SC State's Erik Martin Gets Real About NIL: 'I Can Get You to the Money'

South Carolina State head coach Erik Martin delivered some of the most honest and transparent commentary on NIL and the transfer portal heard from any Division I coach this season, addressing the challenging reality facing HBCU programs in the modern college athletics landscape.

Speaking Friday night following a 78-61 loss to Howard in the MEAC Tournament, Martin didn't sugarcoat the financial challenges his program faces when competing for talent in the NIL era.

The Reality of HBCU Recruiting in the NIL Era

Martin was remarkably frank about his program's limitations when it comes to NIL resources, explaining how he approaches the conversation with potential recruits from the very beginning.

"We have to be creative in how we recruit because we don't have any NIL. So we start our conversations with recruits by saying that. Let's get that out of the way so we don't waste each other's time."

But rather than viewing this as a disadvantage, Martin has developed a compelling alternative pitch focused on development and opportunity.

"I can't get you the money, but I can get you to the money. Come play with me for a year, do well, and you can go."

This approach has effectively transformed programs like South Carolina State into developmental stops for players seeking larger opportunities through the transfer portal.

Supporting Players Who Leave for Better Opportunities

Martin emphasized that he doesn't hold grudges against players who leave for better financial situations, citing his own experience as a college athlete.

"I'm one of those guys who played and didn't get paid.



So I'm glad this generation is getting the money."

He also highlighted what he sees as a double standard in conversations about player compensation, noting that coaches, athletic directors, and university presidents face no salary caps.

"They don't put a salary cap on me. They don't put a salary cap on the presidents, ADs. If you get four million, that's what you should get paid. So I would love to have my team back all the time, but I know you got to go."

Martin pointed to former South Carolina State center Drayton Jones as a success story. After developing in Martin's program, Jones received a larger opportunity at Butler. Martin supported the decision, and Jones even donated money back to the program.

"That's what you want for these young men. You want them to be successful."

Concerns About NIL's Future

While Martin supports players benefiting from NIL, he expressed concern about discussions in political circles regarding potential restrictions on NIL opportunities. Without naming names, Martin referenced conversations about possible federal action that could alter NIL rules.

"I hope whoever is making those decisions doesn't step in and change things. Who's to say how much money someone can make?"

For Martin, the issue comes down to fairness and economic freedom.

"I have yet to hear a college say they're running out of money. So I hope these kids keep getting theirs."

As the transfer portal continues to reshape college basketball each offseason, Martin acknowledged the new reality: constant roster turnover and the need to search everywhere for talent. Yet despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about his program's trajectory and committed to his mission of developing players and supporting their success—even when that success leads them elsewhere.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.