Sports Business Secrets: Recent Episodes
Kevin Tarca
Hi, I’m Kevin Tarca, Founder of Kreation Talent Agency!
This podcast is designed to share secrets from experts in the sports business world to help you along your own path to success in this industry. You’ll hear from general managers of professional teams to CEOs of sports tech companies to agents, coaches, players and everything in between.
Join me in real time on my personal journey of representing players & coaches, traveling the world and always finding a way to battle through obstacles in this competitive industry!
www.kevintarca.com www.kreationtalent.com
After a decade of building Kreation Talent Agency from the ground up — negotiating deals across Europe and Asia, traveling to 46 countries, and learning every lesson the hard way — I’ve officially made the transition to FreeGame Management as Director of Basketball Strategy & Athlete Manager.
In this episode, I share the why behind the move, what FreeGame is all about, and answer some of the most common questions I’ve been getting:
- Am I still repping pros?
- Am I focusing more on international or domestic?
- How does this new role expand into high school and college representation?
Grateful for the KTA journey. Fired up for this next chapter with FreeGame. Let’s get it.
Summer League is here! Back in Las Vegas navigating the chaos — catching up with NBA and international teams, seeing familiar faces, and finding ways to keep showing up.
A few quick updates:
🇯🇵 Donovan is suiting up for the B.LEAGUE United team and dropped 21 in his debut vs. the Raptors.
🛡️ Toyo made his national team debut for Japan with 4 points and 4 blocks vs. the Netherlands — now preparing for FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia.
💼 KTA crossed an exciting milestone in contracts this summer (and we’re not done yet).
Summer League isn’t about doing everything — it’s about doing the right things, with the right people, for the right reasons.
Keep showing up!
Today we are joined by professional basketball player & entrepreneur, Jordan Morgan!
Jordan has built a remarkable journey that spans far beyond the basketball court. After playing college basketball at the University of Michigan, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, he went on to enjoy an 11-year professional career overseas, competing in top leagues across eight different countries. He also obtained dual citizenship and proudly represented the Slovenian national team on the international stage.
But Jordan’s story doesn’t stop there. Off the court, he’s turned his passion for travel, tech, and impact into purpose-driven ventures. Alongside his wife KT, he started a company aimed at making travel more efficient and personalized. Soon after, they leveled up and co-founded Spin.Travel, a business travel management platform to save teams time and money. They are now leveraging lessons from visiting countries all over the world to create better experiences for travelers. In addition to his businesses. he continues to give back through the Jordan Morgan Foundation, his nonprofit organization aimed at improving the social and educational welfare of youth in Detroit.
Throughout the episode we dive into:
- The recruiting process & decision to sign with the University of Michigan
- His journey from engineering student-athlete to elite pro prospect
- Basketball & life lessons learned from his coach, John Beilein
- What it’s like building a career overseas and the hidden challenges of life abroad
- How dual citizenship opened doors for his playing career
- The transition from athlete to entrepreneur — and what inspired Spin Travel
- Why long-term planning and your identity beyond sport matters
- And much more
If you're a coach, player, or just curious about international hoops — this one is packed with real-world insight from someone who's been in the trenches.
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
Just me today — a quick update on what I’m working on, what’s happening in the hoops world this summer, and a few big shifts behind the scenes…
- 10 years since I quit the 9–5
- Roy pivots after House v. NCAA
- KTA free agency moves
- New educational content loading...
www.kevintarca.com
www.kreationtalent.com
In today's episode we are joined by Coach Tyler Gatlin after a quick 4 and a half year break from the pod! 🤯
Tyler has carved out a unique path in the basketball world, building a well-rounded résumé across nearly every level of the game. He’s served as a General Manager in the ABA, held operations and assistant coaching roles in the NBA G League, including some time as the Head Coach for the Northern Arizona Suns. He’s also worked in player development for a WNBA team and was an assistant with KCC Egis in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) before a few years in Japan. In Japan he held various roles including an assistant spot with B1's Kyoto Hannaryz before being named the Head Coach of Hachioji Bee Trains in the (B3 League).
This past year, he’s continued making an impact both on and off the court through his role with EPIK Sports Group — helping athletes develop their game, navigate international careers, and leading global projects like camps and coaching trips in countries around the world.
Throughout the episode we dive into:
- His coaching journey through Japan’s B.League (Hannaryz to Hachiojo)
- What it was like transitioning back to Korea & a quick cultural overview
- A lengthy breakdown of the KBL: import rules, style of play, scouting & more
- The major differences between coaching in Japan vs. Korea
- His work with EPIK Sports Group and helping athletes break into the international market
- What it actually takes to thrive as a coach overseas
- and much more
If you're a coach, player, or just curious about international hoops — this one is packed with real-world insight from someone who's been in the trenches.
🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Today’s a big one.
When I started this show, I had no clue what I was doing — no team, no sponsors, no fancy equipment. Just a pair of headphones and a commitment to show up.
Fast forward 5 years… We just crossed 100,000 total downloads.
Along the way, we’ve hit 118 countries, brought on hundreds of guests, and continue to build a growing community around the world.
In this episode, I’m reflecting on the journey, sharing a few fun stats and as always giving a glimpse into what’s coming next for Sports Business Secrets.
Thank you for being part of it.
🎯 Next stop: 200K.
Today I share a quick overview of South Korea for those curious to learn more about the country — and then dive into the pro league - The KBL (Korean Basketball League).
I break down the league structure, import rules, style of play, salary ranges and why it continues to be an attractive place to build a pro career.
In this episode, I break down the current pro landscape — from current league structures and roster rules to import limits and why the B.League has become a magnet for global talent. Plus, a quick teaser on B.LEAGUE PREMIER, Japan’s bold vision to reimagine the future of hoops.
The college landscape is chaos right now — but this episode isn’t just for college athletes. If you’re navigating decisions, dealing with agents, or chasing the next opportunity, this is for you.
In this quick hitter, I share the blunt truth about the portal, the power of communication, and why your long-term reputation matters more than a short-term bag.
Act like a pro. Zoom out. Keep it real.
Back on the road in Tokyo. Quick thoughts from Japan on what’s new with Roy, a few player updates from the KTA fam, and why this breather overseas is much needed. Let’s get into it!
College sports are entering a new era.
Today, Judge Claudia Wilken reviews a proposed $2.8 billion settlement that could redefine how college athletes are supported and compensated.
This episode breaks down the major lawsuits leading up to today — O’Bannon, Alston, and House — and explains what the settlement could mean for current players, schools, and the future of the NCAA model.
Today I talk about two staff roles I believe every modern college basketball program needs — and why ignoring them could cost teams more than they think.
One of these roles is already trending — everyone's talking about it, and most programs are trying to fill it.
The other? It’s the secret weapon of the future — a role that forward-thinking programs will use to create a real edge.
From managing NIL and building athlete support systems to scouting untapped talent and expanding University brand reach globally, these are the two roles for building a modern college basketball staff that could thrive in the new era.
Welcome back to Sports Business Secrets – Season 5 is officially here!
Today I share a life and business update, including what’s been going on behind the scenes during the launch of Roy. I talk about what the podcast is all about, the categories I cover (from college hoops to NIL to the international pro game), and preview what’s coming this month. Whether you're new or tuning in from one of the 119 countries around the world – much love. Let’s get back to it.
Today’s guest is Darren Heitner, one of the most respected and influential voices in college sports, sports business, and the ever-evolving NIL landscape.
Darren wears many hats—he’s an attorney, author, college professor, and founder of Heitner Legal, which he established in 2014. Over the years, Darren has worked with some of the biggest names in sports, guiding them through pivotal moments and major deals.
Beyond his legal expertise, Darren has been a driving force in shaping the dialogue and policies surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness. Not only has he guided athletes and universities in groundbreaking NIL deals; he’s also a leading advocate for reform and a trusted source for decoding the complexities of this transformative era in college athletics.
Whether through his advocacy, teaching, or legal practice, Darren continues to leave an enduring mark on the industry, paving the way for athletes, institutions, and fans alike to navigate this exciting new chapter.
Today we talked about:
- Getting involved in the business early with a unique internship
- The infamous New Year's resolution that started it all
- The difference between an agent and a manager
- What prompted the launch of Heitner Legal
- Some of the services that he provides
- An update on the current NIL landscape
- Some common misconceptions & the need for education
- Brief overview of the House v NCAA Settlement
- What the future of college sports might look like...
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
www.kevintarca.com
Back at it after a few months of focus... here to finish the year strong as we approach 100,000 listens!
- what I've been working on
- Roy updates
- KTA clients
- what's next...
Today’s guest is Yannie Chan, Women's Basketball player at Iona University!
Yannie was was born and raised in Hong Kong, and was the first ever local girls basketball player in the history of Hong Kong to come the United States to play in the NCAA!
She started her college career at Emmanuel College where she won the Player of the Year in 2023. This year she made the transfer to Iona University will she will be gearing up for her first year in Division 1 basketball!
She was a member of the national team this year, representing her country with pride at the Asian Games. She is not only a remarkable player on the court, but she brings just as much passion and enthusiasm to projects off the court, like creating content & giving back to the community. And today we get to hear more about Yannie's extraordinary story!
