Basketball GM and Scouting FAQ
Becoming an NBA Scout
How do I become an NBA Scout?
Becoming an NBA scout takes a deep understanding of basketball, hands on experience through coaching, playing, or working with teams, and strong industry networking. Most scouts build their path through college basketball or unpaid internships before landing a role with an NBA organization. Structured training, such as SMWW's Basketball GM and Scouting course taught by NBA and international scouts, is a common starting point, and graduates are invited to join NetScouts Basketball for on the job training and credentialing opportunities at collegiate and international games.
How do NBA Players get scouted?
NBA prospects are typically identified through college games, international leagues, and NBA combines, where scouts evaluate athletic ability, basketball IQ, and long term potential. Standout high school tournaments and AAU competitions can also put players on scouts' radar well before they reach college or professional basketball.
How much do NBA Scouts make a year?
NBA scouts typically earn between roughly $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on their experience level and the team's scouting budget. Senior scouts with extensive track records can earn more, particularly at large market franchises with bigger scouting departments.
What does a basketball scout actually do?
A basketball scout evaluates players' skills, strengths, and weaknesses in order to assess their potential for professional or collegiate competition. This involves attending games in person, reviewing game film, and delivering formal recommendations to team management on potential draft picks, trades, or free agent signings.
How do you become an NBA Scout?
To become an NBA scout, gain experience by working in basketball at any level, build relationships with professionals in the industry, and learn how to assess talent. Many scouts start as assistants, coaches, or by working in college sports.
About the SMWW Basketball GM and Scouting Course
Will the Basketball GM and Scouting Course help me get a job in basketball?
The course is designed to help, though it is not a guarantee. Over the eight week program, students meet weekly with former NBA General Manager Rick Sund and NBA scout Carl Berman, learning the same evaluation techniques and front office strategies currently used by NBA teams. Beyond the curriculum itself, the networking with mentors and fellow students focused on breaking into basketball is often what helps graduates stand out in a competitive hiring pool.
Do students really get weekly access to Rick Sund?
Yes. Throughout the eight week course, students join a live one hour Zoom session each week with Rick Sund, Carl Berman, and Dr. Lashbrook, structured as an interactive question and answer session. Guest speakers join periodically as well, and any missed sessions are archived for later viewing.
Do International Scouts take this course?
Yes. SMWW draws students from more than 160 countries, and both course mentors have experience evaluating international basketball talent. The course supports students interested in leagues such as the EuroLeague, Spain's Liga ACB, Germany's Basketball Bundesliga, Turkey's Basketball Super League, Italy's Lega Basket Serie A, and France's LNB Pro A, among others.
What is the difference between the Sports Sales and Marketing course and the Basketball GM and Scouting Course?
The two courses serve different goals. Sports Sales and Marketing is built for students who want an entry level job in professional sports as quickly as possible, covering ticket sales, sponsorship sales, and networking, with a hands on project completed alongside a major or minor league team. Basketball GM and Scouting, by contrast, focuses specifically on basketball operations, including evaluating talent, running a front office, and understanding the scouting process. Students aiming for a basketball front office career often benefit from taking both.
How else can I break into the basketball industry?
Basketball front office careers do not always follow a straight line. For example, former Indiana Pacers GM David Morway spent time working as a sports agent before returning to team operations. For those open to a different entry point, SMWW's Athlete Management Course covers how to represent NBA and international basketball players, which can also build valuable industry contacts.
Do I need any special equipment or books for the course?
No special equipment is required beyond a computer with internet access. Course materials and books are mailed directly to students, and some are specialized titles that are not available through typical retail bookstores.
Do I need to be tech savvy to take this course?
No. SMWW's technical support team is available to help with anything from microphone setup to general computer troubleshooting, so a basic comfort level with a computer and an internet connection is all that is required.
What is the minimum age to enroll in this course?
Students must be eighteen or older to enroll.
Do I need a college degree to take this course?
No college degree is required to enroll in the Basketball GM and Scouting course.
What if I need one on one assistance?
SMWW staff are available by phone throughout the course for one on one help with coursework, live sessions, or career questions. Call 1 877 SMWW NOW in the United States and Canada, +44 0 871 288 4799 in the United Kingdom, or +1 503 445 7105 from anywhere else. Our offices are in Portland, Oregon, and London, England.
Do you have more questions?
You can reach SMWW directly by phone. Call 1 877 SMWW NOW in the United States or Canada, call +44 0 871 288 4799 in the United Kingdom, or call +1 503 445 7105 from anywhere else in the world.
Jerry Jaranilla