What's Next for Dink Pate? Navigating the Unexpected End of the G League Ignite
An Exclusive Interview with the Youngest Professional in U.S. Basketball History
Dink Pate, a basketball phenom heralded as a five-star recruit in the 2024 high school class, made headlines when he graduated early from L.G. Pinkston High School in Dallas and inked a two-year deal with the NBA's G League Ignite program on April 17, 2023.
At just 17 years old, Pate became the youngest professional basketball player in U.S. history, a record previously held by Scoot Henderson, his Ignite predecessor, by a mere five weeks. His path seemed clear-cut—devote two years to the Ignite program, honing his skills and setting sights on the 2025 NBA draft as an automatic entry due to his age.
Yet, the basketball landscape took an unexpected turn. On a fateful day last month, the NBA dropped a bombshell—G League Ignite, the very program that catapulted young talents like Pate into the limelight, was shutting down at the close of the season. Launched in 2020 as an innovative avenue for high school stars to bypass college, the Ignite provided a platform for up-and-comers to earn a salary, compete against seasoned professionals, and prepare for the NBA stage.
"The decision to end the program comes amid the changing basketball landscape, including the NCAA's Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policy and the advent of collectives and the transfer portal," the league disclosed in a somber press release. The winds of change were undeniable, sweeping through the sport and reshaping the trajectory of aspiring basketball stars like Pate.
Since its inception, the Ignite program had served as a beacon for burgeoning talents, fostering a new breed of NBA hopefuls. With ten players drafted into the NBA, including top picks like Jalen Green and Scoot Henderson, the Ignite boasted a track record of success. For Pate, a 6'8" athletic point guard with an uncanny court vision, the Ignite was more than just a team—it was a springboard to his dreams.
However, amidst financial shifts in collegiate basketball and the rise of new avenues for young prospects, the need for a standalone Ignite program dwindled. The team's struggles on the court, with only two wins in 34 games this season, only added weight to the decision to pull the plug.
Now faced with an uncertain future, Pate, freshly 18 as of March 10th, finds himself at a crossroads. A potential first-round pick in the 2025 NBA draft, he sits down for an exclusive interview, shedding light on his next steps in the wake of the Ignite's closure. Amidst the changes, Pate shares his thoughts on what lies ahead, navigating the uncharted waters of a basketball world in flux. Here, in his own words, he gives insight into the road forward as he seeks a new path to his NBA dreams.
With the news of the G League Ignite shutting down after this season, how does that impact your plans for next season?
DP: First, this impacts more than just next season for me. This impacts the start of my entire future. I can’t get drafted until summer 2025 so this wasn’t something I or anyone else expected. I haven’t made any decisions at this moment, but I will discuss what opportunities I have over the next few months with my family. This won’t be a quick decision; I’m putting God first and trusting in him.
What were your initial thoughts when you heard about the team shutting down, especially considering your two-year deal?
DP: Honestly, I know people had mentioned it weeks before, but I didn’t think much about it until it actually happened. At first, I couldn’t believe it and thought it was a possibility the next year when I finished (my time with the) Ignite, but I realized it was actually happening for real. I’m still in shock now. I have a great support system and a team of people in my corner, so I know I will be fine. I just have to keep looking forward.
How do you feel about having to choose a new team or situation for the upcoming season and how impacts your 2025 NBA draft stock?
DP: I’ve always been someone who just dedicates myself to being locked into the game. A true basketball head and gym rat, so when it comes to my draft stock, I don’t really pay attention to the outside noise. I can only control how good I play by putting in the work every day and praying that the right team chooses me and they won’t be disappointed. I can lead a team. That’s what I planned on doing with the Ignite in my second season, but whatever team or decision I decide to make, everyone will see I can take any team and make them better if given the opportunity to be me and play freely. I need the team that I play for next to believe in my abilities and allow me to be the best player I can be like the Ignite did.
What are some of the key factors you'll be considering when deciding on your next basketball opportunity?
DP: I haven’t really decided that fully. That’s something that my family and I still have to talk about. But whatever the situation, I just want to be able to play my game, get the same amount of meaningful minutes the Ignite gave me, and play the PG/lead guard position, not just a wing because of my height. I’m a true PG. And hopefully, I'll get my jersey number #1.
Reflecting on your time with the G League Ignite, what do you think were the biggest lessons you learned both on and off the court?
DP: G-League Ignite taught me a lot more than just how to play the game at the pro level. I learned how to be a pro in every aspect of the word. This wasn’t like being in high school or college; this was and still is my actual job. This is the career I actually have to live every day: being accountable, available, mature, and professional. I learned more than just NBA terminology with Ignite. I learned how to move as an adult in the workspace.
