In the 80s, Michael Jordan met with his agent, Sonny Vaccaro, through a series of coincidence, shared links and corporate machinery. Today, Arkansas Point guard and NBA's first round draft, Boogie Fland, met with his manager, Julian Aiken, through a DMS exchange facilitated by Fland's father after Aiken spoke with his EyBl team, PSA Cardinals.

“So meet people nowadays,” says 18-year-old Fland. “Throughn through social media.”

This is just one of the countless examples of how the life of a rising star athlete has changed over the years. Recently in 2019, Fland would have lived out of any pocket changes he would escape in high school. Today, he is a Bonafide Director General of his brand, dealing with everything, from corporate sponsorships to philanthropy efforts before he can drink legally.

“Boogie has been financially educated for two and a half years,” Aiken says. “We set up a LLC from the beginning, and he learned about the expenses and deductions of the business. These conversations prepared it, so there is less pressure when he returns.”

“You have to grow quickly in this life, especially with money,” Fland adds. “People need to get used to how to treat themselves at a young age.”

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Fland is not exaggerating when he says “young”. New York East landed his first Nil agreement With Spreadshop in only 15 years old, during his sophisticated year at Stepinac High School, making him the first NY High School player with a Nile deal.

“They approached me as one of Nile's main goals, especially because not many people were doing it or even aware of this time,” Fland says. “Their goal was to bring more awareness of it, and I would be the first to attend.”

Accepting what is essentially free money does not usually require business savings. But for a 15-year-old to recognize the value of being an early adopter and to use his growing platform To build financial security before signing his first contract? This is a rare level of foresight.

“It allows you to advance early,” Fland says. “So when the time comes to make great ads and sponsorships, you already have the experience and relationships needed.”

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Fland's profile arrived at new heights when he was engaged in Arkansas to play under the legendary coach John Calipari, and with that increased attention came more opportunities. One of the most unique was an invitation to display in an episode of caricaturesPresent by Zips Car Wash.

“There is this app called Openndors that connects the college athletes with brands,” Fland says. “They contacted me and suggested setting something.”

Aiken jumped in the opportunity, recognizing the Fland's potential as a ambassador.

“The reason everyone is withdrawn from Boogie is because he is really an authentic person, he has a million dollars smile, and he is able to maintain a quiet behavior through difficult challenges,” Aiken says. “He has experienced what is like being a professional much more than 18-year-olds made 10 or 12 years ago.”

Aiken would know after working with 12-year-old veterinarian NBA Andre Drummond.

Image Credit: Dallas Hobbs

“It is not like in the deer era, where you had to wait up to the NBA to understand these things, says Fland.” I can start a head now than later. It is also about building relationships with brands – making those discussions and meeting people early, so when it is time to make agreements, those links are already in the country. “

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Fland will only be 18 years old when he enters the NBA, but he and Aiken have already given him experience beyond his years.

“In basketball, I've always played with people older than me,” Fland says. “This forces you to prepare.”

This maturity also translates outside the court, visible in its appearance on a panel in the advertising week along with visible figures such as Jeelle Hill and Lineage Anthony Rodriguez founder.

“Faith affects everything,” Fland adds. “It allows you to speak with obedience, to listen and really trust yourself in yourself. You can have all the skills in the world, but no confidence from a young age, you will not succeed.”