Bryce Slay, son of former NBA player Tamar Slay, will play at Marshall University.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β Charlotte star basketball player Bryce Slay has signed a Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) endorsement deal with College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving preceding his first year playing for Marshall University in West Virginia.Β
This NIL deal is one of the first major deals with a Charlotte high school graduate, College HUNKS said.Β
The opportunity to partner with a Charlotte student athlete gave it a chance to start up operations in the Queen City.
“This sponsorship aligns with our core value of building leaders, ” Co-founder Nick Friedman said. “Our plans to open a corporate operation in Charlotte this year underscore our commitment to this vibrant community.”
Slay follows in his parents’ footsteps by playing at Marshall University. His mother Celeste ran Track & Field and father Tamar played basketball before moving on the NBA.Β
“It sounds like a cliche but it’s a family up there,” Slay said on joining the school. “I sort of just fell in love with Marshall. ”Β
Slay recounts the first time he put on the Marshall jersey.Β
“This is really my dream,” Slay said. “To be able to just sit back and view, and be like, man, I’m living out my dream β It’s kind of been crazy. It was just surreal that whole moment.”Β
He had offers from so-called “higher” schools, Slay said, but joining the Thundering Herd felt true to him.Β
“You’re gonna play where they want you for you,” Celeste said.Β
Support from his parents has been instrumental to Slay’s success.Β
Slay has been coached by former Bobcat Tamar his entire life, and the NIL deal was initiated by both Tamar and Celeste.Β
βWe reached out to Nick and College HUNKS about a deal for Bryce because we knew they are doing things the right way with their NIL partnerships,β the Slays said. βWe are excited for our son to learn entrepreneurship and leadership skills from this partnership that will help him through his career on and off the court.β
Right now, Slay is the newest and youngest member of the Thundering Herd as the only freshman. Transitioning from Carmel Christian to Marshall has been an adjustment but nothing he can’t handle.Β
“I gotta go do this by myself,” Slay said.Β
For any aspiring college athletes, Slay recommends choosing carefully when it comes to school.Β
“Don’t fall in love with the glitz and glamour,” Slay said. “Just fall in love with the school for the school, the coaches for the coaches, the coaches for how they view you.”Β
The basketball season starts on Nov. 3, Marshall University against UMass.Β
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