MANILA, Philippines—NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum expressed his admiration for the way the NBA G League handled the yet to debut Ignite team made up of the top prep stars who skipped college to join the developmental circuit.
The likes of Jalen Green, Daishen Nix, Isaiah Todd, and Kai Sotto all decided to forego college on their road to the NBA and have been training with three-time NBA champion Brian Shaw in Walnut Creek, California.
“When we got Jalen we were so thrilled… He saw the opportunity to come in and get trained by NBA G League coaches and being coached now along with Kai and the rest of their teammates with Brian Shaw,” said Tatum in an interview with NBA Philippines’ Republika Huddle.
Tatum lauded at G League Commissioner Shareef Abdur-Rahim and his staff for the idea of the Ignite team, saying it opened another opportunity for young players to develop in their way to the NBA.
“The G League is doing such a great and incredible job, Shareef Abdur-Rahim and his whole team have been wonderful at innovating and creating this team Ignite,” said
“What Shareef and the G League have been able to do with this team is create this pathway that says ‘hey we’re going to get you world class coaching and world class strength training, physical conditioning, mental preparation to become the best NBA player you can be.’”
This was the first time the league created a preps-to-pro group that’s solely focused on bringing the professional aspect of being an NBA player to young prospects.
Apart from playing in an atmosphere that’s closest to the NBA experience, players under the Ignite team will also receive a six-figure salary.
“It’s increasingly becoming a viable path for kids who aspire to be in the NBA and it gives them a real tangible path to do that,” said Tatum.