College Basketball's Transformation: From Preps-to-Pros to NIL Deals

In the 21st century, college basketball has undergone a remarkable transformation. The game has evolved from the preps-to-pros era, which saw the great LeBron James bypass the NCAA, to the implementation of the draft age limit that allowed talents like Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Derrick Rose to light up the winter in college uniforms.

The landscape also shifted as some players opted to play professionally overseas rather than in the collegiate system, while a flood of young international talents entered NCAA Division I programs. Off the court, the game saw a shift from athlete complaints about not having enough money for food to schools offering unlimited meals and players earning millions in NIL deals.

Despite all the changes, the appeal of watching the best college players develop and showcase their abilities before turning pro has never waned. This article highlights the 25 greatest collegiate careers of the 21st century, celebrating the legacies of players like Tyler Hansbrough, Steph Curry, and Jimmer Fredette, whose intensity, heroics, and dominance captivated fans across the country.