Course Overview:

Step into the front office of professional basketball with SMWW’s 8-week online Basketball GM & Scouting course, led by Rick Sund—a 40-year NBA executive and former GM and executive with the Seattle Sonics, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Dallas Mavericks—and Carl Berman, Managing Partner at Netscouts Basketball. This course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and insider knowledge needed to pursue a career in basketball scouting, player personnel, and general management. Whether you're aiming to work in the NBA, G League, college basketball, or internationally, this program provides the foundational expertise required to break into the basketball operations side of the game.

What You’ll Learn:

• Scouting Fundamentals: Understand how to evaluate players at every position using NBA-caliber grading systems and techniques.

• Player Evaluation Tools: Learn how to analyze game film, write detailed scouting reports, and assess intangibles like character, basketball IQ, and work ethic.

• Roster Construction & Salary Cap: Gain insight into how general managers build rosters and navigate the complexities of the NBA salary cap and contracts.

• Draft Strategy & Process: Explore the full NBA Draft process—from player evaluation and draft boards to decision-making and strategy in the war room.

• Basketball Operations Structure: Learn how front offices are organized and operated, including collaboration between coaches, scouts, and personnel departments.

Why Learn from Rick Sund & Carl Berman:

Rick Sund brings over 40 years of experience as an NBA executive, having served as General Manager and executive for multiple NBA franchises, including the Seattle Sonics, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Dallas Mavericks. Rick offers unparalleled insights into the inner workings of NBA front offices, talent evaluation, and team building at the highest level.

Carl Berman is the Managing Partner of Netscouts Basketball, with extensive experience in basketball scouting and player evaluation. Carl provides students with professional scouting techniques, draft preparation strategies, and firsthand knowledge of the basketball scouting industry.

Ideal For:

• Aspiring general managers and pro/college basketball scouts

• Coaches and players transitioning to front office roles

• Sports management professionals interested in basketball operations

• Basketball enthusiasts ready to pursue a career in the sport

Course Highlights:

• Live Mentorship: Engage in weekly live Zoom sessions with Rick Sund and Carl Berman, where you can ask questions and receive direct feedback.

• Scouting Portfolio: Create a portfolio of scouting reports and player evaluations based on real game film and NBA grading practices.

• Resume Enhancement: Participate in a resume redesign service to tailor your experience for basketball industry careers.

• SMWW Certification: Earn a certificate from SMWW that demonstrates your knowledge in basketball operations and scouting, respected throughout the sports industry.

Get Started:

Begin your journey into the business of basketball today. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW Basketball GM & Scouting course page.