Today we talked about:
- Growing up in Hong Kong and how she fell in love with basketball
- How different the youth basketball landscape is at home versus the USA
- When she first knew she had the skill set to play at a high level
- The process of reaching out to schools & getting her first opportunity
- Some of the challenges she faced when first arriving at Emmanuel
- Who she is OFF the court (content creation & community service)
- Battling through her injury to make sure she's ready
- The transition to Division 1 and expectations for the season
- Her goal to play at the next level and future career aspirations
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
https://www.kevintarca.com/blog
Today’s guest is Dejan Kamenjaševic, Co-Founder & GM of Dubai Basketball Club!
Dejan's journey began in Bosnia, where a defining moment in his early years brought a sudden change to his life. When the war broke out, he and his family relocated to Spain, where he continued pursuing his passion for basketball -- a sport that became a cornerstone in his life and would shape his future for many years to come.
From playing professionally to coaching, and now leading teams from both the bench AND the boardroom, Dejan has made a significant impact across multiple countries.
As he embarks on this new chapter with Dubai Basketball Club, he's set to shape the future of basketball in the UAE and beyond. And today we get to hear all about this groundbreaking project!
Today we talked about:
- Growing up in Bosnia & where his basketball love started
- Fleeing with his family to Spain when the war broke out
- The challenges of starting his life in a new environment
- Making the decision to hang up his shoes
- The challenges of finding a new identity
- The sacrifices that went un-noticed behind the scenes
- His mentors who gave him his first opportunities in coaching
- The importance of relationships and how he builds trust
- The move to the UAE even when most thought he was crazy
- Building his new basketball academy from scratch
- The constant misconceptions about living in Dubai
- All about Dubai Basketball Club and his new role
- How they built the roster & the players they signed
- The opportunity to join the Adriatic League this season
- The power sports has to eliminate borders + unite people
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
https://www.kevintarca.com/
Part one covered how athletes could leverage tech to level up ON the court.
Today we dive into how athletes could leverage tech to level up OFF the court! Personal branding, networking, personal growth, etc.
https://www.kevintarca.com/
Today’s guest is Cale Johnston, Founder & CEO of Roy!
Cale grew up in Iowa, a state deeply embedded in Big Ten culture, which ignited his passion for college sports. He carried this enthusiasm into his own athletic career, eventually earning a scholarship to play football at the collegiate level. After graduation he transitioned seamlessly into the business world and hasn’t looked back.
During his early years in banking, Cale identified a significant market gap and launched a fintech firm that delivered innovative solutions to financial institutions. His company was acquired in 2021, and after a few years of transitioning out and contemplating his next move, Cale rediscovered his passion for college sports, which sparked the vision for his latest venture, Roy, Inc.
Today we talked about:
- Growing up playing sports in Big 10 country
- His journey of playing football at the collegiate level
- Falling into the fintech industry right out of school
- Starting, scaling and selling his own fintech firm
- The search to find fulfillment after the acquisition
- The current landscape of college sports & collectives
- All about Roy and the problems we’re solving
- How Roy changes the recruiting landscape
- NIL projected value vs true market value
- Why the current collective system is not sustainable
- Go-To-Market strategy & working with collectives
- What fans can expect from the exclusive content
- The three different workflows in Roy
- And much more!
https://www.kevintarca.com/blog
https://joinroy.com/
Sports + Technology. What a great combination.
Here are several ways that athletes could utilize technology to level up!
Today’s guest is Michael Visenberg, Scout & Basketball Database Manager at ProInsight, a leading company in grassroots basketball scouting.
Michael grew up in Toronto, Canada where he began projecting future NBA All-Star lineups and participating in mock drafts from a young age. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in the field, he plays a crucial role in identifying and evaluating emerging basketball talent.
He has covered the top events around the world including the Nike Hoop Summit, Adidas Global Nations, the Nike Global Challenge, the Les Schwab Invitational, Border League and many others.
Michael is a basketball scout, a sports writer, a prospect analyzer, a draft guru and I'm sure we could come up with many more labels by the end of this episode!
Today we talked about:
- When he first started falling in love with the NBA
- His first NBA Draft analysis that opened the door for business
- His scouting workflow and how he organizes his notes
- Weighing analytics & measurements versus the eye test
- How many games he watches before he has a good feel
- Defining athleticism and what "being athletic" really means
- What BAM Testing is & why they use it in pre-draft combines
- How deep NBA teams really dive for player intel
- Which stats & movements he uses to analyze defense
- His reaction to the 2024 NBA Draft (some sleepers)
- and much more
Thanks for tuning in!
https://www.kevintarca.com/blog
https://www.kreationtalent.com/
It was a long 10 days on the road...Here's a little recap of NBA Summer League and what's on the agenda for the week...
Today’s guest is Jared Grasso, newly appointed National Post Grad Coach and Head of Development at the Knox School.
Coach Grasso grew up on the sidelines of basketball courts everywhere, watching his Father coach at the high school, collegiate and pro levels. He quickly outgrew the sidelines and developed into quite the player himself earning a McDonald’s All-American nomination when he was at St. Anthony’s HS. He chose Quinnipiac University to play his collegiate ball, where he was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2014.
After a brief opportunity at the next level in Italy, it was inevitable that he would return to the sidelines and get into coaching. He's had stops at Hofstra, Hartford, Quinnipiac, Fordham, Iona and Bryant before accepting the new role at the Knox School this spring.
Today we talked about:
- Growing up living, eating and breathing basketball with his Father
- The opportunity to play at the infamous ABCD Camp
- His roles and responsibilities as a young assistant coach
- How he learned to balance his job with his family
- Questions he was asked during the coaching interview process
- How he turned a struggling Division 1 program into an NCAA birth
- How he adapted to NIL and how it's changed college forever
- The mental side of coaching that the public doesn't see
- Searching for purpose after being at "the top of the mountain"
- All about the Knox School and his new role
- The youth development landscape in the USA
- The characteristics is takes to get to the next level and much more Appreciate you tuning in.
Hope you enjoy!
https://www.kevintarca.com/
Happy July... here's exactly what I've been up to and what's on the agenda this month.
https://www.kevintarca.com/
https://www.kreationtalent.com/
🚨🖋️ After a great rookie season in Tokushima, on to a new chapter in Nagano! Toyo will play his second season on loan to the Shinsu Brave Warriors! (via Sunrockers Shibuya)
https://www.b-warriors.net/news/detail/id=16378
https://www.sunrockers.jp/news/detail/id=17676
https://www.kreationtalent.com/toyoshigekano
Today's guest is Travis Murphy, CEO of Jetr Global Sports + Entertainment!
Travis spent the first part of his career working in and with governments around world for more than two decades. He’s served as a sports executive, an American diplomat, the Chief of Staff for a member of Congress and a few additional roles in between.
After his experience in government, he decided to use his skill set to connect government with sports and entertainment! Travis was the Senior Director of International Government Affairs for the NBA for the majority of the past decade, overseeing the league’s relationship with the Departments of State, Homeland Security and other government institutions.
Jetr Global Sports + Entertainment was born in 2022 where Travis resides as CEO. They provide consulting services to elite athletes, sports leagues, and entertainers around the globe.
Today we talked about:
- growing up in Kansas loving baseball but playing all sports
- his first job as the news director of a radio station
- how journalism opened up a door to government and politics
- joining the foreign service and working with Americans abroad
- what it means to be a diplomat and projects he worked on around the globe
- working with the Sports Diplomacy Division at the Department of State
- joining the NBA in 2016 and focusing on internationalization of the game
- how the NBA Academy program opened pathways for international athletes
- the process of international athletes getting their visas
- the mission behind Jetr Global Sports + Entertainment
- the rules and challenges for international athletes and NIL
- the future of the intersection of sports, entertainment and government
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
https://www.kevintarca.com/blog
Today’s guest is Noel Hightower, Player Development Coach for the Golden State Warriors & Assistant Coach for the G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors!
Noel is originally from Easton, PA where he grew up as a multi-sport standout athlete in high school. He then took his talents to Chestnut Hill College where he played basketball as well as a few years of track and field.
Soon after graduation he began his coaching career at Lehigh University, where he obtained a masters degree in educational leadership. After several seasons in Bethlehem he was given an opportunity to take his coaching talents to the NBA. His first stop was with the Indiana Pacers where he found himself learning just as much as he was teaching! Noel is currently in a player development coaching role with the Golden State Warriors in addition to being an assistant coach for their G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors.
He's a coach, a leader, a best selling author… and someone who I consider a great friend!
Today we talked about:
- Growing up being a multi-sport athlete
- His college recruiting process & why he chose Chestnut Hill
- How he got his first job in the coaching world
- His roles & responsibilities as a college Director of Basketball Operations
- What made him want to leave college and jump to the NBA side
- The sacrifices that he had to make when leaving a stable job for a dream job
- His roles & responsibilities when he joined the Pacers
- His roles & responsibilities for the Warriors
- Which characteristics separate NBA players from others
- Some basic offensive principles they teach at the NBA level
- and much more
https://www.kevintarca.com/blog
Today I give 25 minutes of free game on the pathway to becoming a pro. My thoughts are not the only way to do it. My thoughts might not even be the "correct way" to do it. But it's worked for many so hopefully it helps you out one way or another. educate yourself understand the agent business model how to approach the agent selection process a brief overview of basketball abroad start preparing for retirement now!https://www.kevintarca.com/
Today’s guest is Sean Doherty, Head Coach of Hamden Hall Country Day School in Hamden, CT!
