Basketball
GM & Scouting student John Ross has arrived in
Portland, Oregon. The Indiana native is happy to be here
because it means that he has joined an NBA team for the first
time in his life. Ross, a recent graduate of Liberty
University, came to SMWW knowing that he wanted to work in the
NBA but unsure how to get into the business side of sports.
"When I found SMWW and the class, I wasn't sure if I
really needed to do it to get a job or how the course was
going to help me," said Ross. "I knew I wanted to work for an
NBA team, but I didn't know how to get in or what the
different positions were in the front office. I'm so glad that
I took Basketball GM & Scouting course. I learned a lot
and I definitely wouldn't have gotten this opportunity without
it."
Ross is only in his second week with the team but already
he feels very comfortable. He is helping the team at every
practice and getting a chance to interact with the coaches,
players and front office staff.
"They are like a big family here," said Ross. "Everyone
is really nice and you get to talk directly to the players and
coaches, which is very cool. I was surprised that players
would just come into the video room and hang out and watch
film with us. I am getting to learn so much by watching
practice every day and by watching a lot of film."
Ross is part of a team of three video guys who film &
log every practice. They also log games going on around the
NBA, NCAA games and international games. Ross is responsible
mainly for logging international games and NCAA games, once
the college season begins.
"I'm excited to watch a lot of the top international
talent because you don't really get to see a lot of those
players and the actual games when you live in the States."
When asked how much SMWW helped, Ross explained how he owes
his breakthrough to SMWW and their staff.
"The course gave me some great contacts for sure and
also just gave me the confidence and understanding of how to
get in," said Ross. "After the course was over, I spoke to
Bill Kent (SMWW's Director of Basketball) and he connected me
with a friend of his at the Boston Celtics. I interviewed
there and didn't get the job but I guess I did a good job
because their video guy helped me get in contact with the
Blazers."
"When I interviewed with the Blazers, they were familiar
with SMWW right away. They asked me about the course and I was
able to demonstrate that I had learned a lot and was not just
another guy who didn't have any experience. I know for sure
that I wouldn't have gotten this opportunity without SMWW and
the course. Getting a chance to talk to guys like Frank
[Burlison], Ed [Gregory] and Chad [Ford] as well as using
Synergy Sports Technology in the course was also a huge help
because the video guys here are familiar with it so I don't
think anyone else who interviewed could say that."
Ross says that he would definitely recommend the courses at
SMWW for those who want to get into the business side of
sports.
"It worked for me! A few months ago, I was doing
anything I could to just get in. With the help of the course
and SMWW, I'm starting my career in basketball and I couldn't
be happier. Thanks to everyone at SMWW."
If you are interested in signing up for a course with SMWW,
visit our website by selecting
this text and getting started today...
Or call us today at
1-877-SMWW-Now
or +1
503-445-7105
