Who to Watch: Key Players at the NIL Players Era Tournament
The NIL Players Era Tournament, happening this November in Las Vegas, will feature 18 teams and $20 million worth of NIL. Legendary head coaches, future NBA players, and celebrities from top to bottom will be attending this newly announced event. With millions of dollars in guaranteed payouts and national visibility on the line, the tournament will not only serve as an early proving ground for teams but also as a stage for individual players to establish themselves as breakout stars. Across the field, several rosters are highlighted by players poised to make a significant impact. I will provide my early tournament winner prediction at the end, so stay tuned!
At Tennessee, the duo of coveted freshmen Nate Ament and Amari Evans should help former Maryland Terp Jakobi Gillespie provide more balance and leadership to a team hoping to reach its first Final Four. Evans offers scoring upside, while Gillespie’s experience provides the Volunteers with much-needed stability in high-pressure moments. Baylor, meanwhile, will rely heavily on Cincinnati transfer Dan Skillings and future NBA lottery pick Tounde Yessoufou, who bring defensive energy and athleticism that could help the Bears make a deeper run than expected. Kansas enters with one of the most intriguing groups, headlined by Darryn Peterson, a highly touted newcomer, alongside Flory Bidunga, Kohl Rosario, and Jayden Dawson. Their mix of elite recruits and veteran depth makes the Jayhawks a legitimate contender. Notre Dame also fields a deep roster with Markus Burton, Jalen Haralson, Braeden Shrewsberry, Cole Certa, and Sir Mohammed. This core represents a balance of scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility that could allow the Fighting Irish to compete with anyone.
St. John’s features one of the deepest lineups in the tournament. North Carolina transfer and future NBA guard Ian Jackson headlines this roster, followed by Providence transfer Bryce Hopkins and Cincinnati transfer Dillon Mitchell. They are complemented by Dylan Darling, returning Big East Newcomer of the Year Zuby Ejiofor, and Oziyah Sellers. With Hopkins serving as a proven leader and Jackson adding explosive scoring, the Red Storm have the personnel to challenge for the title. Iowa State takes a different approach, bringing back much of its 2024–25 core while adding Blake Buchanan, whose development may determine just how far the Cyclones can advance.
Houston’s roster blends proven veterans with exciting newcomers. Star freshman Chris Cenac Jr. and Isaiah Harwell join returning contributors Milos Uzan and JoJo Tugler on Kelvin Sampson’s title-contending roster. Their combination of experience and athleticism should keep the Cougars among the favorites. Syracuse, meanwhile, will lean heavily on Carmelo Anthony’s son, Kiyan Anthony. Tyler Betsey, Naithan George, and William Kyle II add important depth to a rebuilding Orange roster. If the younger stars deliver, Syracuse could become one of the tournament’s surprises.
Oregon boasts one of the most talented frontcourts, with Sean Stewart, Devon Pryor, and TK Simpkins joining returning players Jackson Shelstad, Kwame Evans Jr., and Nate Bittle. Stewart and Bittle’s ability to dominate inside could be pivotal. Auburn counters with a backcourt led by Tahaad Pettiford, who tested the NBA draft process before returning. Alongside Kevin Overton, Keshawn Murphy, and Keyshawn Hall, the Tigers are built to compete immediately. Alabama also brings a formidable group, led by Jalil Bethea, Taylor Bol Bowen, and Noah Williamson. With Labaron Philon providing veteran leadership, the Crimson Tide will be one of the most athletic teams in the field.
Gonzaga offers consistency with Graham Ike, Braden Huff, and Tyon Grant-Foster anchoring their rotation, while Michigan brings one of the most balanced rosters with Elliot Cadeau, Morez Johnson Jr., Aday Mara, and Yaxel Lendeborg. Supported by Nimari Burnett and Roddy Gayle, the Wolverines are positioned as one of the most complete teams in the tournament. San Diego State enters with less fanfare but is led by Magoon Gwath, Miles Byrd, and Jeremiah Oden, who embody the Aztecs’ trademark defensive toughness. Maryland rounds out the field with a versatile lineup that includes Darius Adams, Myles Rice, Andre Mills, Solomon Washington, and Pharrel Payne. The Terrapins may not have the same level of hype as some of the other programs, but their roster has the potential to deliver key upsets.
After looking at the entire field of teams and coaches, my pick to win this tournament is none other than the St. John’s Red Storm. Their combination of veteran players and pure talent gives them the edge over Houston and Kansas. The significance of the Players' Era Tournament extends beyond wins and losses. With more than $20 million in NIL payouts and national attention focused on the event, players have a unique opportunity to raise their profiles early in the season. For newcomers, it is a chance to prove themselves on a national stage; for veterans, it is a moment to solidify leadership roles and prepare for the challenges of conference play. As the tournament unfolds, the performance of these key players will not only shape their teams’ outcomes but also influence the larger conversation around NIL and the future of college basketball.
