented. “There’s a way to do it right,” he said. “But if the culture slips, if the love for the game disappears, we all lose.”
As the college basketball world reels from Davis’ bold take, one thing is certain — his words have reignited a national conversation about the soul of the sport. And with more former stars expected to weigh in soon, this firestorm is only getting started.
