The estimation of $10 million is, of course, just that. But Derrick Rose should probably give David Stern a huge hug when his name gets called during the first 30 or so minutes of the NBA draft in June. Rose, even if Memphis wins, seems like a one-and-done player, and with his ridiculous NCAA tournament (can you have negative turnovers, like in a positive fashion?) he has not only vaulted Memphis to the title game, but jacked up his draft status as well. And Darren Rovell is estimating that his superb play has made him roughly ten mil.It's hard to say where Rose might have went had the rule not have existed--each guru has his own site -- but let's say, for argument sake, a pre-college Rose would have gone third. Where does he go after tonight's Championship Game? Possibly first. Possibly second. Maybe third. But the fact is that this tournament has given him a great marketing platform that the likes of O.J. Mayo and Michael Beasley obviously won't realize.So before we even start with projecting how far Rose rose and how his rookie scale might have jumped up, I'm saying his shoe deal over a six year contract is up $10 million from the tourney alone. Tonight is a great opportunity for a kid like Rose as a guy like Carmelo Anthony has proven in years past.
TZ points out, and I agree, that Rovell may actually be underselling the loss that Mr. Mayo is going to take as result of this year's college basketball season. Prior to his year at USC, Mayo would have likely been top five in the draft (although not a lock, certainly a high probability), but his relatively under the radar season with Tim Floyd has him dropping a few slots and a potential pay scale.
Somehow, I was able to crowbar my way into the coolest NCAA tournament pool. There are tons of celebrities and top notching athletes involved. Don't ask how I pulled it off - this pool had the feel of one of those trendy nightclubs with a velvet rope and unfriendly bouncer, and I rolled up without any scantily-clad women.
