Ever since the NIL (name, image, and likeness) policy was enacted in the NCAA on July 1, 2021, timelines for college basketball players have noticeably shifted. Needing at least a year gap between their final year of high school and when they can begin their NBA careers, athletes traditionally tried to fast-track their way to the most competitive league in the world, seeing little benefit to the collegiate hoops experience.

Now with NIL, these young adults are making life-changing money while enrolled in university classes, allowing them to better pace their development to ensure they are properly prepared when their names called on NBA Draft night. In some cases, players are maximizing their opportunities to be paid as they stretch out their years of eligibility to the max. But for those who have the potential, they are seeking the programs that can best hone their skills to carve out lengthy NBA careers, while being paid handsomely.

Despite not being a blue blood or in a power conference, the Gonzaga Bulldogs have still found ways to acquire and develop top-tier talent in this era. The proof is in their current roster, recent graduates from the program, and young prospects still down the pipeline. Head coach Mark Few and his staff have a track record of getting players ready for the leap to the pros, and with that, it will be tough to slow the lengthy run the Zags are on.