Coach Doherty is a Worcester, Mass native and has been around the game for several decades! After high school he played collegiately at Worcester State College before jumping directly into coaching. He spent time as an assistant at his alma mater under fellow podcast guest (and my college Head Coach), Tom Moore. He soon after became an Assistant on staff at Division II powerhouse, Assumption.
Next up was a successful run at Holy Cross and a brief stop at Western Kentucky before taking over the program at Division III, Salem State. After his run at Salem State he reunited with Coach Moore at Quinnipiac University, which is where our relationship began! He is entering year 8 at Hamden Hall this fall.
Today we talked about:
- Growing up being a multi-sport athlete
- A powerful conversation with a referee after a summer game
- His recruiting experience and collegiate career
- Starting the JV program at his alma mater
- The major differences between D1, D2 & D3 hoops
- Necessary skill sets & characteristics to play at a high level
- His 3 NCAA Tournament appearances at Holy Cross
- How accountability was the cornerstone of a teams' success
- How he handles discussions with parents
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
https://www.kevintarca.com/
That school paid how much money??Wait, that kid went back in the portal?That school doesn't even have a collective?Questions that are uttered on the daily...Today I went on a little rant about the changing landscape in college sports. Now approaching three years from the day NIL became a reality, you would think that we would have this situation figured out.It's quite the opposite. I feel like today is more chaotic then ever before. https://www.kevintarca.com/
PUMPED to officially welcome Ballogy to the Sports Business Secrets family!Ballogy is a mobile app created by coaches for coaches. It is a digital command center for coaches that makes it easy for you to evaluate, manage and track the skill development for your team.In today's episode I break down what Ballogy is, who its for, and why I think it's a no-brainer tool for coaches at all levels.https://www.ballogy.com/For 20% off USE CODE: partners20off
Today’s guest is Jordan Green, Chief Experience Officer at Ballogy!
Jordan is a former collegiate and pro athlete who is a remarkable example of how you can turn your skill set and passion into a life long career after the ball stops bouncing! He was a three year start at Texas A&M University, played for the San Antonio Spurs G-League affiliate for 3 years and then spent one year playing professionally in France.
He had a short stint working with Ernst & Young in between his playing years, and after hanging up the shoes (for real the second time), he stepped into a big role with Ballogy, a software company that is transforming the way athletes prepare for their sports.
Today we talked about:
- When he first started getting serious about basketball
- Getting state ranked early and what it really meant
- His recruiting process and why he chose Texas A&M
- How he built relationships the moment he got to college
- Preparing for a job in something other than sports
- His first job at Ernst & Young and what his role was
- The moment he realized he missed the game
- The rollercoaster of emotions during G-League tryouts
- A quick stint playing professionally in France
- How he got involved in Ballogy & all about the company
- The important aspects of modern player development
- His entrepreneurial project – “The Whole Athlete”
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
https://www.ballogy.com/
https://thewholeathletejournal.com/
https://www.kevintarca.com/
Should you work for free? What value does it bring? What does it really mean when someone says, "I love this so much that I would do it for free"?
All great questions. Tune in to hear my answers.
Have you ever spent 8 hours in a mall? I have. And I came home with not a single shopping purchase.
Another cool high school championship event, some takeaways about the NBA and youth prospects & KTA client who clinched a playoff spot abroad.
Have a day!
Today’s guest is Duncan Lloyd, President of DML Ltd.
Duncan is a graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, who went on to get his Law Degree though Temple University's Beasley School of Law. He practiced law in various capacities, from technology based transactions to intellectual property rights cases. He also spent some time defending the city of Philadelphia in discrimination lawsuits.
Duncan has been involved in the athlete representation business for 15 years. He is currently licensed as an NBPA, FIBA and NCAA agent. He has clients who play in the NBA and has placed players in many countries around the world. He currently runs his own agency and today we are going to learn more about his journey!
Today we talked about….
- His college experience studying contract & international law
- Being in Philly when Fran Dunphy was running the show
- How going to law school can benefit the role of an agent
- His first few years as an agent & what he learned
- A breakdown of the 3 main agent licenses (NBPA, FIBA, NCAA)
- All about his current company, DML, Ltd.
- The importance of transparency and loyalty
- A breakdown of what goes into the pre-draft process
- What FIBA needs to improve (spoiler alert... it’s a lot)
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
https://www.kevintarca.com/
Happy Thursday from Atlantic City! Today I've got some KTA updates, thoughts on recruiting, latest topics of interest in the world of sports business and some exciting international basketball news!
Thanks for tuning in!
Put yourself in an environment where you are valued.
That doesn't mean stop chasing the top tier.
That means, again, put yourself in an environment where you are valued.
Today’s guest is Darren Angell, Assistant to the Head Coach at Furman University!
Darren is the first ever “run it back episode” on Sports Business Secrets. Which is awesome for a few reasons. First, it means I’ve been bringing on experts in the industry for a long time. Second, and more importantly, he has pivoted to a different role in the sports business world so we get to learn a new perspective!
Darren played basketball at Mercyhurst University before getting his law degree from the University of Kansas. He spent many years practicing law as an attorney in Chicago, during which time he simultaneously represented professional basketball players as a licensed sports agent.
He had a change of heart in 2021 to get back into the coaching world, and after a giant leap of faith and found himself on staff at Indiana State University. Fast forward to today he is in his second year with Furman University with a role that I like to refer to as, “the most important job in modern college basketball.”
Today we talked about….
- leaving law and jumping back into college sports
- his first role as a director of basketball operations
- the opportunity to join coach Richey’s staff at Furman
- the extraordinary NCAA Tournament win in 2023
- his role as the “chief of staff” and what that entails
- why coaching staffs need to manage the business side
- NIL updates and how Furman is navigating that space
- What fundraising means for college basketball
- The challenges of building a culture in today’s landscape
- What the future college landscape looks like
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
https://www.kevintarca.com/
https://kreationtalent.com/
This is my fourth time to Belgrade. Some things have definitely changed since I was here last, but there are also a few things that have remained constant! Here is a little recap of the trip and a breakdown of the Serbian basketball market from my perspective.
Today’s guest is Clay Mallory, Founder & CEO of New Era Athlete! A San Francisco, California native, Clay has been involved with the basketball industry in different capacities for nearly a decade.
From volunteer video coordinator positions to high school coaching to player representation to college coaching to scouting and pretty much everything else in between. He earned his masters in Sport Management at the University of San Francisco, he’s currently the west coast scout and director of business development for One Motive Sports, and he is a bit more than a year into his newest endeavor, New Era Athlete!
Today we talked about:
- Transitioning from playing into coaching & managing roles
- Early sports industry career experience
- His current role with One Motive Sports
- The birth of New Era Athlete & its purpose
- The NIL money differences – collective vs true
- How many followers you need to get paid
- Summer camps and merchandising strategy
- How the portal fits into the NIL environment
- How colleges should leverage NIL moving forward
- And much more
Appreciate you tuning in! Tap in to the links below for more:
https://www.kevintarca.com/
https://www.kreationtalent.com/about
Since day 1 of the podcast I've made an effort to give you a front row seat to everything I do. Today I dive into what "a day in the life" looks like when I'm outside the country and how I choose the location!
Today’s guest is Miles Schmidt-Scheuber, basketball broadcaster & writer!Miles grew up in Boston but always had a calling for his German roots. After studying at Emerson College, he decided to jump across the pond and establish his career in the German market.From creating the first ever weekly basketball program on German radio to broadcasting Bundesliga games to post-game interviews with some of the best basketball players in the country, Miles has pioneered quite the life journey.Today we talked about: Growing up in the states but having German roots Choosing Emerson to study media & arts communication The decision to move to Germany & his first broadcast A breakdown of broadcasting vs play-by-play announcing How intricately he prepares for every single game Germany’s recent talent development success Overcoming his cancer diagnosis! His upcoming book, “The Real Deal” and much more Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
Today’s guest is world renowned speaker, author and performance expert, Alan Stein, Jr.! Alan is a former collegiate basketball player who has turned his passion for the game into a lifelong career.After graduating from Elon University, he co-founded his own high performance training service that focused on youth athletes. Since then, he has trained some of the most elite athletes on the planet, including Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant (and many others).Alan now focuses his time helping individuals and organizations maximize their performance. He is a speaker, a coach, an author, a consultant, a husband and a father!Today we talked about: the journey he took to play collegiately a quote from Jay Bilas that stuck with him what “unseen hours” really means which skills translate from sports to the real world intrinsic competition vs extrinsic competition his views on personal and professional social media things that all leaders do extremely well his “whiteboard memory” mental model and much moreAppreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!https://www.kevintarca.com/
Welcome back!! Can’t believe we’re already kicking off season 4. Today I share a little bit about the podcast for our new listeners and reflect on how far we’ve come.
Today’s guest is Zac Ikuma, the General Manager of the Tokushima Gambarous, an expansion team in the Japanese B3 League! He is in his first season managing a professional basketball club after various roles in the sports industry. He has an extremely unique background for a GM, which is why I believe he will continue to thrive in this role!
Zac has done everything from TV production to on field reporting to stage acting to NFL commentary to professional baseball interpreter and much more in between. Before arriving in Tokushima, Zac spent the last 4 years as the Official Correspondent for the Washington Wizards.
