You know I was sort of joking, but it is amusing that a pro salary is less than the salary of an unproven college freshman???
This problem is actually what led to entry year regulated pay across all sports. Back in the day Joe Namath was highest paid NFL player, while be was still a student at Alabama.
Pros hated seeing a kid get millions for potential, while they got peanuts for actual proven performance.
Owners didn't mind paying a few stars well, but couldn't overpay the whole roster.
Compromise in CBA was series of low paid entry years, followed by free market free agency. Players like it, as only players who earn it on the field get paid.
Owners like it, as it gives them cheap young players to keep total payroll down (or under cap).