"NIL money's dried up": Kansas star Hunter Dickinson ends college career as he collaborates with LinkedIn in latest IG post

Hunter Dickinson's college career is over, and the Kansas star is still unsure of what his future holds. He shared via Instagram on Wednesday that he's teamed up with LinkedIn, an online service provider company that helps users find employment opportunities and connect with other professionals in their field.

"After 50+ brand deals, the NIL money’s drying up… so I did what any college athlete would do. I got on @linkedin. Now I’m figuring out what’s next and who’s hiring. Visit LinkedIn and dare to discover your next opportunity. http://linkedin.com/jobs #FirstAndFuture #job #jobsearch #LinkedInPartner," Dickinson's Instagram caption read.

In the video, Dickinson seemingly throws shade at NBA analysts who have suggested that the center could go undrafted in the 2025 NBA draft.

"One minute you're getting college scholarship offers from coaches and doing brand deals for skincare products. Then, it's crickets over 2,800 points, 1,500 rebounds, 7 years of college eligibility," Dickinson joked. "The NIL money's dried up, so preparing to end my career, I did what any athlete would do. I got on LinkedIn."

It's unlikely that Dickinson is actually done playing basketball. Even if he does go undrafted come June, he could be picked up by an NBA team as an undrafted free agent or begin his professional career abroad. The Jayhawks star is continuing to work with top brands and added a comical twist in his collaboration with LinkedIn.

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament First Round-Arkansas at Kansas - Source: Imagn

Hunter Dickinson's NBA draft profile

Despite an impressive college career with stints at Michigan and Kansas, Hunter Dickinson's basketball future is uncertain. Some analysts have the 7'2" center being selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA draft, while others have him going undrafted.

In college, Dickinson's size and efficiency made him stand out. During the 2024 season, he led the Jayhawks in scoring, with 17.4 ppg, and rebounding, with 10.0 rpg. Dickinson is an impressive big man, but concerns have arisen about how his skill set will translate to the NBA.

Hunter Dickinson struggles with defensive mobility and turnovers, averaging 2.2 turnovers per game this season. He may not be able to keep up with the uptempo defensive play at the next level.

Analysts have also questioned Dickinson's room for development and suggested he may not have a high ceiling as an NBA player. The center was not invited to the NBA Combine, suggesting that NBA general managers may also have doubts about Dickinson.

Hunter Dickinson's NBA future will be decided when the draft takes place on June 25.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

Know More

Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey - who is NCAAW's highest-paid coach? Find out here

Edited by nagpaltusharn25