Today we talked about:
- Growing up in a bilingual family
- How he got his first professional opportunity
- How his acting career helps him in business
- His time spent with the Washington Wizards
- A breakdown of the Japanese pro leagues
- All about Tokushima and his expansion team
- How the ownership group supports the vision
- GM responsibilities (and common misconceptions)
- Team culture -- how they are building winning habits
- Pros & cons of being relegated or promoted
- Goals for Tokushima this season
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
https://www.kevintarca.com/
If you want hear me babble for 20 minutes about the state of professional basketball abroad, this one is for you!
It's definitely an exciting time to be involved in pro sports, but there are still many things that need to be improved. Whether it's team financials, gatekeeping or accountability, most topics today revolve around transparency (or lack there of).
Appreciate you tuning in!
Today’s guest is Joe Moore, fellow New Jersey native, former NCAA Lacrosse National Champion & current Chief Strategy Officer at Centercourt Sports Academy!
After playing collegiately at Syracuse University, Joe wanted to continue playing at the next level. He had a short stint as a pro, but at that point he had already realized his potential off the field and was well on his way to success in the business world.
Today we talked about:
- Growing up playing multiple sports
- The post grad path before going to college
- His recruitment process and choosing Syracuse
- Winning a National Championship as a freshman
- The importance of leveraging your passions
- Trying to find an identity outside of lacrosse
- All about Centercourt and their mission
- His entrepreneurial mindset & culture at work
- His leadership techniques & daily routines
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
https://www.kevintarca.com/
Todays guest is Goran Sasic, Executive Director of the Euroleague Head Coaches Board!This is a long episode but one you will keep you engaged the entire time! Today we talked about: How Berlin helped form his love for basketball Moving to Belgrade to pursue coaching Advanced statistics (and his analogy that will make you LOL) Why the "moneyball" principle is less valuable in Europe The evolution of scouting and what the future looks like The Euroleague Basketball Institute Masters Program How he implemented the Euroleague's scouting server What basketball means to Serbian people How I lost hearing in one ear on my trip to Belgrade His phone call to the government on Christmas Eve The formation of the Euroleague Head Coaches Board The upcoming ECHB Academy & Coaches Congress and much more Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!https://www.kevintarca.comhttps://www.kreationtalent.com
Not every basketball competition in Europe is the same...Here's a little free game for ya. Today I discuss what the FIBA Europe Cup is.If you want to see this broken down visually, check out my online courses, I just added it in a BONUS module.https://kreationtalent.thinkific.com/courses/agent
College hoops off to a wild start, KTA clients heating up in international competitions, new podcast roundtables & more!
7 weeks until the new year... here's whats on deck this month...
Todays guest is Skye Ettin, Assistant MBB Coach at UC Santa Barbara.
Skye grew up in Princeton, NJ, where we first met as opponents in high school! He then played collegiately at The College of New Jersey where he was a three-year captain.
After graduating he joined the staff at Princeton University as the Director of Basketball Operations but didn’t take long for him to be named an assistant coach, a role he has filled the previous 6 seasons!
He’s garnered many accolades over that time span, including being named an NABC 30 under 30 honoree and one of the 50 most impactful mid major assistants in the country by Silver Waves Media.
He capped off the Princeton chapter with an unbelievable run to the Sweet 16 in the 2023 NCAA tournament. Skye is now in his first season as an Assistant Coach at UC Santa Barbara.
Today we talked about….
- Growing up in Princeton, NJ
- The recruiting path and early adversity
- The differences between d3 and d1 players
- Why his coaching perspective started in college
- His career at TCNJ and the transition after
- The Sweet Sixteen Run with Princeton
- His new chapter at UC Santa Barbara
- The importance of an international roster
- Where you should play if you want to be seen
- How to build relationships in the industry
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
https://www.kevintarca.com/
Today is a huge milestone celebration -- 500 episodes!
- No publishing company.
- No financial backing.
- No team of editors.
- No fancy equipment.
- No sponsorships (yet…)
Just a pair of headphones... and a lot of thoughts.
I appreciate all the support so far, here's to the next 500! 🥂
https://www.kevintarca.com/
Today’s guest is one of my best friends, Evann Baker, who is currently an Assistant Coach at UMBC!
Evann is originally from Washington D.C. where he quickly became one of the most sought-after recruits in the country. He was named D.C.’s Gatorade Player of the Year in 2006 at Archbishop Carroll and went on to play collegiately at Quinnipiac University.
He’s coached at many levels before joining UMBC, including the grassroots level with Team Takeover, being a grad assistant at Penn State and the video coordinator at Akron.
Today Evann shares the journey throughout his playing days and then dives into his current role at UMBC and what’s in store for the upcoming season.
Today we talked about:
- Growing up in DC with his mother and 5 brothers
- His high school experience at Archbishop Carroll
- Some early setbacks that he had to overcome
- Battling through his career ending injury
- The transition to becoming a full time coach
- His coaching stops at Penn State & Akron
- How he ended up as an Assistant at UMBC
- The culture they are building & season expectations
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
https://www.kevintarca.com/
Today’s guest is Nik Caner-Medley, former professional basketball player who is embracing the new chapter in his life as an entrepreneur!
Arguably one of the best prospects to ever come from Maine, Nik took home many awards, including being named the Gatorade Player of the Year in 2002 after averaging 36.5 points during his senior season.He went on to play 4 years at Maryland, finishing as one of five players ever to tally over 1500pts, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, 100 steals, 100 3’s & 50 blocked shots.
Nik went undrafted in the 2006 NBA draft and eventually signed with the Detroit Pistons as a free agent. After an injury before his rookie season started he had the opportunity to help a team in Germany make a playoff push in 2007. Despite his hesitation, he went for it and it became the true start to his historically successful career abroad.
And that’s just a small piece of his background. I'm just as excited to share with you who Nik is OFF the court and what he's been up to since retirement.
Today we also talked about:
- growing up in Maine
- his routine and work ethic playing hoops as a kid
- when he realized that he could play at the next level
- his AAU opportunity from the Pump Brothers
- the chip on his shoulder from being unranked
- the college recruiting process and why he chose Maryland
- winning an ACC Championship in 2006
- signing with the Pistons after going undrafted
- his mindset when he found out he was going to Germany
- differences between USA and European playing styles
- advice for players who aspire to play at the pro level
- his transition into retirement
- and much more!
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
Back in the wonderful U.S of A.
Here's a quick recap of the 9 weeks abroad and what's on the agenda for the rest of the year.
I spent 5 days in Azerbaijan diving into the vision for professional basketball.
Here is a recap of my trip, some details on the league, and most importantly a few ways I think this market could sneak into an highly sought after destination for import players.
It's been interesting to see how different countries value their sports, both on a grassroots level and an elite international level.
I am by no means an expert on the sports market in the UAE after a short trip, but here is a bit deeper dive into the recently approved UAE Sport Strategy 2031.
Hello from Abu Dhabi. Here is a short recap of the World Cup and a little bit about the trip to the UAE!
KTA client Donovan Smith has joined BC Sabah in Azerbaijan for the start of the 2023-2024 season. They will play in the FIBA Europe Cup Qualifiers to compete for a spot in the FEC Regular Season.
Back in Manila and pumped for the last stretch of the 2023 FIBA World Cup!
Here's some behind the scenes on what I've been up to and what's in store for this week.
There are a many variables that go into having a successful pro basketball organization abroad. Depending on the market, certain variables end up being more important than others. But in my opinion, there are 4 that stand out as the most imperative.
In part two today I dive deeper into variables number 3 and 4!
https://kreationtalent.thinkific.com/courses/agent
There are a many variables that go into having a successful pro basketball organization abroad. Depending on the market, certain variables end up being more important than others. But in my opinion, there are 4 that stand out as the most imperative.
In part one today I dive deeper into the first two!
https://kreationtalent.thinkific.com/courses/agent
Here's a little breakdown on the market here in Hong Kong. If you're wondering how much I pay for my coffees when I'm on the road, you're in luck. Today I give a little breakdown of the USD to HKD exchange rate, some prices of local goods & services & then jump into a brief overview of some basketball leagues in the area.
Today’s guest is Solly Fulp, Executive Vice President of LEARFIELD!
Solly is responsible for Name, Image & Likeness strategy, growth, and development across LEARFIELD's 180+ university partners. Previously he led the multi-media rights business for university partners in the east region as well as the NCAA, Naming Rights and Campus+ divisions.
The college sports landscape is changing at a pace that is sometimes hard to keep up with. Today Solly explains what some of those changes consist of and why he believes LEARFIELD is positioned to lead the way.
Today we also talked about:
- growing up in a small town in Alaska
- his experience as a wrestler at the University of Oregon
- his transition from college athlete to the "real world"
- the status of NIL in college sports today
- the power of content creation & storytelling
- LEARFIELD Allied program & suite of solutions
- the benefits of NIL no one is talking about
- a strategic agreement with Opendorse
- a breakdown of multimedia rights
- how sponsorship ROI from brands
- and much more!
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
https://www.kevintarca.com/
https://www.kreationtalent.com/
Do you have a scholarship offer? If the answer is no, you have two choices:
You could either sit on social media and recruiting websites pouting about why your name is not where you want it to be.
Or you could listen to the 4 recommendations I have in this episode and put yourself in a better position for exposure.
https://www.kevintarca.com/
https://www.kreationtalent.com/
A rare break from NBA Summer League, KTA client updates, continued bullish views on the Asian markets, the next road trip and more.
