(Photo Credit: IndianaHQ)
From the Twitter account of NBA agent George Langberg, Indiana freshman superstar Romeo Langford seems to have signed with Catalyst Sports agency. Happy Walters is the CEO and Co-founder of Catalyst Sports. Earlier this month, Romeo Langford announced his intention to declare for the 2019 NBA draft.
Happy Walters has a number of clients including former Indiana Hoosier Thomas Bryant and current NBA stars De’Aaron Fox, Ike Anigbogu, Alize Johnson, Landry Shamet, Monta Ellis, Maurice Harkless, Iman Shumpert, Marcus Smart, Corey Brewer, and Lonnie Walker.
About Catalyst Sports
Catalyst Sports is an advisory firm that focuses on traditional sports talent such as basketball players, as well as their growing segment into the esports industry, or video gaming industry. In addition to professional basketball players, Catalyst Sports has a number of esports clients including Dignitas (76ers), Misfits (Heat), Team Liquid (Golden State Warriors), and Immortals (Grizzlies). They help run and design the Riot Games North American League of Legends Championships.
Happy Walters is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Catalyst Sports and he has more than 20 years of experience spanning a multitude of areas in the sports and entertainment business. He has started his own independent record label, produced television, and developed a number of entertainment talents from music artists to fashion stars.
What does this mean for Romeo Langford?
With the new rules implemented for 2019, Romeo Langford signing with an agent does not prevent Romeo from retaining eligibility to return back to the NCAA. The rules permit players to sign with an agent, but in order to retain eligibility they must notify their university as well as terminate all relationships with the agencies after the draft. Assuming, of course, that Romeo Langford does not sign with a professional team.
Romeo Langford can also get some form of monetary support from the agency as well. Specifically if Romeo Langford wants to travel and try out for a team, the team or Romeo Langford’s agent can cover expenses as long as the Romeo does not miss any class time and as long as the tryout does not take longer than 48 hours.
Analysts close to Romeo Langford have often mentioned his intention to declare for the NBA and remain in the NBA draft. A brief hold-out on signing an agent gave a slight glimmer of hope for Indiana fans that a return to the Hoosiers may have been possible – and that possibility still exists. However, Romeo Langford has taken the next step toward his dream of playing professional basketball in the world’s premiere league.
