In an interview with CBS during the G League Elite Camp, guard Caleb Love indicated the prospect of a big NIL payday if he returns to Arizona is not a foremost consideration.
"I never really was the type to go back for money," Love told CBS. "I didn't transfer to go get more money. I wanted the best situation for me and I wanted to be on a good team that had aspirations to win on the highest level and winning a national championship.
"That went into my decision to go to Arizona and if I chose to go back, it wouldn't be for the money. It would be to expand my game and elevate my game and compete for a national championship."
Because he wasn't invited to the NBA Combine, Love appears to face long odds to get drafted or sign a two-way contract worth more than $500,000. But this spring's NIL marketplace suggests he could do even better financially if he returns to college basketball.
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The Pac-12 Player of the Year last season, Love credited Arizona for helping improve his efficiency and creating a good environment. He shot 33.2% from 3-point range while averaging 18.0 points, though he averaged 11.5 points and shot just 20% from 3 over Arizona's final six games.
"Coach (Tommy) Lloyd helped me expand my game and grow my game," Love said. "Playing with my teammates, they made it so much fun. It was a great overall year. I definitely grew in areas that I didn't at UNC, so I'm grateful for Arizona and that whole community."
Should he return to the Wildcats, Love could lead a retooled perimeter that could feature Jaden Bradley at point guard, with KJ Lewis and five-star freshman Joson Sanon on the wings.
Pelle Larsson carried his usual do-everything game into an NBA Combine scrimmage Tuesday, hitting just 1 of 5 3-pointers but getting to the line six times and making 5 of 6 free throws. He totaled 12 points while also recording three rebounds, one assist and no turnovers.
Larsson's "Team Herscu" beat Keshad Johnson's "Team Love" 99-84, with Johnson scoring seven points and two rebounds. Johnson shot 3 of 4 from the field, with one steal and one turnover.
Boxscore from game two of the NBA draft combine.Standouts for me:-Ajay Mitchell (Santa Barbara)-Jamal Shead (Houston)-Enrique Freeman (Akron)-Trentyn Flowers (Adelaide)-Boogie Ellis (USC) pic.twitter.com/g5UiEGWEQ4
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 14, 2024
While Johnson tied for the second-best max (jumping) vertical leap at the combine, Larsson recorded a 38-inch leap that was fifth best among the 14 shooting guards in camp.
Larsson also stood out with a handsize bigger than most of the other shooting guards on hand and shot well. He hit 68% from the left corner, 70% off the dribble in the left corner and 48% on the move.
Larsson's wingspan of 6-7.50 ranked 10th among the 14 combine shooting guards, while Johnson's 6-10.25 wingspan tied for 12th out of 14 power forwards.
Johnson had the biggest hand among combine power forwards (tied for first in width and first in length at 9.25 inches) and finished second at his po0sition in the three-quarter court sprint.
Many stats have been posted to the NBA's sortable database.
Contact sports reporter Bruce Pascoe at bpascoe@tucson.com. On X(Twitter): @brucepascoe
Bruce Pascoe
Reporter
