Daniel Poneman: Top NIL Agent on Recruitment & Player Fit Episode

PREP Athletics Basketball Podcast

Daniel Poneman, one of the most influential agents in college and professional basketball, joins this podcast. Daniel, a Chicago basketball mainstay, got his start as a teenage scout and has since built a reputation as a top NIL and NBA agent, helping hundreds of players navigate the complex journey from high school to college and beyond. In this episode, Daniel shares his unique perspective on player development, the shifting landscape of prep school basketball, and the realities of college recruitment in the NIL era. He offers practical advice for families and players, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit, focusing on real improvement over hype, and understanding the true value of NIL deals. If you’re looking for direct, actionable insights on how to maximize your prep school basketball experience and make smart decisions about your future, this episode is a must-listen.

#DanielPoneman #NILAgent #PrepSchoolBasketball #CollegeRecruitment #PlayerDevelopment #PREPAthletics #BasketballPathway
💡 Key Topics:
📌 The evolution of prep school basketball and its impact on local talent
📌 The reality of player rankings and exposure in college recruitment
📌 How to find the right college or prep school fit for players
📌 NIL negotiations and understanding player value in today’s market
📌 The Undiscovered Showcase: Helping players find scholarships
📌 The future of college basketball and the role of agents
🏀 About Daniel Poneman:
Daniel Poneman is a top NIL and NBA agent, widely recognized for his deep roots in Chicago basketball and his innovative approach to player representation. He began as a teenage scout and has since helped hundreds of players secure college scholarships through his Undiscovered Showcase. Daniel is known for his direct, honest advice and his commitment to helping players and families navigate the complex world of basketball recruitment and development.
🔗 Connect with Daniel Poneman:
X | https://x.com/danielponeman?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/danielponeman/?hl=en
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-poneman-a1237920/
X | https://x.com/WEAVE
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/weave.agency/?hl=en

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | [email protected]
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

Chapters

1. Introduction to Daniel Poneman and his basketball background (00:00:00)

2. Dan joins the conversation; early life and Chicago basketball upbringing (00:01:35)

3. Transition to discussion about prep schools and the shift in Chicago basketball culture (00:03:31)

4. The impact of rankings and exposure on players and families (00:05:28)

5. Dan explains his approach to player rankings and why they matter (or don’t) (00:06:09)

6. The importance of player development over exposure (00:09:30)

7. Overrated players and the role of marketing vs. true talent (00:12:36)

8. How college coaches use rankings and what really matters in evaluation (00:13:01)

9. The scouting process: how Dan and his staff find value in overlooked players (00:14:21)

10. How Dan pitches himself to potential clients and what makes his agency unique (00:16:23)

11. Example: Placing Pelle Larsson at the right college and the importance of fit (00:18:47)

12. NIL negotiations: how Dan values players and advises families (00:22:59)

13. Understanding true market value and avoiding negotiation pitfalls (00:25:26)

14. Commission structures and what players should look for in an agent (00:27:14)

15. The future of NIL and college basketball (00:29:25)

16. The Undiscovered Showcase: origin, impact, and global expansion (00:31:54)

17. Mack McClung: behind the scenes and the value of betting on yourself (00:36:22)

18. Best live basketball performance Dan has seen (00:39:14)

19. Dan’s favorite movie: “Shot in the Dark” documentary (00:40:49)

20. Dan’s hobbies and the importance of spirituality in his work (00:42:52)

21. Dan’s vision for the next 10 years and closing thoughts (00:44:37)