Is Gonzaga's Drew Timme making more money in college than he would have as a pro?
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LAS VEGAS — Gonzaga star Drew Timme has taken full advantage of the the new name, image and likeness landscape in college basketball. And he most likely wouldn't still be playing for the Bulldogs if it wasn't for NIL.
"NIL is a game-changer," Drew Timme's father, Matt Timme, told Gonzaga Nation. "If Drew would have been in this situation five or six years ago, he probably would have been gone by now. And it's not like we need Drew to go out and make money for his family. Fortunately for us, he's in a situation where what he's doing, he's doing it for himself."
In an interview with Fox Sports' John Fanta last September, Drew Timme said that through NIL deals he'll make more than the $200,000-$500,000 he would have made had he skipped his senior year in favor of turning pro. Timme has a $626,000 NIL Valuation, according to the website On3.com.
Back in November of 2021, Timme inked a deal with Northern Quest Resort & Casino. Gonzaga's all-time leading scorer has also partnered with Walker's Furniture for two years, Dollar Shave Club, Beats by Dre, Continental Tire and Barstool Gonzaga.
"Back when Drew was assessing his options, I told him, you enjoy being where you're at, take advantage of it and finish your degree so you don't have to worry about going back to school," Matt Timme said. "The NBA and being a professional athlete will always be there. Your college time and your experience during your time in college will not, so I'm glad he's taken advantage of it to the fullest."
Timme has led the Zags to the Elite Eight of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Gonzaga plays UConn at 5:49 p.m. PT on Saturday night with a berth in the Final Four on the line.
MORE GONZAGA-UCONN COVERAGE:
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Watch: What Drew Timme, Julian Strawther said ahead of Gonzaga-UConn
Gonzaga players on what makes UConn so tough: 'They've pretty much been smacking everyone'
Drew Timme: 'I don't really know what UCLA was doing to be honest'
Gonzaga vs. UConn Elite 8 preview: 4 keys to beating the Huskies