Sports Agent Course
www.kevintarca.com
www.kreationtalent.com
Donovan Smith signed in China to play in the 2023 NBL with Wuhan Kunpeng!
https://www.kreationtalent.com/donovansmith
Toyoshige Kano will return to his home country of Japan to begin his professional career! He has signed a contract with the Shibuya Sunrockers (BLeague) and will be loaned to the Tokushima Gambarous (B3) for the 2023-2024 season!
Toyoshige Kano Highlights Shibuya Sunrockers Press Release Tokushima Gambarous Press Release
Djimon Henson has signed to play the 2023-2024 season with Vilpas in the Korisliiga, Finland's top league!
Djimon is coming off an impressive season in Georgia's Superleague. He averaged 22.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists, leading his team to win the Georgian Cup along with taking home the League Championship Trophy. Djimon was voted the MVP of the Superleague Finals as well as the Player of the Year.
Next stop, Finland!
Full Team Press Release
www.kreationtalent.com/djimonhenson
KTA welcomes Toyoshige Kano!
Toyo was born in Tokyo, Japan. When he was 11 years old he moved to the USA with his mother. While in the states he has developed his game at Archbishop Riordan High School, a powerhouse in San Francisco, and most recently at Skyline College.
Tune in to hear more about Toyo as he prepares to begin his rookie season as a professional basketball player!
Today’s guest is Darnell Jones, Co-Founder & CEO of POWERHANDZ!
Darnell is an entrepreneur, investor, athlete and sales professional. The resilience he needed to overcome obstacles early in his basketball career prepared him for the business world. He began his post playing career in the medical device industry and it didn’t take him long to climb the ladder to leadership positions.
Darnell’s first company, TUKZ Undergarments, was a patented underwear line that was eventually acquired. Shortly after he began his next business venture, POWERHANDZ, which is an athletic sporting goods provider of performance enhancing training products, where he currently serves as the CEO.
Today we talked about:
- growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah
- being overlooked and always needing to do extra
- his curiosity about the body & supplements
- early & constant challenges on his basketball journey
- how he prepared himself for the retirement process
- stepping into the deep end of the medical device industry
- how selling to doctors leveled up his salesmanship
- educating himself on the venture capital world
- what it was like to be on Shark Tank
- lessons learned from selling his first company
- all about the POWERHANDZ mission
- and much more!
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
www.kevintarca.com
www.kreationtalent.com
https://youtube.com/@KevinTarca
I just finished recording a podcast episode with the 135th guest that I've had the privilege to interview on Sports Business Secrets. As I was adding the name to the "Guest List," I took a moment to pinch myself. What an absolutely EPIC group of decision makers and power shakers in the sports business industry.
The amount of wisdom shared by these guests in their respective roles is invaluable! Not to mention, it's all FREE GAME!
My goal today is to share some episodes that you should listen to if you are an aspiring professional basketball player. Of course, once I started making this list, I realized I could include just about every single guest episode... So I will filter it down even further.
These episodes include guests that specifically talk about the path to becoming a pro, including topics like:
- the characteristics found in highly rated prospects
- the pros & cons of going down the prep school pathway
- where to find an agent and important topics to discuss before signing
- the differences between leagues and salaries abroad
- what it was like to play in new countries for the first time
- what to do when battling injuries and other challenges abroad
- transitioning from basketball career to "the real world"
Today’s guest is Aaron Johnson, CEO & Founder of Ball Beyond! Aaron played collegiately at Penn State University, although the beginning of that chapter was very different than the ending! He originally joined the team as a walk-on, but quickly proved why he was a scholarship player. By his junior year he was leading the Big Ten in rebounding and started catching the attention of scouts and agents.
Fast forward nearly a decade later and he had left his mark on the professional level in several countries abroad including Russia, Latvia, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Turkey, Croatia, Holland, Greece, and Cyprus.
After retiring, he jumped right into the deep end of entrepreneurship by starting his own businesses, and today we get to hear all about them!
Today we talked about:
- being overlooked in high school and prep school
- betting on himself as a walk-on in college
- his personality and reputation off the court
- the mindset shift when he got his first contract
- injuries that he had to battle through
- the difficult process of hanging up the shoes
- what he learned from delivering packages for UPS
- where he came up with the name for Ball Beyond
- some player development tips he teaches
- his thoughts on NIL & how he's helping athletes
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
www.kevintarca.com
www.kreationtalent.com
https://youtube.com/@KevinTarca
How do you steer clear of mediocrity? Want to be more efficient with your time? Want to save lots of energy?
Search for LFG energy. Nothing less.
Have yourself a day!!!
https://www.kevintarca.com https://youtube.com/@KevinTarca https://kreationtalent.thinkific.com/courses/agent
Today’s guest is Vanja Cernivec, the General Manager of the London Lions (WBBL)!
Vanja is originally from Slovenia, but has extended her presence all over the world making a major impact in the basketball space. Her eye for talent and passion for teaching the youth started when she was coaching in NBA schools in India and China and continued when she started managing Boki Nachbar's basketball camps. Shortly after she made the jump to the operations side of the NBA, which eventually led to a scouting role with the Chicago Bulls.
Last summer she made the transition to the General Manager role in London, and today we get to hear all about it!
Today we talked about:
- growing up in Slovenia and her basketball aspirations
- what she wanted to be when she grew up
- her experience playing and studying in the USA
- the transition from playing to "the real world"
- her role as a Euroleague Basketball Delegate
- her various global stops working with the NBA
- soul searching during a big decision making process
- her historic role in the Chicago Bulls organization
- the transition to become a General Manager
- all about the London Lions organization
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
https://www.kevintarca.com
https://youtube.com/@KevinTarca
Athletes are often equipped with the skill set, character, and drive to be extremely successful in the business world. But for some reason many athletes don't realize that until much later than they should.
Here are three lessons that I learned in my sports life that translate identically into the business world.
https://www.kevintarca.com
https://www.kreationtalent.com
https://youtube.com/@KevinTarca
Strong relationships are built over time. You can't speed up the process. And there is no magic formula that builds your network overnight.
I can’t give away all the secrets from David Nurse’s 1% Daily Growth Group… but today I share a few takeaways that completely shifted my perspective on building relationships!
https://www.davidnurse.com/ready-for-breakthrough-1
Hello June. We're back with some KTA updates, client wins and a summary of what this month looks like!
www.kevintarca.com
www.kreationtalent.com
Today’s guest is Bronislaw Wawrzynczuk, the new Sports Director for Eurocup team Prometey!
Bronek and I met in early 2017 while attending the Adidas Next Generation Tournament in Belgrade, Serbia. At the time we were both trying to navigate our way through this crazy business.Since then, Bronek founded his own scouting service, has been hired by several different high level clubs and is currently on his way to lead his first club as the Sports Director!Today we talked about:
- growing up in Poland
- when he realized scouting was a passion
- how he got his first opportunity
- the decision to start Eurospects
- what he looks for in youth prospects
- his responsibilities at Ratiopharm Ulm
- making the jump to Fenerbahçe
- which leagues he watches closest
- the new job at Prometey
- advice for anyone getting into the business
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
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Read more and check out additional guests episodes below:
- www.kevintarca.com
- YouTube Channel
Today’s guest is Tom Moore, Men's Basketball Assistant Coach at the University of Connecticut.
For those who are unaware, Coach Moore was my Head Coach at Quinnipiac University from 2008-2012. He gave me the opportunity to walk-on to the team when I arrived as a freshman, which led to four of the best years of my life, and for that I'll be forever grateful.
Coach Moore has nearly 30 years of college basketball coaching experience, starting with Division III Worcester State and Division II Assumption College before jumping to the University of Connecticut for the first time in 1994. After two national championships at UConn, he took over as Head Coach at Quinnipiac University in 2007. He made a stop at URI with Dan Hurley in 2017 before returning to UConn the following season.
Most recently he's coming off his 3rd National Championship, all of which he obtained as a Husky.
Today we talked about:
- studying journalism before ever thinking about coaching
- how he got his first opportunity as a coach
- what it was like to work under HOF Coach Jim Calhoun
- the NBA players he coached & what made them great
- some coaching philosophies from Quinnipiac
- highs and lows of the coaching journey
- returning to UConn & the goal from day one
- relationships with players & recruiting criteria
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
The past few weeks have been packed with more phone calls than expected from college coaches who are looking to finalize their rosters. Today I share some takeaways from those discussions that I hope will help you navigate these crazy waters.
Here are a few topics:
- where college coaches are looking for players
- some questions they will ask about players
- some red & green flags based on those answers
- how this information can help you
www.kevintarca.com
Today’s guest is Jason Clement, Founding Partner & CEO of The Sports Facilities Companies, the largest single network of tournament and community-based sports facilities in the United States!
Jason began his career in sports architecture, then transitioned into commercial development and corporate real estate management. He has founded, supported, and lead the growth of multiple organizations as board chair, including Habitat for Humanity, Man Up and Go, and Calvary Christian High School.
Today we talked about:
- lessons learned growing up in a baseball family
- the decision to not pursue baseball in college
- his love for sports architecture early on
- his first opportunity to combine his passions
- the reason for starting The Sports Facilities Companies
- all the pieces that go into building a new facility
- the collision between travel sports and tourism
- the state of youth sports in America
- pickleball growth and a new SFC announcement!