How has playing alongside and against some of the top young talents in the G League impacted your growth as a player?
DP: We are a brotherhood for life. I'll always be connected to these dudes for life, no matter what, and I'm grateful for life. The Ignite has not been judged fairly, and I wish more people would come into our world and spend a week with us in our shoes. Even a day. They would see that every young player isn't built for this life. All my brothers will be successful as long as they put their minds to it. I'm grateful to have had some really good teammates.
Are there any particular coaches or mentors within the G League Ignite that have had a significant influence on your game?
DP: All the staff has had an important impact on my game, especially my coach, Jason Hart. My teammates, Jeremy Pargo and John Jenkins, were the two most influential people to me. They were big brothers to me, and they taught me so much about how to operate as a pro. From taking care of my body to what I eat and put into my body to just understanding how to play smarter and patient in the NBA game. Like I said before, everyone isn't built for this challenge. You have to be able to listen before you lead and I know I'm ready to lead because I had great leaders to listen to.
Considering the experiences and skills you've gained, what type of team environment are you hoping to find for the next phase of your career?
DP: I'm just looking for a team that will allow me to play through my mistakes and help build me up through those mistakes. In return, I will be a better player for that organization because of the trust from my coaches and staff. So, basically, all I really need is for a coach and organization to trust in me and my abilities.
In what ways do you think your game has evolved since joining the G League Ignite, and how do you plan to continue that growth moving forward?
DP: It has evolved tremendously. I'm nowhere near the player I was over a year ago, back in high school. No doubt, if I knew what I know now back in high school, I'd easily be the No. 1 player in the country. My body is different. I'm like 25 pounds heavier. My vision continues to get even better than it was. My defense is better than it has ever been. I take huge pride in my defense now. I'm not a finished product at all, but I know what I need to do to truly become a great NBA player and teammate.
With the upcoming 2025 NBA draft in mind, what specific aspects of your game do you feel you need to focus on to improve your draft stock?
DP: I will always say I need to improve on every aspect of my game each year, but most definitely, being out for so long with my injury and rehabbing for months, I feel like my shooting declined a little bit. But later in the season, I really started to find my touch again, and I know for sure that with the reps and training this offseason, I'll be back to being a sharpshooter.
Are you leaning more towards joining a team where you can be a focal point or one where you can continue to develop alongside other top players?
DP: Honestly, next season was my season to be the leader of the team with the Ignite, so I think I'm ready to be the main guy and the player on the team who gets everyone involved and affects winning.
How important is it for you to find a team or situation that aligns with your long-term career goals, both in basketball and beyond?
DP: Honestly, that will be the most important thing when I get drafted. Right now, I just want to be able to play for a team that will trust in me and know that they will get a great player, teammate, and locker room leader in return.
As you look ahead, what are some personal goals you've set for yourself in terms of basketball development and achievements?
DP: The first goal is to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft. Some people may think it sounds crazy, but I've put in the work, and I know my ability. No disrespect to anyone else who may be in my draft class, but I know my road has never been easy or the most popular, but I still come out on top. I believe in myself, and that's all that matters. My long-term goal is to eventually be an All-NBA, All-Star, max contract player. I want to be respected for my game even long after I'm done playing.
If you had the opportunity to enter the 2024 draft with your teammates Ron Holland, Matas Buzelis, Tyler Smith and Izan Almansa would that be something you’d explore?
DP: I haven't thought too much about it because I've always known 2025 was my year, but I'm not afraid of any challenge. I believe I could be a top lottery pick in 2024 just like I believe I could in 2025. One day, we will all be in the league at some point, so age really has never mattered to me. I've always played above my age or classification, so being in this draft and with this group going into the NBA at 18 would be no different. So yes, I wish I could if that was an option.
Could yourself going back to college after a year of playing professionally? Have you heard from schools?
DP: Watching March Madness this year and seeing some of the players I personally know be successful in the tournament is pretty cool. There was one point where I did think the college experience may be cool to have, and the fan base and atmosphere would be love to be part of, but being a pro was always the ultimate goal, and having a pro mindset is what I needed to become what I have become and better. Yes, some coaches have tried to contact me and people around me, but I’m a pro. That’s what makes me different. I gave up a year of high school and have experienced things in just ten months that most never experienced in their basketball career.
Lastly, how do you plan to stay motivated and focused during this transition period, knowing that your decisions now will impact your future in the NBA?
DP: My support system consists of my parents, the people I lean on the most, the people who believe in me the most and keep it real with me even when I don’t want to hear it. I’m not worried about failing. Basketball is easy. It’s a privilege. I just have to continue to keep the main thing the main thing, and that’s staying in the gym and constantly finding ways to get better every day.