MARYVILLE, MO- With the newest NCAA rules regarding college athletes names, images, and likeness, Northwest Missouri State junior guard Trevor Hudgins now faces another facet of the game he’ll have to become an expert in—endorsements.

The NCAA announced this past week that all Division I, II, and III athletes can sell their own names, images, and likeness (or NIL for short) through endorsements or other ventures without any repercussions from the NCAA.

Hudgins, the reigning NABC Division II player of the year, 2 time conference player of the year, along with numerous other accolades, plays for the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats. Originally from Manhattan, Kansas, Hudgins chose the Bearcats because of their championship history, having come off of a 2017 DII title the year prior to Hudgins arrival, among other factors like head coach Ben McCollum.

Hudgins said when the groundbreaking development happened, he was doing what he loves most—playing basketball.

“I mean, I wasn’t really paying attention,” Hudgins said. “I was just playing basketball with my teammates the other day, and then all of the sudden the news broke.”

Hudgins and the Bearcats stake claim in a smaller town of Maryville, Missouri, with a population of just under 12,000 people, according to the 2019 census.

The University sits as the focal point of the community, whether it be athletes, community involvement, or the median age of 23.4 years, the city is accustomed to the Bearcats presence.

“It seems interesting (the NCAA NIL rules),” Hudgins said. “It seems promising. I could see a lot of problems happening in the future, but I’m glad players can make money in college now.”

Since Hudgins redshirt freshman season in 2018-2019, the Bearcats have amassed a record of 97-3. Hudgins, who is now a junior at the University, is the epicenter of the team, and also the center of the smaller community of Maryville.

“I feel like it’s a good idea for smaller schools to do a deal with them (players who are a staple of their city) and be the face of a company out here,” Hudgins said.

Hudgins also says he would have to consult his family and coaches before agreeing to any type of deal with any business. Before Hudgins wore the crown of “point guard for the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats,” Hudgins was mentored by Justin Pitts.

“I think everyone knows who Justin Pitts is,” Hudgins said. “I think if (Justin) Pitts was playing, he would definitely get some money.”

Pitts, who led the Bearcats to their first title in 2017, has also etched his name in countless records for the team.

Moving forward, Hudgins says his dream endorsement is one similar to Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.

“I was thinking, I love sandwiches,” Hudgins said. “If Planet Sub wants to do something, if Student Body (Northwest Apparel), any business out here wants to do something let me know, and we can work something out. I would love to look like Jayson Tatum with a twelve inch sub in my hand.”