Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience

Welcome back to another episode of the SBC Audio Experience! We’re thrilled to feature Zion Atwater, a talented Video Production Intern with the Utah Jazz  & Utah Hockey Club, and a rising star in the sports media industry. A proud VSL alum, Zion graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a B.A. in Media Production and a B.S. in Strategic Communication. This summer, she expanded her expertise by working with HallPass Media at Jalen Brunson’s Charity Golf Tournament, collaborating with fellow VSL alumni to create compelling content. Now with the Utah Jazz, Zion is using her skills to produce engaging content for the team and further her career in sports media.
In this episode, Riley & Zion discuss:

• Her experience working with Coach Prime at CU Athletics and how it shaped her content production skills
• The valuable lessons she learned working behind the scenes at NBA Summer League
• Her current role with the Utah Jazz and how she's advancing in the field

Zion’s passion for sports media, coupled with her ability to thrive under pressure and think creatively, makes her a standout in the industry. Tune in to hear about her inspiring journey, her tips for building a standout portfolio, and the importance of networking and mentorship in shaping a successful career.

Welcome back to the SBC Audio Experience! Today, we're excited to feature #SBCAlumni Erica Brunson, a Client & Marketing Services professional at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Erica graduated from Villanova University in 2023 with a degree in Communications and a minor in Education. During her time at Villanova, she gained valuable experience interning with the Dallas Mavericks' social media team in 2022, where she honed her skills in digital strategy and fan engagement.

In this episode, host Riley Sager sits down with Erica to discuss:

• What sparked her interest in the business side of sports
• The unique elements that set SBC Immersive apart from other sports programs
• Her involvement with her family's Second Round Foundation and the incredible projects she's learning from and contributing to
• Her top advice for those aiming to break into the sports industry

After participating in the SBC 2023 Immersive in Las Vegas, Erica's passion for sports business led her to secure a full-time role at CAA in June 2024. Beyond her professional endeavors, Erica is actively involved the Second Round Foundation, which aims to empower young individuals to achieve their full potential regardless of their background.We’re thrilled to have Erica join us as she shares her journey from Villanova to CAA, insights from her time as an SBC alum, and how she balances her growing career with her commitment to charitable work.

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Welcome back to another episode of the SBC Audio Experience! Today, we are excited to feature Joel Garcia, a dynamic VSL Alumni and the Director of Player Development for the Westchester Knicks. Joel's journey in the sports world is a testament to his passion and commitment to player growth and team success. Born in New York, his basketball journey began at South Kent High School and continued at Southern University in Louisiana, where he also pursued his passion for art, earning a degree in Art History.

In this episode, Riley & Joel discuss: 

• Joel’s transition from playing basketball to focusing on the business side of the sport, and what led him to pursue a career in player development.
• Building trust with his players and navigating the balance between on-court mentorship and off-court guidance
• How Joel is working toward his future career goals today

In his role, Joel focuses on ensuring player development by working closely with players on the court and analyzing game film. Joel has seamlessly transitioned into a vital role where he focuses on developing talent and fostering a winning culture. With an eye for talent and a strategic approach to player development, he is dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential both on and off the court. Tune in to hear Joel’s inspiring journey and valuable insights on navigating a career in sports, building trust with players, and how his past experiences continue to shape his future.

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Welcome to episode 107 of Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience. In today’s episode, alumni host Riley Sager, sits down with 2024 SBC Alumni Mohamed Haji. A remarkable 23-year-old SBC Alumni from Bahrain who is making a major impact in the sports world by blending basketball with cutting-edge technology. Mohamed’s journey is truly inspiring—from starting out as a player to now playing a key role in the executive management of the Bahrain Basketball National Team, Mohamed’s journey is one of hard work, dedication, and continuous self-improvement.

In this episode, Riley and Mohamed discuss:

• How growing up in Bahrain influenced Mohamed’s aspirations to work in sports management and technology, and the unique challenges he faced in the basketball scene there.
• Mohamed’s approach to building strong relationships with coaches, and how those relationships evolved when he transitioned to an administrative role.
• The impact of technology on the future of basketball, both in Bahrain and globally, and Mohamed’s efforts to integrate new innovations into the sport.

In just two and a half years, Mohamed has helped the national team rise from 108th to 67th in the world rankings, all while working closely with the team’s chairman to develop innovative strategies that merge sports and technology. Mohamed’s passion for raising Bahrain's flag high and advancing the sport of basketball through technology is a testament to his dedication and vision. In today’s episode, Mohamed shares his journey, his ambitions, and how he’s breaking barriers in the sports industry. Stay tuned—you won’t want to miss this conversation!

This episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is from a previously recorded webinar on “Rookie/Veteran Extensions & Final Roster Decisions” hosted by Bobby Marks (SBC Lead Instructor & ESPN Front Office Insider ), Eric Pincus (SBC Instructor, Salary Cap Strategist & Writer for Bleacher Report) and Steven Alves (SBC Instructor). Throughout the webinar our hosts discuss the NBA's recent October 21, 2024 deadline for Rookie/Veteran Extensions and final roster submissions ahead of the 2024-25 NBA Season.Bobby, Eric and Steven dive deep on the following:

• Extension Rules
• Players of the 2021 NBA Draft class that signed a Rookie Extension
• Players that signed a Veteran Extension
• Key roster decisions
• Q&A session with webinar attendees

This webinar is an example of what students learn during the SBC Business of Basketball Immersive Experience. If you have any interest in taking part in our next program this upcoming Summer, be sure to join our Early Interest List. Early interest list registrants get the first opportunity to register for a program with limited capacity that will sell out. Sign up for the Business of Basketball Immersive Experience taking place in July 2025 during the Las Vegas Summer League.

