Not many people have heard of Oakland college and almost nobody knew of the underrated sharp shooter in Jack Gholke until Oakland's 80-76 win in the first round of this years NCAA men's basketball tournament. Every year we see many different upsets that shock the world and shatter millions of brackets. This year that major upset that nobody saw coming was the Kentucky WildCats loosing in the first round.
Kentucky who is loaded with talent and is projected to have at least 3 NBA draft picks in this years draft had every thing they needed in the palm of there hands to at least win in the first round. Jack Gholke shocked the Wildcats and all of America by hitting 10 threes and a scoring total of 32 points in their first round match up. Gholke's 10 3's was just one short of the all time NCAA tournament record, and the 32 points that he put up was the main reason that Oakland came out victorious.
Gholke was never known as a highly talented prospect or really a D1 prospect at all. He spent his first 5 seasons at Hinsdale college a small division 2 program. He then transferred to Oakland for a 6th year which would be his grad year. He didn't want to stop playing basketball and wanted to use ever year of eligibility that he had. He sure is glad now they he didn't give up his love for the game.
Before Gholke's legendary game his Instagram following consisted of around 500 followers and now after the game he is currently up to 65k followers. Along with these followers he gained he has also been involved in multiple NIL deals just days after his 32 point performance. This goes to show how one game can really change everything for players at these smaller named schools. Gholke who would be giving up basketball after this year, now has a real chance to use this random claim of fame to his advantage and continue to build his own personal brand. With NIL now being so prominent, Gholke's one legendary game can make him a lot of money and help him in the future when trying to get even more deals.
March Madness is a one of the most special sports tournaments in all of America and creates many unique opportunities for underrated athletes all across the country. Every single year we see underrated talent discovered and lives changed just from the simple game of basketball. Its a truly remarkable and special thing and these smaller schools take full advantage of it. Gholke's story is just one of the many special stories that have been made out of March madness, and there will only continue to be more.
Comments