An official statement from the NBA G League came earlier Tuesday announcing an increase in base salaries from $26,000 to $35,000 and $77,250 from a previous $75,000 for players with a league based salary also known as a two-way contract. Additional money can also be earned by players through affiliate player bonuses and NBA call-ups in which an average player could be bringing in $85,000 and $385,000 for two-way contract players.

The NBA, who pays the G League salaries is experiencing some of the highest volumes of popularity it ever has, so naturally there would be a trickle down effect. Over the years the league has done it’s part in attempting to establish itself as a legit minor league system and grow its own brand whether it be through live game streams, or re-branding itself with Gatorade. Now with the increases in salary, the league is setting itself up to be on par with Europe to provide top high school talent with an alternative to the NCAA while providing a suitable income.

With 30% of NBA rosters containing G League players this season and the majority of the NBA teams having G League affiliates, there is a growing sense that its presence will only continue to grow. However there are still concerns that the average player still runs the risk of getting lost in the shuffle thinking back to the days of the G League when barely any call-ups were made. Ultimately the NBA’s willingness to help this league evolve into a growth and development “farm system” as opposed to a shelf for afterthoughts will be the deciding factor in their ability to draw emerging talent.

Closing out to yet another wild and unpredictable NCAA tournament, the Villanova Wildcats found themselves hoisting the championship trophy after a resounding 79-62 win over the Michigan Wolverines. The Wildcats joined some rare company after the win, being one of the few NCAA championship teams to win every game by double digits as well as one of the few two win multiple titles in a three-year span.

While the 17 point win would indicate Villanova more or less had their way, the Wolverines put up a good fight early on, holding the Wildcats to 1-9 shooting from three-point range and making timely buckets, specifically through big man Moritz Wagner. The turning point however came in the form of tonight’s most outstanding player, Donte DiVincenzo, who lifted his team with 31 points off the bench.

“Honestly I didn’t look at the score at all” DiVincenzo told ESPN. “I didn’t know how many points I had. I didn’t know any of that. I was just trying to make the right play. And Omari (Spellman) was setting unbelievable screens for me and getting me open. And I was just feeling it.”

Perhaps the loudest supporter of DiVincenzo tonight was national Player of the Year Jalen Brunson who only finished with just nine points, but in the fashion of a true leader, embraced what would benefit the whole as opposed to just himself.

“It just shows how much depth we have, and that we don’t care who gets the credit” said Brunson post game.

Villanova guards Donte DiVincenzo (left) and Jalen Brunson (right) celebrating post game.

In a tournament filled with upsets, the Wildcats lived up to their ranking as a number one seed, showing their resiliency in every round, with every member of the team having a key role regardless of status. While the Wildcats year after year seem to always put competitive teams on the floor, it’s not until you start to pile up on titles that you begin to be talked about as an elite program, and the Villanova is definitely in that discussion now,

“When you come to Villanova,” said Villanova head coach Jay Wright post game. “You come because you want to be a part of something bigger than yourself.”.

Shortly after 11 a.m. this morning, forward Zeke Upshaw of the Detroit Pistons minor league affiliate Grand Rapids Drive was pronounced dead according to his family. Upshaw, 26 collapsed in the final seconds of Saturday’s match-up between the Drive and the Long Island Nets and was reported to have gone into cardiac arrest soon after. Upshaw’s mother, Jewel Upshaw soon issued a statement after his passing.

Statement from Jewel Upshaw, Zeke's mother: “After continued efforts from the medical team at Spectrum Health, Zeke made his transition at 11:16 am. To family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans & confidants, thank you for your prayers and support during this most difficult time. pic.twitter.com/1AutFtIFwU

— Grand Rapids Drive (@grdrive) March 26, 2018

Growing up in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, Upshaw played his high school ball at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, averaging 24 points and 12 rebounds his senior year, eventually becoming the first student from the school to receive a D-1 athletic scholarship from the school and being named Chicago’s Independent School Player of the Year.

“You don’t change the culture of a program in a locker room unless you have leaders, and he was definitely our leader,” said former U-High head coach troy Caldwell to MLive. “He was well-respected and not just on the team but in the city for how he played and carried himself.”

My heart goes out to his family and friends! This is sad! https://t.co/jU4ayB8UNo

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) March 26, 2018

Moving on to Illinois State for three seasons, Upshaw had his breakout year transferring to Hofstra University and averaging close to 20 points a game. Hiring an agent soon after, Upshaw played 2 seasons overseas for Slovenia and Luxembourg, before being drafted by the Grand Rapids Drive.

Heart broken😢😢. Life is not fair. Zeke was a wonderful man. Hearts and prayers are with Jewel and family. ❤🙏🏼😢 https://t.co/77OZ4cNEgD

— Dan Muller (@DanMuller) March 26, 2018

Statement from the Drive: "The Drive family is mourning the tragic loss of Zeke Upshaw. He had a warm personality and was a tremendous representative of our organization both on and off the court. Our thoughts are with all of Zeke’s family and friends during this difficult time." pic.twitter.com/FxQtaJoqbG

— Grand Rapids Drive (@grdrive) March 26, 2018

Information regarding Upshaw’s memorial will be provided at a later date. Gone too soon, Upshaw left a lasting impression spanning from the city of Chicago, Grand Rapids, Michigan and everywhere in between.