The night before Stew Morrill's name was immortalized on USU's basketball court, Eric Laub, co-founder of Utah's State NIL collective, found himself at a reception. It was a moment of contemplation, seeing both the legendary former coach and the current head coach, Danny Sprinkle, in the same room. The thought crossed his mind: What if Sprinkle stayed as long as Morrill did? It was a fleeting hope, but one that resonated deeply.
Fast forward a month, and Sprinkle is now headed to Washington, lured by a new six-year, $22.1 million deal and a more substantial Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) fund. This departure has become a pattern for Utah State, with Sprinkle being the third consecutive coach to leave after a successful NCAA Tournament run.
The departure raises important questions about Utah State's ability to retain coaches and compete at the highest level. Laub acknowledges that while money is a significant factor, with Sprinkle's new deal being the primary driver, the allure of winning and the impact of NIL are undeniable.
Despite the frustration of losing Sprinkle, Laub is proud of the progress the collective has made. From almost no NIL funding when Sprinkle arrived to now having significant commitments, the collective has come a long way. Laub believes that USU's NIL situation is sustainable, with large donations and a subscription model providing a solid foundation.
However, challenges remain, especially when it comes to retaining players and competing nationally. Laub is aware that USU cannot match the high bids from larger schools, but he believes that players should come to Logan because they want to be there. The tampering in recruiting, with agents offering large sums to lure players away, is a constant frustration.
Looking ahead, Laub is concerned about retaining key players like Great Osobor and Ian Martinez. With Sprinkle's departure, players who followed him from Montana might consider moving to Washington. Retaining local talents like Mason Falslev and Isaac Johnson is also a priority for Laub, who hopes they stay at USU instead of opting for rival schools.
As Laub navigates the challenges of retaining players and hiring a new coach, he remains optimistic about the future. The collective is in a strong position, and with the right coach and players who are committed to the program, he believes USU can continue to compete at a high level.
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