Former Syracuse recruit Darius Bazley, who opted to forgo college to play in the NBA’s development league before entering the NBA draft, has landed a job as an intern for New Balance. Bazley, 18, had originally planned to play for Syracuse this season but announced he was de-committing in March so he could play in the NBA’s G League. Since then, Bazley signed Klutch Sports agent Rich Paul, who also represents LeBron James, John Wall, and Ben Simmons. Paul ultimately convinced the 6’9 small forward that competing against older and stronger men in the G League wouldn’t be in his best interest.
An @NYTSports exclusive: Agent Rich Paul and top 2019 draft prospect Darius Bazley discuss their new endorsement deal with @NewBalance that will pay Bazley at least $1 million while he spends this college basketball season as an intern –> https://t.co/9zu4ypwb7f
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 22, 2018
The multi-million dollar deal with New Balance has confirmed to be an endorsement deal with the brand. Bazley will be the first player to sign on as a part of New Balance’s relaunch of their basketball division set to return in 2019. As of right now, the deal is reportedly worth a minimum of $1 million, but Bazley can earn as much as $14 million if he reaches specific performance goals. The deal requires Bazley to complete a three-month internship with New Balance during the upcoming college basketball regular season. That means that he will be working within the global marketing, digital, and product design teams.
New Balance hasn’t marketed basketball shoes since the 1990s. Bazley, who decided not play in the development league, is the first athlete signed to promote the company’s re-entry into the basketball shoe market. Seems like a win, win for Bazley. College isn’t for everyone but making money should be.
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