Cal Poly star Hamad Mousa rejects $1.5 million NIL offer to stay

Hamad Mousa, a 6‑foot‑8 forward who led the Big West with 20.4 points per game, entered the NCAA transfer portal after his sophomore season at Cal Poly. Bids for his services reached roughly $1.5 million for a single year. Coach Mike DeGeorge, whose total roster budget is about $500,000, kept Mousa’s return secret and offered him the highest salary on the team—far less than the market value. Mousa chose to remain at Cal Poly, citing a desire for stability, the program’s fast‑tempo style that showcases his skills, and his long‑term NBA goals. His father, Yassin Mousa, a former Qatari star and general manager of Al Rayyan, said the family could afford to forgo the large NIL payout. The case underscores the growing financial dynamics of NIL deals and mid‑major basketball programs.