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
Some updates on KTA clients, parts of the agency business that I enjoy the most & what that means for this summer...
www.kevintarca.com
Today’s guest is my guy Michael Martin Jr., and today I deemed his new nickname "The Sports Business Renaissance Man" because he wears many hats in this industry! A few of which being: Warner Bros. Discovery Sports -- Camera Operator & Runner Warner Bros. Discovery -- Assistant Equipment Inventory Manager Team Hines TBT -- GM & Assistant Coach GTM Family Productions -- Co-Founder Overtime -- Camera OperatorLike most of us, Mike's basketball journey started when he picked up a basketball as a kid. But after he realized that playing at the highest level wasn't part of his career path, he started exploring other avenues. In 2017 when he picked up a camera for the first time, everything changed.Today we talked about: the college recruiting process getting injured and "hanging them up" early the transition from athlete to real world his first few jobs (finance & construction management) trying out the agency world & the challenges he faced starting GTM Family Productions & what its all about moving to Atlanta without having a job lined up his roles as a freelancer at Warner Bros. what it's like on set with Shaq, Charles, Ernie & Kenny his GM role for The Gutter Cats (formerly Team Hines) his role as a camera operator at Overtime Elite and much moreAppreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!Visit www.kevintarca.com for more Sports Business content!
Rewind the clock 2,922 days. That's 70,128 hours ago!And it brings us to April 30, 2015. Exactly EIGHT years ago.On that day, I showed up to work and decided to quit my “9-5” job.A job that wasn't bad. A job that many people would love to have.Did people think I was crazy? Of course.But as I've learned first hand, if you have big dreams, they will be difficult to accomplish without a little bit of crazy...Today I reflected on the past 8 years ❤️https://www.kevintarca.com/post/a-decision-i-made-2-922-days-ago
Today’s guests are Daniel Hennes & Jake Olson, Co-Founders of Engage!
Daniel is the CEO, where he is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's day to day operations, partnerships, and sales. He also maintains a roster of athletes, celebrities, and speakers who he represents and advises on all aspects of their careers.
Jake is the President of Engage. In addition to this role at Engage, he travels the country sharing his motivational and inspirational story about battling cancer and overcoming adversity early and often in his life. At 8 months old, Jake was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer, retinoblastoma. The disease claimed his left eye before he turned one and after twelve years of battling this cancer, he lost his right eye in 2009.
Daniel & Jake's worlds collided when they met as roommates in college, and as the saying goes, "the rest was history."
Today we talked about:
- growing up playing sports and how it affected college decisions
- how Jake didn't let being blind stop him from anything
- the first time Jake & Daniel met as roommates at USC
- an uncommonly known NCAA allowance: "the double life loophole"
- some misconceptions about being blind & Jake's mindset
- Jake's best friend and guide dog, Quebec
- all about Engage & the services they offer
- how NIL has opened up doors for athletes
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
www.kevintarca.com
We have officially passed 75,000 total listens! 🎉
Also... we crossed the triple digit threshold for countries. Sports Business Secrets has been listened to in 102 different countries around the world! I'm very grateful for everyone who has followed this project! 🙏 🌎
www.kevintarca.com
www.kreationtalent.com
Another day = another opportunity!
Here's what's going on in my world today.
www.kevintarca.com
Today's guest is Ryota Matsuoka, Director of Basketball of Basketball Operations for the Shibuya Sunrockers in Japan's BLeague!In my opinion, his job is one of the most important pieces of an international club. He scouts, he coaches, he gathers intel, he translates. But at the end of the day, he finds a way to support whatever needs to get done.Today we talked about: growing up playing hoops and his love for the NBA his first opportunity to work in sports how learning English impacted his career being called up to be the youngest GM in Japan an overview of the Japanese leagues his transition to Shibuya Sunrockers the exciting plan for the future of the BLeague his NBA aspirations and much moreAppreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!www.kevintarca.com
Today’s guest is Amobi Okugo, former professional soccer player turned athlete entrepreneur and creator, business development and strategic partnerships consultant and currently Founder of A Frugal Athlete!
Amobi realized very quickly into his professional soccer career that he was not going to be paid to play the game forever. So he quickly put a plan in place to continue his education, tap into his passions and ultimately put himself in a strong position to succeed when his career on the field came to an end.
Today we talked about:
- his recruiting process and committing to UCLA
- the decision to leave school early and begin his pro career
- the first steps he took to plan for life after soccer
- the importance of networking and internships
- the academic promise he made to his mother
- how A Frugal Athlete was born and the mission
- a sneak peak into the 10 Athlete Money Commandments
- how he helps brands and athletes become financially prudent
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
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You can find previous episodes or get in touch with me personally below:
- www.kevintarca.com
- my instagram
- my twitter
Happy Friday from sunny Portsmouth, Virginia! Todays episode is a brief summary about the infamous Portsmouth Invitational and the role it plays in the professional basketball landscape.
Today’s guest is DJ McCall, Sports Technology & Data Analyst at Optimum Performance Sports and Founder of Recruitabl. D.j. is a former collegiate and professional basketball player (and of course a Kreation Talent Agency client) who has reached many levels of success both on and off the court!
This episode is truly a full circle moment for me because the first time D.j. and I actually met was when he reached out after listening to a few episodes from Season 1 of Sports Business Secrets!I know you’ll enjoy all the topics we discuss, there’s definitely a few stories you won’t want to miss.
Today we talked about:
- growing up in a basketball loving state
- the college recruiting process and why he chose IUPUI
- the agent selection process and making the GLeague
- battling through injuries and planning a “career restart”
- improving his jump shot with Dave Love
- his experience at Europrobasket with Brad Kanis
- finally signing his contract and what happened next
- his retirement decision… and the call that changed that
- his role and responsibilities at OPS
- starting his own company (Recruitabl)
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
For my college athletes looking to go pro, here's 25 minutes of free game.
I don't have all the answers, but I hope some of this insight can guide you in the right direction.
www.kevin.tarca.com
One of the biggest elephants in the room in the professional basketball business abroad (at least to me) is never knowing what you're going to get in terms of professionalism. Today's episode shares one very sad situation that happened in a league abroad over the weekend. The purpose is to share what REALLY happens behind the scenes. And to start a conversation with stakeholders in the industry who could help change this.
Happy April! March Madness continues into April as we head into the Men's NCAA Championship game tonight. I share what's on the agenda for the next few weeks and give my prediction for who will cut down the nets in Houston tonight!
Ended a great week in Kyoto with a weekend full of BLeague games! As my time winds down on this long trip to Japan, I'm starting to reflect on the past two months abroad...
The Japanese market continues to show a promising outlook for the future business of basketball. Here's a quick rant about some basketball strategy, corporate partnership insights and the impressive operations workflow here.
www.kevintarca.com
Happy Monday! Wrapped up a busy week around Tokyo, including an exciting BLeague game. Just got off the bullet train to a new city. I’ll give you a hint — the city name translates to imperial capital, but it’s not the capital 🤯
Happy Saturday! In between guest episodes on SBS, today I decided to repost my guest appearance on The PREP Athletics Podcast!
Cory Heitz (a former guest on Sports Business Secrets, of course), invited me to join him for a conversation about my basketball career -- from high school throughout college, and into the transition of hanging up the shoes... don't worry it didn't take long. 😅
We talked about what it was like being a D1 walk on, reasons for getting into the agency business, traveling the world, how to build genuine relationships, some common misconceptions about playing professional basketball abroad and more!
You can check out the full episode and more of Cory's guests below:
- full episode web page
- full youtube video
- more of Cory's guests
Happy Monday! EASL Champions Week has officially wrapped up - what a success!
I'm spending one more day in Okinawa before heading back to Tokyo tomorrow...
Today’s guest is Jimmy Contrini, Content Manager for Alex and Leila Hormozi! Jimmy and I first met via KTA, when he did a handful of internship projects with me in 2018!
It really is crazy how time flies. I wish I could take some credit for the success Jimmy has had in his career, but it all comes from his persistence and his relentless will to succeed! I'm very happy to see him thriving, while simultaneously continuing to seek new knowledge.
Today we talked about:
- why I immediately followed up when I received his email
- how he got his foot in the door at Vayner Productions
- his various roles and lessons learned from the VaynerX world
- the importance of testing different career paths
- his love for sports collectibles, which led to a job
- his new role working with Alex & Leila Hormozi
- things he wish he knew when he was in college
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
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You can find previous episodes or get in touch with me personally below:
- www.kevintarca.com
- my instagram
- my twitter
Just stepped off the bullet train into Utsunomiya, Japan for the Inaugural EASL Champions Week!
Today I discuss a brief overview of the league, including the format, the media & partnerships side and finally the 8 teams who are set to tip off this tomorrow!
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You can find previous episodes or get in touch with me personally below:
- www.kevintarca.com
- my instagram
- my twitter
Happy Monday! Narita, Shibuya Crossing, a B3 game, dinner in Shinjuku and some exploring... Here's whats happening in the northeastern hemisphere... 🇯🇵
Today’s guest is Alyssa Hyatt, Senior Associate AD of Business & Administration at Quinnipiac University!
Alyssa got her undergraduate degree in sports marketing from University of Connecticut, where she also was one of the most important people on college basketball staffs… a student manager for the men's basketball team!
