Malia Samuels-USC NIL Amount, Net Worth, Player Information
Malia Samuels has made a significant impact on the USC women’s basketball team.
Known for her competitive spirit and defensive tenacity, Samuels quickly became a vital part of the Trojans’ roster.
Her skills on the court have not only earned her a starting position but also a reputation as a formidable guard.
Samuels started her basketball journey at Garfield High in Seattle, where she was named the 2021-22 3A Washington State Player of the Year. Now, she brings that same energy to USC, helping elevate the team with each game.
Her ability to play 94 feet on the court and her consistent performance make her a key player to watch.
To stay updated on Malia Samuels’ stats and game highlights, visit her profile page. The journey of this ambitious guard from high school champion to college star is one that basketball fans won’t want to miss.
Who Is Malia Samuels?
Table of Contents
Malia Samuels is a standout guard for the USC Trojans women’s basketball team. Hailing from Seattle, she made her mark playing for Garfield High School.
At Garfield High, Samuels led her team to consecutive 3A State Championships in 2022 and 2023. She was named the 3A Washington State Player of the Year as a junior, showcasing her exceptional talent on the court.
In addition to her state accolades, Samuels was recognized nationally as a top girls basketball recruit.
Rated as a four-star point guard, she was the No. 58 overall player in the country. Her skills and competitive spirit made her a sought-after recruit for NCAA Division I programs.
Off the court, she enjoys hanging out with friends, sneaker shopping, and taking pictures. Malia has aspirations of playing professionally and has dreams of working in the NBA one day.
Personal Details
- Born: October 28, 2004
- Parents: Shaun and Saroun Samuels
- Siblings: Zuri and Thai
- Hobbies: Traveling, especially to places like Bora Bora
Coach Lindsay Gottlieb of USC praised Samuels for her defensive tenacity and her ability to play the full length of the court. This blend of physical ability and mental toughness makes her a key player for the Trojans.
For more detailed stats and game highlights, you can visit her profile on ESPN.
How Much Is Malia Samuels Making In NIL Money?
Malia Samuels is not just a talented point guard at USC, but also a notable NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) athlete. Athletes like Samuels greatly benefit from the NCAA’s new NIL rule, which allows college athletes to profit from endorsements and sponsorships.
Malia, a standout basketball player from Seattle, has inked deals that highlight her marketability. Among her endorsements, she’s a proud member of the Baden Family, a brand known for its high-quality sports gear.
Her social media presence plays a key role. She shares sponsored posts on her Instagram, where she has a vibrant following. This following boosts her value to brands looking for ambassadors with significant online influence.
Data from On3.com suggest that athletes in similar positions can earn several thousand dollars per post. Her NIL valuation updates every Wednesday, reflecting her growing influence and performance on the court.
Contracts and deals can vary widely, but typical earnings from NIL deals can come from:
- Social Media Posts: Estimated at hundreds to thousands per post
- Brand Endorsements: Specific amounts are often undisclosed
- Merchandising: Potential earnings from personalized gear
Given her achievements and online presence, it’s reasonable to believe Malia Samuels earns a significant amount through her NIL activities.
Her exact earnings might not be public, but her affiliation with top brands suggests a lucrative NIL income.
What Is Malia Samuels Net Worth?
Estimating the net worth of a student athlete like Malia Samuels can be tricky. She is currently a rising star at USC, but most of her earnings and endorsements might still be in the future.
Earnings from College Basketball
While playing college basketball, student athletes don’t often earn salaries. They might receive scholarships, but these typically cover tuition and living expenses.
Potential Future Earnings
Malia’s achievements could lead to professional opportunities. The WNBA could be in her path, where rookie contracts can offer substantial starting salaries.
Sponsorships and Endorsements
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals: Since the NCAA rule changes, athletes like Malia can capitalize on their personal brands. She could potentially gain endorsements from:
- Sportswear companies.
- Local businesses.
- National brands.
Summary Table
| Income Source | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|
| College Basketball | Scholarships |
| Professional Contracts | Starting at ~$60,000 |
| Endorsements | Variable |
Her exact net worth is speculative and depends on various upcoming opportunities. Nonetheless, her career is filled with potential for financial growth.
What Is Malia Samuels WNBA Draft Prospects?
Malia Samuels has shown significant promise as a point guard for USC. Her standout performances include averaging 16.5 points per game. Notably, she has also recorded 6.1 steals and 6.3 assists per game, making her a well-rounded player in both offense and defense.
Strengths
Defense: Samuels is known for her tireless defense, often playing the full length of the court. Her ability to pull off steals and disrupt the opposing team’s plays is exceptional.
Court Vision: Samuels’ knack for reading the game and finding her teammates in optimal positions underscores her excellent court vision. Her 3.4 rebounds per game also highlight her all-around abilities.
One-Versus-One Breakdown Ability: She can break down defenders one-on-one, creating scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. This makes her a valuable asset in both guard positions.
