UAlbany men’s basketball launches NIL Collective

ALBANY, NY ( NEWS10 ) – University at Albany donors and alums today have announced the launch of the Danes of Greatness Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Collective. Focused on the sport of men’s basketball, the Danes of Greatness will look to create and develop NIL opportunities for student-athletes who represent the program both on and off the court.

Danes of Greatness will embrace NIL opportunities in an effort to amplify the voices and aspirations of UAlbany basketball student-athletes, helping them fulfill their potential as champions. The collective envisions a community where student-athletes make an impact beyond the court in which they play. It’s founded on the principles of empowerment, collaboration, and the belief that each athlete has the potential to shape their own narrative. Danes of Greatness is committed to growing UAlbany’s young leaders through mentoring opportunities and preparing them for championship level success on the court and beyond.

The collective, a third-party entity not associated with UAlbany Athletics, was founded by former Great Dane captain Christopher Wyatt. Wyatt, as well as former UAlbany greats Jamar Wilson (2002-07) and Brian Lillis (2004-08), serve as the collective’s advisory board. Wyatt played for the Great Danes from 2001 to 2005. He is an avid world traveler, angel investor, and has a background in healthcare and technology.

“I’m excited for our student-athletes to participate in this exciting window in college athletics,” said Wyatt. “As we continue to chase championships, the collective only adds to our competitive edge. The support of our dedicated donors and corporate sponsors is vital to the success of our community-based organization. Let’s continue to bolster our basketball program. Go Danes!”

UAlbany Men’s Basketball Coach Dwyane Killings agrees with Wyatt that the new collective will give his program a competitive edge.

“I can’t thank Chris Wyatt enough for his diligence in launching Danes of Greatness,” said Killings. “His commitment and vision to impacting our student-athletes, our university, and our community as a whole is exciting to say the least. College athletics has entered a new era, and it has created an opportunity for programs, business, fans, alum, and the community at large to partner together in our quest for an America East Championship.”

Killings added “I’d also like to thank Mark Benson for his support in getting Danes of Greatness off the ground. His leadership has been paramount from day one in making this a success.”

Danes of Greatness has already reached partnership agreements to begin financial and educational literacy programs. The collective will host its official launch party, hosted by American singer and actress Lauren Mayhew and founder Chris Wyatt, on Sept. 11.

Danes of Greatness will utilize the platform Opendorse, the leading operating software provider for collectives. This software allows student-athletes to provide compliance reporting to UAlbany and the NCAA (as required to) as well as serving as the way to distribute funds to student-athletes after they have completed their NIL obligation.

About the Danes of Greatness Collective
Mission Statement
Danes of Greatness is proud to align with the mission of UAlbany Athletics – to build well-rounded individuals who positively influence the world. By embracing NIL opportunities, we seek to amplify the voices and aspirations of UAlbany Basketball student-athletes, helping them fulfill their potential as champions on and off the court.

Vision
At Danes of Greatness, we envision a community where UAlbany Basketball student-athletes not only excel on the court but also make a lasting impact beyond it. Our collective is founded on the principles of empowerment, collaboration, and the belief that each athlete has the potential to shape their own narrative. Danes of Greatness is committed to growing our young leaders through mentoring opportunities and preparing them for championship level success on the court and beyond.

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