She then took her talents to George Washington University where she was a GA for the men's basketball team. That is where she got her MBA and later on another Masters in Higher Education Administration. She soon after jumped to Quinnipiac University where she began as the academic advisor for the mens basketball team! She's spent the past 15 years at Quinnipiac climbing the ranks and into her current role!
Today we talked about:
- what she wanted to be when she grew up
- the decision to go to the University of Connecticut
- her responsibilities as a student manager for the MBB team
- what it was like to work for Hall of Fame Coach Jim Calhoun
- how making a good impression led to future jobs
- furthering her education and what doors it opened her
- getting the call to join Coach Tom Moore at Quinnipiac University
- her roles and responsibilities over the past 15 years!
- and much more
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You can find previous episodes or get in touch with me personally below:
- www.kevintarca.com
- my instagram
- my twitter
Hello from Tokyo! Today I talk about the reasons for coming to Japan and what's on the agenda for the trip! Then as promised, I do an overview of the professional leagues here (structure, teams, import rules, etc). Arigato!
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You can find previous episodes or get in touch with me personally below:
- www.kevintarca.com
- my instagram
- my twitter
Tblisi is a city you should visit at least once in your life! Here’s what I’ve been up to the past week.
Today’s guest is Brianna Salvatore Dueck, Director of Strategy at 17 Sport!
Brianna played college & pro basketball at UC Davis and in Switzerland, respectively. She has a master’s degree in International Development from a top University in Paris and she's worked for various big time global corporations from the United Nations to Neilsen!
In her role at 17 Sport she works with the top properties and brands within the sports industry and helps them have a positive impact on society.
Today we talked about:
- overcoming adversity and loss at a young age
- the recruiting process and decision to commit to UC Davis
- her professional playing experience abroad
- the urge to find passion and purpose outside the game
- her decision to further her education (abroad)
- the mission behind 17 Sport and why they fit well together
- the definition of "purpose driven sponsorship"
- a few examples of how they help big brands activate
- and much more
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You can find previous episodes or get in touch with me personally below:
- www.kevintarca.com
- my instagram
- my twitter
The sports business industry is undergoing a massive transformation and it's difficult to keep up with. From skyrocketing team valuations to never ending college conference re-alignments to international league expansions! And what about how quickly people are changing their sports content consumption habits relative to 5 years ago?
One of the topics that I find particularly fascinating is brand partnerships. From club sponsorships to venue naming rights to athlete equity deals, and many things in between.
So today I share some thoughts!
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You can find previous episodes or get in touch with me personally below:
- www.kevintarca.com
- my instagram
- my twitter
72 hours in Vienna! Today I give you some details on how the weekend went and where I'm off to next!
Today’s guest is Kirby Porter, Founder of New Game Labs!
After graduating from Harvard University, where she was a member of the Women’s Basketball team, Kirby started her career in sports marketing and venture capital before launching her own business. New Game Labs was founded to help athletes grow their brands and businesses through content creation.
Today we talked about:
- the mindset it took to earn a college scholarship
- the recruiting process and decision to commit to Harvard
- her transition from the "court to the corporate world"
- roles and responsibilities during her time at PepsiCo
- roles and responsibilities during her time at Will Ventures
- the creator economy and what it means for athletes
- all about New Game Labs and the vision!
- how athletes can monetize their content
- and much more
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You can find previous episodes or get in touch with me personally below:
- www.kevintarca.com
- my instagram
- my twitter
As promised, I'll continue to share things in real time. Here's a quick recap of the past few days in Barcelona in addition to what's in store for the week.
Today’s guest is the one... the only... Mr. Sean Light, CEO + Founder of Weight Room Wealth!
Although we are both Jersey boys, Sean and I first met as college basketball teammates at the wonderful Quinnipiac University. Watching him build his company from the ground up has been nothing short of inspiring! This guy pours his heart and soul into his business, which requires him to be at the top of his game mentally and physically each and every day. This is exactly where Weight Room Wealth was born.
Weight Room Wealth brings the most cutting edge exercise science and breakthrough performance technology to entrepreneurs around the world.
Today we talked about:
- the unlikely path to West Virginia University
- making the transition to Quinnipiac University
- his journey from journalism to strength & conditioning
- how he got his first job in the MLB system
- producing a podcast episode 365 days in a row
- his interview process & role with the Los Angeles Lakers
- lessons learned from life in the NBA
- the beginning of Weight Room Wealth and its mission
- some neuroscience basics that can help you today
- and much more
Thanks for tuning in! Hope you enjoy
You can find previous episodes or get in touch with me personally below:
- www.kevintarca.com
- my instagram
- my twitter
Hola from Barcelona! After an action packed day filled with EuroLeague meetings and a game, I thought it was fitting to share some of my latest thoughts. I summarize some of the current challenges the league is facing and all the opportunities for growth moving forward!
You can find previous episodes or get in touch with me personally below:
- www.kevintarca.com
- my instagram
- my twitter
Welcome to Season 3 of Sports Business Secrets! Today I talk about some changes to the pod, an update on KTA and vision for the year to come!
Thanks so much for tuning in. You can find previous episodes or get in touch with me personally by visiting www.kevintarca.com!
Here is a big time thank you to two groups - anyone who has listened & all my guests!I also share a few cool stats from the first two seasons of Sports Business Secrets!
If you have the opportunity to empower someone, don't pass it up... it could be life-changing.
Today’s guest is James O’Connor! Partner at Barrett McNagny Law Firm, who also happens to be NBPA, WNBPA, FIBA and most recently, NCAA certified agent!James represents and advises clients in all sorts of matters concerning employment law, NIL education and several additional dispute and litigation matters. Today we talked about how we first met, he shares a bit of lawyer 101 education and then we really dive into the NIL world!Today we talked about: growing up in a family of lawyers making the decision to switch from medical to law studies the exponential demand for law in all aspects sports the reason he began to get certified as an agent The ABC’s of NIL Who is allowed to sign athletes The differences in laws state by state Current conflicts & disclosures How to identify true market value Laws affecting international student athletes and much moreAppreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
I could probably discuss three HUNDRED things you should know about basketball abroad, but today we'll just stick to three! This episode is for players, parents, coaches, scouts and agents who are looking for some insight on basketball outside the United States.
Today’s guest is José Colorado, Pro Basketball Player, YouTuber, Blogger, Coach and all around Entrepreneur!
José is a guy whose journey I respect very much. And I believe you will too after hearing his story!
Today we talked about:
- Earning himself a spot on a college basketball team
- The challenges of going pro from a non USA D1
- The process of searching for an agent & team
- Surprises & challenges during his first pro contract
- Realities vs. myths of playing basketball abroad
- The necessity to generate revenue outside the contract
- His writing skillsets & creating JoseColorado.com
- True salary ranges in a handful of different countries
- and much more
Today we have our second ever multi-guest episode, bringing on the Founders of huupe!
Paul Anton and Lyth Saeed join me to talk about the world's first smart basketball hoop!
Today we talk about:
- Their love for playing hoops growing up
- How important it is to have a global perspective
- (Lyth's family comes from Jordan & Paul's from Greece)
- Their early understanding that their paths were outside of being a pro
- Previous startup companies that they were involved with
- Where the original idea for huupe came from
- Exactly how the product functions and what's included
- The price point & why the value they are delivering is through the roof
- Building a team of both employees & investors (some heavy hitters!)
- Some challenges they faced & future expansion (hint hint, other sports)
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
It is difficult to look in the mirror and understand what your weaknesses are. Here are four things that I need to improve.
Today’s guest is Jeremy Fullerton, Brand Manager at The Topps Company!
Jeremy has been with the company for 15 years in various roles so we had plenty of sports business and company secrets to uncover!
Today we talked about:
- His original career plan (which had nothing to do with sports)
- How his trajectory shifted while attending the University of Miami
- How he got his first opportunity in sports
- A company deep dive into Topps!
- Starting with selling bubble gum
- The early trading card days
- The different types of events they run
- Some industry lingo and what licensing means
- What a modern day trading card deal looks like for athletes
- Some of the international properties they work with
- and much more
Today’s guest is John Ross, Humanitarian and CEO of Get in the Game! John was once a young kid who dreamed of working in the league. Now that he has 14 years of working there under his belt, he is helping others do the same! With his new company he provides educational resources to assist young adults in answering the question, "What do I do to get a job in the NBA?" Today we talked about:
His upbringing and unique journey to the NBA How he went from not knowing a single person to getting his first interview The roles of video coordinator and other positions in the NBA The "not so sexy parts" of working in the NBA His writing skillset and how that opened a door to a new venture Get in the Game – the newsletter and his online course Some secrets to properly network and get your foot in the door! and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
For me, "a day in the life" is dependent on the time of year, the project I'm working on, the location I'm in & more.
Every day is very different. And they have changed quite drastically from the beginning days of Kreation Talent Agency!
Today’s guest is David Spencer, CEO & Founder of Talent Resources Sports! TRS is an agency bridging the gap between brands and major athletes through commercial opportunities, collaborations, and events.
Today we talked about:
- His upbringing in NYC and college studies at NYU
- His investment banking and finance background
- The time he realized he had a passion for something else
- The story behind meeting one of the worlds best magicians
- How Talent Resources Sports was built and what they do
- The difference between their agency model and others
- How they connect the dots between elite athletes and celebrities and brands
- Modern day trend of talent jumping into the venture capital world
- and much more
NIL has already changed the college sports landscape forever. Here are a few things that I envision regarding the future of NIL.