Potential in the WNBA
Samuels’ scoring ability, combined with her defensive tenacity, makes her a viable candidate for the WNBA Draft. Her experience and performance at USC have made her a player to watch.
Averaging 16.5 points, 6.1 steals, and 6.3 assists showcases her potential to transition seamlessly to professional basketball.
Areas for Improvement: While Samuels has shown great potential, focusing on enhancing her shooting efficiency and consistency will further strengthen her draft prospects.
For more information about her career and stats, visit USC Athletics.
Who Manages Malia Samuels?
Malia Samuels, a standout guard for USC women’s basketball team, is managed by a dedicated group focused on her athletic and academic success.
Coaching Staff
Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb leads the team. She has extensive experience, emphasizing player development. This includes both on-court skills and off-court growth.
Athletic Department
USC Athletics oversees logistics and support services. They ensure that athletes like Malia get what they need to excel, from training to health services.
Agents and Representatives
While not every college player has an official agent, top recruits like Malia often have advisors. They help with decisions related to her future career, endorsements, and more.
Family Support
Family plays a key role in managing Malia’s commitments. They provide emotional support and guidance, balancing her sports and academic responsibilities.
Academic Advisors
USC provides academic advisors who assist athletes in scheduling classes and managing their coursework. This helps Malia maintain her grades and stay on the right path for graduation.
Strength and Conditioning Coaches
Strength and conditioning coaches develop personalized training programs. These help Malia stay in top physical shape and minimize injury risks.
Each entity works together to ensure Malia’s success both on and off the court. This multifaceted approach provides a strong support system for her development at USC.
What Is Malia Samuels’ Social Following?
Malia Samuels has a notable presence on social media. On Instagram, she is known as Malia “pitbull” Samuels and boasts about 15,000 followers.
She engages with her audience through photos and videos, sharing snapshots of her life on and off the basketball court.
Her posts often highlight her athletic achievements, personal milestones, and glimpses into her training routines. This platform is where she connects most directly with her supporters, allowing fans to see a more personal side of her journey.
While there is no public data available about her presence on other social media platforms like Twitter or TikTok, her Instagram account serves as a vital channel for her to maintain and build her fanbase.
Her engagement levels suggest a dedicated group of followers who appreciate her athletic prowess and personal story.
Key Metrics:
- Instagram Handle: maliasamuels
- Followers: 15,000
- Posts: 19
Her influence extends beyond just her followers, reaching sports enthusiasts and media outlets such as SB Live Sports and ESPN.com, which often feature high school and college sports talents, further amplifying her visibility and influence in the sports community.
Player Comparisons
Malia Samuels, a standout player for USC, offers a unique blend of skills. She draws comparisons to several notable guards in women’s college basketball.
Height and Position
Malia stands at 5-6 and plays the guard position. This places her in the same category as other dynamic, smaller guards who rely on speed and agility.
| Player | Height | Position | Points Per Game | Assists Per Game | Steals Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malia Samuels | 5-6 | Guard | 1.5 | 0.8 | 0.6 |
| Player A | 5-7 | Guard | 15.3 | 4.2 | 2.1 |
| Player B | 5-5 | Guard | 12.7 | 5.1 | 1.8 |
Skill Set
Malia’s statistical contributions are still developing. She averaged 1.5 points and 1.1 rebounds per game in her second season, often impacting the game through her tenacity on defense.
Her playing style resembles that of smaller guards known for their quickness and defensive prowess.
High School Achievements
In high school, Malia was named 2021-22 3A Washington State Player of the Year, a title that indicates her high-level skills and leadership. This accolade is on par with players who have succeeded at both the collegiate and professional levels.
Malia’s journey is just beginning, but drawing comparisons to current and former women’s college basketball stars foreshadows a bright future.
What Is Malia Samuels Business Prospects Post College?
Malia Samuels has promising business prospects following her college career. As an accomplished basketball player at USC, her athletic achievements have already opened doors to various opportunities.
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Deals:
Malia is the first official NIL athlete for Baden, a sports equipment company.
Her role includes promoting the brand through her social media channels, like her Instagram account.
Professional Basketball:
Given her success in high school and at USC, Malia has strong potential to play professionally.
She has demonstrated her skills as a guard and could be a valuable addition to teams in the WNBA or overseas leagues.
Coaching and Training:
Malia’s basketball knowledge and experience may also lead her to a coaching or training career.
High schools, colleges, and private sports academies often seek talented former players to join their staff.
Sports Commentating:
Another avenue for Malia is in sports media.
Her competitive spirit and deep understanding of the game make her a candidate for roles in broadcasting and analysis. Networks like ESPN often recruit former athletes for these positions.
Social Media Influencer:
With her strong social media presence, Malia can easily branch into influencer roles.
She can partner with brands beyond Baden, tapping into fashion, fitness, and lifestyle sectors.
Entrepreneurship:
Finally, Malia has the potential to start her own business.
Whether it’s a sports camp, a training program, or a product line, her reputation and connections built through basketball will be invaluable.