News Summary
UNC Asheville’s athletics department, led by Director Janet R. Cone, has opted out of the House vs. NCAA Settlement for the upcoming academic year. This decision aims to prioritize the long-term well-being and sustainability of student-athletes. By opting out, the university forfeits potential revenue from the settlement but avoids restrictions on team roster sizes. Student-athletes retain their rights to engage in Name, Image, and Likeness deals, while the university focuses on maintaining financial health and recruiting talent, including a new player from Sweden.
Asheville, North Carolina – UNC Asheville’s Director of Athletics, Janet R. Cone, announced the university’s decision to opt out of the House vs. NCAA Settlement for the 2025-26 academic year. This decision was made to prioritize the long-term success and overall experience of student-athletes at the university.
By opting out, UNC Asheville will forgo potential revenue from the settlement, which allows schools to distribute a portion of athletics-related income to student-athletes as compensation. This move reflects the university’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its athletic program, which relies heavily on the revenue it generates to fund essential components such as scholarships, sports medicine services, and mental health resources.
Participating schools under the settlement will encounter new limitations on team roster sizes, a stipulation that UNC Asheville intends to avoid by opting out. However, their decision does not exempt them entirely from the wider obligations set forth by the NCAA; the university must still comply with certain aspects of the settlement, including adherence to a centralized clearinghouse for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements.
Student-athletes at UNC Asheville will retain their rights to engage in NIL deals despite the university’s opt-out status. However, the institution will not be able to provide direct NIL compensation to athletes. This nuanced position allows student-athletes the flexibility to pursue personal endorsements while ensuring that the university focuses on its financial health and athletic program sustainability.
Financial and Support Opportunities
To support the athletics department during this transition, donations can be directed to the Bullodg Club, which serves as the primary unrestricted fund for UNC Asheville Athletics. For individuals interested in contributing, they can contact Janet R. Cone via email or phone.
Recruitment Update for the 2025-26 Academic Year
In addition to administrative news, UNC Asheville’s men’s basketball team has added a new player to its roster for the upcoming season. Transfer forward/center David Hermes, a 6-10 hybrid athlete from Stockholm, Sweden, will join the team after spending last season at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).
During his time at UTSA, Hermes participated in 26 games and made 18 starts, averaging 1.9 points and 1.8 rebounds. His standout performance included a game-high of 11 points in a match against Southwestern Adventist University. Prior to his stint at UTSA, Hermes spent two seasons at Indian Hills Community College, where he contributed to an impressive 29-6 record and a run to the NJCAA DI Men’s Basketball Championship Final Four.
In his sophomore year at Indian Hills, Hermes averaged 6.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game while demonstrating shooting efficiency with a 47.6% field goal percentage and a 39.3% three-point shooting average. Furthermore, Hermes has international experience, having played for the Syrian National Team in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament, as well as having played in Spain’s Liga EBA for Ciudad de Huelva Baloncesto in 2022. He commenced his basketball career at Central Pointe Christian Academy in Kissimmee, Florida, where he helped the team achieve a remarkable 30-5 record and a playoff appearance.
Overall, UNC Asheville’s strategy moving forward reflects a balance between the financial realities of college athletics and a commitment to student-athlete welfare. With new recruitment and a commitment to sustainability, the university aims to navigate the changing landscape of college sports effectively.
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Additional Resources
- UNC Asheville Statement on House vs. NCAA Settlement
- Wikipedia: NCAA
- Men’s Basketball Adds UTSA Transfer David Hermes
- Google Search: UNC Asheville athletics
- UNC Asheville Unveils New Look Logo and Brand
- Google Scholar: College athletics news
- UNC Asheville Athletics Announces Third Annual Staff Awards
- Google News: UNC Asheville news
