More than ever, I have found my world in the CEBL colliding with the world in the NBA as our players head south for the Summer for NBA Summer League and I reach out to teams to see which of their guys may be interested in swapping places and coming north of the border for the summer.
And for you, that Summer League world is where you want to be. It’s not just the NBA that descends on Summer League, it is the entire universe of basketball.
For those looking for a job in the NBA, Summer League is a huge part of the process. Do you have to be at Summer League to get a job or internship in the NBA? No. But will it be helpful? Yes, absolutely.
The key to any job in the NBA is meeting the right people. It might be quantity or quality, whatever gets you to the right person that can help you in the next step of your journey. And the thing is, nearly everyone is at Summer League which means it is an ideal place to make those connections.
For those of you who have been reaching out to people on LinkedIn, over e-mail, cold calls… now is your chance to meet them in person.
When I was helping to hire Interns for the Portland Trail Blazers, there were always around 10-15 top candidates. Around 5 of those would be at Summer League. Those we met at Summer League had an edge simply because we had a face-to-face and personal connection with them. Interviews with those perspective interns was often very casual, simply inviting them to join me and the staff at a game. If we liked sitting with them for a basketball game, hopefully, we’d like sitting with them for 81+ more.
One of the most effect ways I can recommend people making connections before attending NBA Summer League is attending our Summer League Crash Course. It’s designed to help you meet and connect with others before attending, build out your gameplan upon arrival, support you in logistics, and give you the opportunity to go through mock interviews. I can’t recommend it enough. Use promo: SUMMERLEAGUE for $10 off
This is both a build on of connections and our Summer League Course. Nearly everyone at Summer League is looking to either get a job in the NBA or move up the ladder. This can create a scarcity mindset and isolation. Those I have seen who are most successful operate on an abundance mindset. They are there for themselves but also there to support and get to know others, horizontally, not just vertically. People tend to just want to network vertically but networking horizontally with your peers typically leads to more opportunities than the vertical networks. You may get a handshake or quick meet and greet vertically, but you can spend hours at a time getting to know your peers.
Spend time at Summer League building relationships and connections with like-minded hoopers. Watch games together, share notes, meet people together. I can guarantee that this will create a more fulfilling experience at Summer League.
I get asked a lot about various classes at Summer League. There are a wide array of opportunities. For me, it is always about counting the cost.
The value in classes is often simply connecting and meeting with people. Don’t feel as if you have to take a class to get a job. If there is a class offered that you are passionate about, yes, go for it. If you simply want to attend games and meet people, that’s a success too. The key thing is always… connections. If a class helps you connect with others, go for it.
Most of the time, those running these courses can’t give you a job. They can help give you some tools. But your focus should be on connecting with your peers and those who can give you a job. Don’t feel like you have to pay extra at Summer League to find value. The value is found in the hallways in between games.
There are a lot of opportunities to volunteer and build your network at Summer League. If you are already a GA or Team Manager, use those connections to see if you can be part of the Summer League support staff. Oftentimes, teams will bring on team attendants and support throughout Summer League and SL itself, has many opportunities to be involved.
To make these connections, you have to utilize your network and do some of your own homework. Go to the website, send e-mails, find others who’ve done what you’d like to do. And if you’re not able to get in the mix this summer, meet people there who can help you get in the mix for next summer!
Any experience and work with a team can be a valuable piece to your resume.
Whether it is pre-planned or a casual bump in, you have the opportunity to meet NBA personnel.
It might just be a hello or greeting and that’s fine. It may be a 5 minute chat. It may lead to a coffee. It may be sitting together at a game. All of it is a win! Any connections you are able to establish are valuable. Don’t discount any of it. Even if it’s a handshake, that is a connection point.
Reach out to as many people as possible prior to Summer League to attempt to establish connections prior to getting there. And once you are there, be flexible and keep connecting! Plans and availability will constantly change among League personnel so don’t be discouraged, be flexible.
And when in doubt… stand in the hallway between the two gyms and I guarantee you are going to meet people.
Our Summer League Crash Course is on June 29 and June 30, 8-10p ET / 5-8p PT. Meet NBA personnel and others who will be attending NBA Summer League. Learn tips for connecting and participate in a mock interview process. 10 of our students are now working in the NBA with another 100+ working in basketball. We look forward to seeing and meeting you there!
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