Sports
NCAA Elite Symposium for Basketball prepares student-athletes for … – NCAA.org
Media Center Susanna Weir
Development is not about working on your strengths. It’s about focusing on your weaknesses.
This was the message shared with 14 Division I men’s basketball players as they attended last week’s NCAA Elite Student-Athlete Symposium for Men’s Basketball. Hosted by the NCAA leadership development and basketball enforcement staffs, the three-day event aims to prepare high-profile college players with remaining eligibility for the transition to a professional career.
The NCAA has hosted the Elite Symposium for Men’s Basketball nearly every year since 2016 and hosts a similar symposium for draft prospects in football each spring. The NCAA held the Above the Rim Summit, a similar event for women’s basketball players, at the 2023 Women’s Final Four. Student-athletes are invited to the symposium after NCAA staff members consult with coaches, athletics administrators, professional sports officials and other experts closely linked to draft prospect lists. Many former participants have experienced success at the NBA level, including OG Anunoby, Ayo Dosunmu, Jalen Brunson and Markus Howard.
“It means so much to me to be invited,” said Myles Stute, a graduate student forward at South Carolina. “Just to have the chance to network with this group of guys and have the chance to meet collegiate basketball players like myself at the highest level, all around the country, that will have the opportunity to play professionally … it’s nothing but a dream come true.”
This year’s attendees, representing 13 schools, had the opportunity to engage with former NBA players, NCAA staff members and several other subject matter experts. The speakers covered topics including the draft process, agents, financial management, social media, leadership development and mental health best practices.
“In two days, I learned so much just about finances, leadership skills, mental health and a growth mindset,” said Nae’Qwan Tomlin, a senior forward at Kansas State. “I feel like there’s a lot of things that I can go back to my school and help tell my team about.”
Attendees engaged in a panel discussion with former collegiate and NBA players that focused on the transition to the NBA, creating career longevity and the mindset of successful professional athletes. The panelists were Cherokee Parks, who currently works in player development at the NBA and spent nine seasons in the league after competing for Duke; Kenny Gattison, current vice president of programs and membership at the National Basketball Retired Players Association who spent nine seasons in the NBA after competing for Old Dominion; and Tony Massenburg, current NBC Sports Washington analyst who spent 15 seasons in the NBA after competing for Maryland.
“I think it’s just eye opening,” said Gabe McGlothan, senior forward at Grand Canyon. “Just hearing it from people who have done it before, experienced people, to go out there and work on your craft in different ways that maybe you didn’t even realize or needed a wake-up call in.”
“I think that when you learn from people that have been in your position, in your shoes, people that are where you want to be, it’s valuable,” added Chase Hunter, senior guard at Clemson.
NCAA staff members led attendees through sessions focused on preparing for their final year of college while thinking about the next steps in their career. Jeremy McCool, director of basketball development, discussed prioritizing academics, as well as the importance of earning a degree and being a lifelong learner. Derrick Coles, associate director of name, image, and likeness development at the NCAA, advised attendees on how to declare for the draft while still maintaining collegiate eligibility. Players also engaged in mock interviews to help prepare them for future interactions with NBA representatives.
“I went through the draft process (this year), but I see it as the second time reading a book, you never know what you can learn the next time around,” said Dillon Jones, senior forward at Weber State. “You can never get enough knowledge in something, so I’m trying to learn as much as possible.”
While the symposium featured several basketball-specific sessions, attendees also participated in sessions centered around personal and professional development off the court. Ty Ellis, USA Basketball assistant coach and founder of the Ellis Performance Group, engaged with student-athletes in a session about core values and developing a growth mindset, while Kennette Thigpen Harris, CEO of Welltrust Partners, guided attendees through a mental health workshop.
“When the ball goes flat, they’re teaching a lot of life skills, and I think that’s huge,” McGlothan said. “The thought process that has gone into it … you can tell that there’s actual care, there’s actual intent, and they want to see student-athletes succeed past basketball.”
Dennis Scott, commentator for Turner Sports and former NBA star, wrapped up the weekend as the event’s keynote speaker. He spoke to the student-athletes about what to expect when entering the league and the importance of taking care of mind, body and finances throughout the transition.
“I understand that it’s a rarity that people get invited to this, and I’m definitely grateful for it,” Jones said. “I know one day when I sit back and look at the things I’ve done, this is going to be up at the top of the list.”
Thanks for visiting !
The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy.
We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here.
Thank you for your support!
