The Fix Isn’t Coming ... So Here’s What Needs to Change

Intro

There’s no question the college basketball landscape is evolving.

But evolution without structure leads to instability.

Having the opportunity to sit down with a lot of assistant coaches whether through relationships, Final Four trips or hosting our annual coaches clinic we’ve heard the same concerns echoed across levels.

Not complaints. Not resistance to change.

Just a clear understanding:

The system lacks structure.

We’ve created a space built on opportunity, but one that often operates without clarity.

And when everything is fluid, the people inside it are left guessing.

This isn’t about overhauling college basketball.

It’s about tightening the gaps that are being exposed in real time.

1. Assistant Coaches Need a Collective Voice

Assistant coaches are the backbone of every program—yet operate with the least protection.

A unified coalition would help establish:

• Salary baselines

• Contract stability

• Defined roles

Not to create tension, but to create consistency.

Because when assistants are stable, everything else follows.

2. Make Offer Sheets Mandatory

Recruiting today is driven by conversations not clarity.

Every athlete should receive a written, itemized offer sheet outlining:

• NIL compensation

• Payment structure

• Timeline

• Expected role

No more ambiguity. No more guesswork.

If this is a high-stakes environment, it should operate with professional transparency.

3. Build a Central NIL Registry

Right now, decisions are being made without real information.

A centralized registry would:

• Track NIL deals

• Provide market context

• Reduce misinformation

Not to expose everything, but to eliminate the ambiguity that drives poor decisions.

Transparency strengthens the system.

4. Add Structure to the Transfer Portal

The portal isn’t the problem.

The lack of structure around it is.

Introducing accountability would:

• Create defined transfer windows

• Ensure partial NIL fulfillment

• Hold both players and programs accountable

This isn’t about restricting movement.

It’s about bringing intent and responsibility to it.

Closing

The current model isn’t unstable because of change.

It’s unstable because of undefined expectations.

Small adjustments like these don’t limit the system they refine it.

And in a space that’s becoming increasingly professional,

clarity isn’t optional anymore it’s necessary.