NCAA leadership development, in conjunction with NCAA enforcement, recently hosted the 2021 Elite Student-Athlete Symposium for Basketball.
The innovative event provides college players with information on how to maintain their eligibility while still in school and what they might experience should they decide to pursue NBA or other professional playing opportunities.
"This past year has been challenging for student-athletes, so we took special measures to make sure that their health and safety were a priority, in addition to providing them with information, materials and access to speakers who will help them make key decisions about their future," said Patrick Malin, NCAA assistant director for leadership development.
"We kept the program numbers small this year, which also allowed the athletes the opportunity for better interaction and to get all of their questions answered from eligibility to managing the realities of life as a professional athlete. We were pleased with this year's program and will continue to work with the athletes and our membership in providing active learning sessions, engagement opportunities and pathways for student-athlete success."
This year's symposium welcomed nine college basketball athletes and six athletics administrators to the program. The administrators attend to actively participate alongside athletes during the symposium and to compile information to share with other elite student-athletes when they return to campus. NCAA staff, athletics officials, NBA representatives, former professional athletes, and subject-matter experts on decision-making, social media, modern relationships and financial advising conducted sessions during the three days of the program.
Program material included rules surrounding the pre-NBA draft process; what to consider when hiring an agent; how to leave school in good standing; and guidance on returning to school to complete a degree. The athletes also hear real-life experiences from former high-profile athletes, which includes best practices on transitioning from the college to the pro ranks. Financial awareness was also addressed, along with money management and possible financial risks and traps.
Athletes learned social media do's and don'ts and how they could both promote and protect themselves via social media platforms. They also participated in communications activities, engaging in one-on-one mock draft interviews where they received critical feedback, and had the opportunity to work with NCAA digital staff.
"This industry-unique programming provides an invitation-only group of young men who have professional aspirations with the tips and tools toward making that next step a reality, keeping in mind of the 1% who do it," said Jeremy McCool, NCAA director of enforcement for men's and women's basketball development. "Access to former NBA players and professional basketball administrators who have been in the student-athletes' shoes offers invaluable perspective, applicable guidance and practical 'pro' techniques. We look forward to watching this year's class perform on the court and pave the way for the NCAA symposium of 2022."
The NCAA has held the Elite Symposium for Basketball since 2016 and also hosts a similar symposium for draft prospects in football each spring. The basketball symposium resumed this year in person after being canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. Past symposium participants have included pro players Jalen Brunson, Ayo Dosunmu, Markus Howard and OG Anunoby in basketball, and Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor and Chase Young in football. In the future, the NCAA plans to host a joint symposium for women and men that will provide similar active learning and engagement opportunities.