HOOP DREAMS

What does it take to achieve your dreams? I, for one, have no idea. But, I am dying to find out. I attended and graduated Law School for the sole purpose of attaining a Basketball Management position. I have attended NBA Drafts, March Madness Tournaments, NBA Games, and scouted every prospect imaginable. Yet, my attempts to find the Basketball Management position of my dreams have yet to pan out. While I am aware I will not be handed a high level position immediately, any opportunity in Basketball Management would open countless doors, all I seek is that first foot in.

My journey began by contacting the Toronto Raptors. Daily. At this point it is shocking that they have yet to put a restraining order on me. For several months, I called and e-mailed every Raptors Basketball Operations employee, just as Masai Ujiri had done to gain his initial Basketball Operations position with the Orlando Magic. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment held a yearly event for their employees. Adam Silver was there. And so was I. Several weeks later, the Raptors held a press conference to announce the 2016 All Star Game in Toronto, as well as the team's partnership with Drake. Once again, I was able to find a way to attend the event. At both events I spoke with Raptors General Manager, Masai Ujiri. When he would not accept my resume and cover letter on the spot, I waited outside of his office to ensure he would have my information. After months of badgering, I received a call to interview for a Basketball Operations Internship position with the Toronto Raptors.

In preparation for my interview, I wrote a fourteen page breakdown of the coming NBA Draft, before the college season had started. I believe this showed my scouting acumen, knowledge of the prospects, and overall greater basketball understanding. The interview went fine, but I was not awarded the position. While I made it clear in the interview that I was on the brink of attaining my dream position, it was simply not enough. It is possible that, with Canada's new internship laws, I was not capable of interning for the Raptors, as I was no longer a student, and thus needed to be paid. Nevertheless, I was heartbroken. My constant contact with the team has continued, and I look to one day finally achieve my goal.

After failing to gain a position with the Raptors, I contacted every NBA team, WNBA team, NCAA team, Canadian University team, and Basketball Agency I could. I cannot put into words the amount of time and effort it has taken to simply get in touch with the right people. At this point, I have memorized the speech I have recited to countless Basketball Executives.

The first of my connections was made through a friend, who is close with a USA Basketball Executive. I was called by Sean Ford, the USA Basketball Men's National Team Director. While no immediate opportunities were available, we have kept in touch, and I look forward to helping Team USA in the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto.

The first team to reach out to me was the Texas Legends of the National Basketball Development League. I was not offered a full time position, but instead a part time opportunity to help with the team. At this point, any opportunity would be extremely helpful, as being able to display my abilities in person will surely be the reason why I eventually succeed.

Several weeks ago I discovered Yeshiva University in New York had hired a new Basketball Coach. I was able to contact him on twitter, and a potential opportunity exists as their Assistant Coach. While the team competes in Division III of College Basketball, any opportunity to gain basketball experience would significantly help my future possibilities.

Last week, while attending a friend's wedding in New York, luck seemed to find my favour. I received a call from the San Antonio Spurs, who I had forgotten contacting. While I have yet to attain an interview with the best organization in basketball, the process for them does not truly begin until after the NBA Draft. My fingers remain crossed.

For the next few days I walked around New York, dropping off my resume and cover letter to every Sports Agency I knew of. My confident strut and professional demeanour were continuously halted by displeased security. Nevertheless, I continued to persevere. As I walked down 5th avenue, I noticed a familiar tall and skinny figure in a suit. It was Adam Silver. I approached Mr. Silver, gave him my resume and cover letter, and explained my plight. I made sure he had someone with the NBA contact me; and they did. Unfortunately, the league office in New York cannot hire Canadians due to sponsorship issues.

I then sat down for lunch at Europa Cafe, when Jim Tanner called me. Mr. Tanner is one of the top Agents in the NBA. Again, there were no available opportunities with his newly formed Agency "Tandem Sports and Entertainment." Nevertheless, it was another opportunity to explain my qualifications and goals.

It has become increasingly clear in my job hunt that it is more about who you know than what. I possess an unlimited knowledge of basketball, nevertheless, I have yet to gain a position in my field of choice. While at a family function recently, a cousin informed me of a family member that is an Executive at one of the top Sports Agencies. He was able to get in touch with these Agents and inform them of my capabilities. Since it is a busy time, they have yet to contact me, but I remain hopeful.

While I have yet to find a full time opportunity in Basketball Management, I believe my persistence, personality, and basketball expertise will land me a position in the near future. It has been dejecting being continuously turned down, but in the end, all I need is one 'yes.'

For those interested in contacting me, please call me at 647-985-7721 or e-mail me at wesbbrown@gmail.com.

-Wes