Post-Game Play: A Plan for Life

January 29, 2010

Every year NBA stars like Shaquille O'Neal travel to the Syracuse University Newhouse School of Public Communications to take part in the NBPA's exclusive Sportscaster U broadcast training program.

By: Talia Bargil
for NBPA.com

Long after the ball stops bouncing, NBA players are staying on top of their game. With post-basketball plans in place, numerous pro ballers are preparing themselves to master the X’s and O’s of life off the court.

As the average NBA career lasts less than five years, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) provides a host of services to assist each player in identifying, developing and executing their own post-game plan.

Off-season programs, including those focused on business, broadcasting and coaching, allow players to hone in on specific areas of interest at the world’s most distinguished institutions.

After Indiana Pacers center Jeff Foster attended a summer business program – via the NBPA – at The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 2008, he was prompted to complete his college degree. Foster graduated from Texas State University in August 2009.

“With the encouragement and advice of the NBPA Executive Education Program, I was able to fulfill a promise to my parents and graduate from college,” said Foster, who joins fellow NBA players Samuel Dalembert, Zaza Pachulia, Theo Ratliff, Quentin Richardson and many more, in the ranks of those who completed similar NBPA-facilitated business programs at Stanford University and Kellogg.

For those seeking a career in front of the camera, the NBPA offers Sportscaster U., a hands-on seminar held at Syracuse University’s state-of-the-art Newhouse School of Public Communications. Designed to develop the skills and experience necessary for a player to embark on a career in broadcast journalism, participants learn everything from broadcast basics to game coverage, interview techniques, studio performance and technology.

This past summer, 15-time All-Star Shaquille O’Neal participated in the intensive course and left telling his NBA peers, “If you’re interested in broadcasting, do yourself a favor and call your career counselor. I’m glad I did.”

Responding to the number of NBA players often expressing interest in coaching upon their retirement, the NBPA offers a Coaching Program to prepare players for such an endeavor.

“This program has shown me what it actually takes to be a successful coach. It has given me the opportunity to gain knowledge and become informed about every aspect of coaching,” said Oklahoma Thunder guard Kevin Ollie.

The Career Development Department offers players comprehensive services year round and functions to provide the skills and tools necessary to promote their personal, intellectual and professional development, on and off the court. With an overall goal of preparing players to continue their stardom in all areas of their lives once their playing days are over, programs include everything from academic advising and tutoring services to skills training and interview techniques.

And as the Department provides year round services, the NBPA encourages players to take advantage of their resources during the NBA season as well. Options include online classes, private tutoring and self assessment-tests that determine interests and strengths.

New Jersey Net Devin Harris said taking an online college course during the season did not interfere in any way with his play or team obligations and that he chose to do so in an effort to complete his college degree from the University of Wisconsin more efficiently.

“It is important to me to finish what I started and graduate from a university that I am very proud of…having a college degree is just one of the many things I hope to accomplish along with a successful basketball career,” he said.

While no NBA player knows for sure how long their playing career will last, they know one thing is for sure…at some point it will end. Preparing and planning is the key to the game.

“Remember, your potential is up to you. Not only is it up to you…it’s in you,” said Ollie. “Life is change, growth is optional. Choose wisely.”