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In today’s episode of the Sports Business Audio Experience, we’re thrilled to sit down with Valentina Mattioli, Travel Operations Project Manager for the Paris 2024 Olympics & Paralympics. Valentina's journey in sports has been nothing short of inspiring, with a background that spans multiple countries and cultures. She graduated from CIELS University with a bachelor’s degree in Translation & Interpretation, as well as Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations. Thanks to two prestigious scholarships, Valentina gained valuable experience studying abroad, which has shaped her approach to global event management.In this insightful conversation, host Riley Sager and Valentina cover a range of topics, including:

• The critical skills Valentina developed during her time with FIBA, and how those have influenced her career
• Expert advice on building trust and cultivating meaningful relationships with potential employers and colleagues
• Her most significant operational takeaways from managing large-scale sporting events like the Olympics

Valentina's love for sports, especially basketball, has been the driving force behind her career. She began her professional journey as an intern at FIBA while still completing her university studies. Over the course of three years, she became an integral part of FIBA's global basketball operations, managing logistics and contributing to the success of major international events. Throughout the episode, she shares stories of her experiences on the ground and reflects on the challenges and rewards of working in such high-stakes environments. Whether you're looking to break into the sports industry or just fascinated by the behind-the-scenes of global sports events, this episode is packed with valuable insights from one of the industry's rising stars.

In this special episode of the SBC Audio Experience, host Riley Sager sits down with Hall of Fame Sportswriter J.A. Adande, who was recently added to the lineup of instructors for the 2024 Sports Business Classroom Business of Basketball Immersive Experience, set to take place from July 14-20 during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

In this episode, Riley and J.A. discuss:

• J.A.’s biggest surprise when he entered the sports industry
• Advice for SBC students in an ever-changing industry 
• What to expect at this year’s Immersive Experience in Las Vegas
• What J.A. suggests students should do when putting together a portfolio

Currently serving as the Director of Sports Journalism at Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, Adande has covered a multitude of prestigious events including the Olympic Games, Wimbledon, Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, and the NBA Finals. Adande is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Journalism. His dedication to mentorship and education underscores his commitment to fostering the next generation of sports industry leaders.

Don't miss out on this engaging discussion about the intersection of sports journalism and the basketball industry, and how J.A. Adande's insights will undoubtedly enrich the Business of Basketball Immersive Experience.

Learn more: sportsbusinessclassroom.com

Welcome to episode 103 of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience podcast, where we dive into the world of sports media and broadcasting with Justin Termine, the esteemed voice of NBA Today on SiriusXM NBA Radio. Broadcasting live from HallPass Studios, Justin joins our Alumni Host Riley Sager for an insightful conversation packed with insider insights and career reflections.
In this episode, Riley and Justin discuss:

• Opportunities Justin took that led him to his current role
• What it's been like to have a passion for your craft for so long
• The impact technology has made in the world of Sports Media & Broadcast
• Why should listeners enroll in SBC’s Business of Basketball Immersive Experience

Justin attended Emerson College in Boston, where he majored in Broadcast Journalism and got a taste of the big leagues. From there he worked his way up through different Emcee roles in the industry, while starting his current position at Sirius XM in 2005 and has worked there for the past 18 years. At Sirius XM, Justin also hosts live from NBA All-Star Games, Finals, Drafts, Combines, and the Las Vegas Summer League while working with current and former players.

Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through Justin Termine's path to broadcasting excellence, a testament to resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to the craft. 

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If you have any interest in attending the Business of Basketball Immersive Experience program taking place July 14-20, 2024 during the Las Vegas Summer, be sure to register as soon as possible as space is limited.

Learn more: sportsbusinessclassroom.com

Today’s guest is SBC Instructor, Podcast Host, and Former Player Development Assistant Coach for the Brooklyn Nets, Steve Jones Jr.. Steve is the son of basketball legend Steve “Snapper” Jones and has been surrounded by basketball his entire life. For college Steve played basketball at Arizona State from 2005-08 and then transferred to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas where he played until 2010.

In this episode, Riley and Steve discuss:

• Steve’s mindset when he didn’t get employed fresh out of college
• Being thrown into a role right before the NBA season
• Coaching for the Brooklyn Nets
• What he plans to bring to the table this summer at SBC Immersive

After his college career, Steve got his start in the sports industry with the Memphis Grizzlies in a Video Coordinator position where he gained a lot of experience, eventually reaching Head Video Coordinator. From Memphis, Steve then moved on to a position with the Brooklyn Nets as an Assistant Coach for Player Development. Fast forward to today, Steve is now the host of The Dunker Spot Podcast where he talks all things basketball with co-host, Nekias Duncan.

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Today’s guest is SBC Instructor and NBA Front Office Insider Consultant Steven Alves. Steven is skilled in Analytical Skills and statistical Data Analysis, with a Master's Degree in Sports Management, from California State University, Long Beach. Certified in NBA Scouting and General Management, Steven’s current role is Player Personnel and Video Coordinator for the New Orleans Pelicans G-League Team the Birmingham Squadron.
In this episode, Riley and Steven discuss:

• His initial fascination with sports
• The NBA Certification Program
• Where Steven’s motivation comes from
• Steven’s pivotal role at SBC

Tune in and discover Steven’s insights on NBA certification, favorite players, and the nuances of game analysis. Gain valuable advice for aspiring sports professionals and hear firsthand about Steven's excitement for the upcoming 2024 SBC Business of Basketball Immersive Experience. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sports and eager to break into the industry.

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