Indiana's Tamar Bates, Jordan Geronimo promote The Vue with NIL

The day after the Indiana men’s basketball team beat Michigan 62-61 in Ann Arbor, guard Tamar Bates and forward Jordan Geronimo took another trip north. The two Hoosiers used their names, images and likenesses on Sunday to promote the luxury apartment complex The Vue in Indianapolis through an NIL deal facilitated by the Indiana-focused collective Hoosiers Connect.

Each player promoted the event on social media prior to Sunday.

“Hoosier Nation! Come join @JordanGeronimo2 and I at The Vue apartments for the Brunch Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday for some food and views of the city!” Bates tweeted last Friday. “We’ll be signing autographs and taking pictures as well. Look forward to seeing you there!”

Both Bates and Geronimo tweeted a picture of the view of the Indianapolis skyline from The Vue’s rooftop. On Sunday, the Twitter account for Hoosiers Connect posted a short video of Bates and Geronimo at The Vue along with former Indiana basketball player Collin Hartman, who serves as the Vice President of Partnerships for Hoosiers Connect.

The event is an example of how college athletes and the collectives that support them can engage in NIL activities during the season.

On Saturday, Geronimo made his sixth start of the season. He finished with four points, three rebounds and two blocks against Michigan. Bates played 17 minutes off the bench.

With the win, Indiana improved to 18-7 (9-5 Big Ten). The Hoosiers are tied for second in the Big Ten after the weekend. On Monday, they improved four spots in the latest AP Top 25 poll to No. 14.

This season, Bates is averaging 7.3 points per game, which ranks sixth on the team, while Geronimo is averaging 5.3 points per game and 3.0 rebounds.

Hoosiers Connect creates NIL opportunities for Indiana athletes

Hoosiers Connect launched last September to function alongside the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Hoosiers For Good in Indiana’s NIL ecosystem. Tyler Harris serves as Hoosiers Connect’s executive director.

Hoosier Connect’s website promotes inside access to Indiana basketball and football players.

“As we talked to supporters of Hoosiers For Good — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises awareness for local charities through NIL partnerships with IU student-athletes — business owners expressed interest in contracting with specific IU athletes to support their own commercial endeavors,” Hoosiers Connect’s website states. “Hoosiers Connect was formed to amplify commercial brands through NIL sponsorships — leveraging our extensive experience with NIL and established relationships with IU athletes.”

Fans can join Hoosiers Connect at annual membership levels of $100, $500 or $1,000 per month. The memberships offer various benefits, from merchandise to experiences with players.

Last November, Indiana announced that an anonymous donor committed to matching up to $1 million in donations made to Hoosiers Connect or Hoosiers For Good. In the annual report Hoosiers For Good recently released, the nonprofit organization said it raised more than $3.8 million from 224 donors. Twelve donors contributed at least $3 million combined, based on the financial figures listed in the report.