Today’s guest is Tyler Thorne, Director of Sales for Vivint! But the titles don't stop there. He is also a real estate entrepreneur, a podcaster, a husband, a father... and someone who I consider a good friend! Tyler has leveraged his skillset from sports to build a thriving career for himself in both sales and real estate, Today we talked about….
His path after football How he first got introduced to Vivint An overview of Vivint and the types of products they sell Tyler’s role and characteristics of employees who thrive there His recently launched podcast and passion for financial literacy Skill sets that translate well from athletes to the sports business world An unbelievable opportunity for athletes to learn sales… and much more
Today’s guest is Carlos Diaz, a man of who wears many hats! He is a repeat entrepreneur, pre-seed investor, podcaster, blog writer, bread maker and guitar player! Not to mention the CEO & Founder of Uncut.fm 😎 I’ve been lucky enough to get to know Carlos over the past 8 months, and believe me, he’s someone that you’re going to want to pay attention to. Carlos has an extraordinary background. He is an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. He created his first startup at the age of 23, which later IPO'ed in 2006. Then he built the first SaaS company in France and moved it to Silicon Valley, where he eventually sold it. He also runs a startup accelerator, he has a rolling fund where he invests in pre-seed companies, and last but least, he is the founder and CEO of Uncut.fm, an all inclusive platform where creative entrepreneurs grow their community with purpose and benefits. Today we talked about:
His background & lessons learned from his entrepreneurial experiences The parallels between business an sports An overview and basic definitions from the web3 world The huge opportunity athletes have with this paradigm shift How NFTs are much more than just a quick sale The vision and purpose of Uncut.fm The creator economy and what that means and much more...
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
I often talk about trying to differentiate yourself in this industry. If there is one thing I could recommend today, it's to learn another language!
I don't care if you're a player or a coach. I don't care if you're selling software or sports merch. I can tell you it's a powerful differentiator! Which is why I'm currently trying, better late than never!
Today’s guest is Eric Pincus, Salary Cap Strategists, National Writer for Bleacher Report and Host of Sports Business Classroom! Eric obviously produces great content about current situations in the NBA, including CBA case studies and breaking down salary cap regulations. But it’s not very often you get to hear the story about how experts in the industry get to where they are!
Today we talked about:
- his first job as a journalist
- when he learned how important networking is
- why and how he started his “2nd career”
- when he really started to understand the CBA
- Sports Business Classroom and the courses they teach
- advice for getting your foot in the door in the NBA
- a little CBA 101 teaser
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
Having a global perspective is one of the most valuable things you can bring to the table. Here are a few takeaways from my trip to Panamá and Colombia.
KTA client Djimon Henson begins training camp this week with the Cleveland Cav's GLeague affiliate, the Cleveland Charge! Tune in to hear more about:
Djimon's profile and where he's played the past few years The type of contract he signed Different ways to make a final roster
Today’s guest is JR Butler, CEO & Founder of Shift Group!
JR is a former collegiate athlete, a member of the Holy Cross Men's Hockey program, who has found a tremendous amount of success in the business world post playing career!
He started in tech sales and quickly held leadership positions in both small and large companies. He is currently making a phenomenal impact in the lives of athletes buy helping them transform into elite sales professionals.
Today we talked about….
- growing up with hockey in his DNA
- being a D1 college athlete and his pro aspirations
- the difficulties of transitioning into “the real world”
- his Three P’s for success
- why all athletes could succeed in business
- the mission at Shift Group
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
Buenos dias desde Bogotá! Tune in to hear some KTA client updates and what I've been doing in Latin America the past month!
Today’s guest is Justin Brantley, Founder & Chief Storyteller @ Helium Sports & Entertainment Marketing! Justin spent the last ten years working on various sides of the sports business, from coaching to administration to sales to brand relations and everything in between. He is currently a student athlete NIL advisor where he helps athletes build their brand on and off the court (and field). Today we talked about:
his first true love for a sport (hint: it's not basketball) the lessons he learned from his NFL training camp experience his transition from athlete to “the real world” his experience with strength training and how it led to a different path what he learned in his time at SPIRE Academy Helium SEM -- the vision and the core values a breakdown of NIL, collectives and how it's changed the recruiting landscape and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
Another month bites the dust! Here’s what’s happening on the KTA front and why I decided to venture down to Panamá City!
Per usual, every KTA client signing gets shared here! Donovan Smith will be playing the 2022-2023 season in Austria for the Flyers Wels organization. Here's a bit more about the signing and the league...
Very often I ask myself the question, "why?" So today I revisit why I started this podcast. And why it's important that I continue to improve and deliver.
We all want access to something. Maybe a job. Maybe information. Maybe just a phone number of someone you want to connect with!
Unfortunately, nothing in this world is free. So here are four ways that you can get access to what you want.
August has been... busy. Here is a quick recap of how the month went, some updates on clients, and what the game plan looks like moving into September!
KTA Client Donovan Smith signed to finish the season in the Dominican Republic with the Indios de San Francisco! This contract is a little bit different than full season European contracts. Don't worry, I explain everything in the episode!
https://youtu.be/sE2Z-DbgH8g
Today’s guest is Jon Hertz, NBPA Agent & Founder of Fitted Athlete Management!
Jon took a bit of an unconventional path to becoming an agent. He started his career in the business world on the tech side and then transitioned into a strategic fit into the athlete management side.
Today we talked about:
- How he got involved in the tech industry
- Some of the early signs that he might transition into sports
- Similarities between the tech world and sports world
- Key mindset values and skills that translate to the NBA
- How he differentiates himself in a cut-throat world
- How NIL opportunities play a role in his recruiting
- Important factors for players and families to understand
- Some advice for anyone getting into the business!
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
How do you define success? Where do you find learning opportunities? How do you get started?
https://sportsbusiness.uncut.fm/
Today’s guest is Michael Raymond, Founder of Raymond Representation, a sport and talent agency specializing in business, marketing, and lifestyle management!
Michael's start in sports began as an athlete, like most of us. Once he realized he was not heading down the professional athlete path, he began surrounding himself with people that helped open doors in the business world.
From undergraduate studies at UCF to Law School at Miami, Michael has been putting in the work to build the career of his dreams.
Today we talked about….
- His undergrad experience opening doors to the marketing world
- The decision to go to Law School
- How Raymond Representation was born
- The original vision versus strategic pivots
- The breakdown of the NIL market in 3 categories
- Details of an actual NIL deal and athlete deliverables
- Recommendation on how to enter & succeed in the business
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
European basketball is one of my favorite things in the world. Despite my love, there are challenges and uncertainties looming. Today I discuss some of those uncertainties and summarize a recent report from the European Basketball Advisory Group.
Check out the full report here: https://eb-advisorygroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/EBAG_Quo-Vadis-Euroleague-Basketball_Final.pdf Check out the Sports Business Secrets Community here: https://sportsbusiness.uncut.fm/nft/34359738492 https://eb-advisorygroup.org/
Today’s guest is Jeremy Woo, staff writer and NBA Draft Insider for Sports Illustrated!
Now typically when Jeremy goes on a podcast, or any NBA Draft analyst for that matter, they are grilled with questions like, "who is going to be the number 1 pick?" or "which players hurt their draft stock the past week?"
Today was a bit different. Of course we touch on some actual draft prospects later in the episode...
But in my opinion, it's more beneficial for you to hear some of the behind the scenes action - in regards to both Jeremy's career journey and what goes on before the story hits the internet!
Today we talked about:
- How Jeremy grew up and got into sports journalism
- His career progression throughout the years at Sports Illustrated
- How important gaining trust is when giving/getting information
- Differences between the Mock Draft & Best Available Board
- What characteristics he uses to evaluate talent on court
- Which off court characteristics help and hurt a player’s stock
- The debate between drafting the best available vs. the best fit
- How an NCAA run factors into a players evaluation
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
Today's episode is a special one. Of course a celebration for 400 episodes is in store. But even more exciting is a new project that is live as of today! I have officially launched a digital home for Sports Business Secrets, and you could find it at https://sportsbusiness.uncut.fm!
In addition, we're kicking off the 400 party by minting our first NFT! There are only 20 spots and each one is priced at less than a cup of coffee 😉☕️
Check it out here: https://sportsbusiness.uncut.fm/nft/34359738492
Someone told me they could help me strengthen my podcast community, learn more about NFTs AND generate revenue... Well, that sounds fun! The sports and tech combo is happening quicker than I expected. Let's give it a try...
Today’s guest is Andrew Petcash, former collegiate basketball player, entrepreneur & Founder of The Petcash Post, one of hottest newsletters on the market that breaks down the business of athletes, sports and NIL!
You'll want to break out the notepad for all the knowledge Andrew shares...
Today we talked about:
- How he went from 0 scholarship offers to 10
- His decision between going pro in hoops to pro in something else
- College recruiting and where players get the most exposure
- How you can differentiate yourself in the recruiting process
- The NIL market and how it is changing recruiting
- A breakdown of a real NIL deal from The AIR App
- The business model & the future vision of his newsletter
- and much more
I can sense a shift in the structure of the talent management industry. In today’s episode I explain what I’m seeing.
Today’s guest is Lilliana Antequera, Sr. Collegiate Marketing Manager for CELSIUS!
Lilliana has an extensive background in marketing in the consumer packaged goods space in addition to tech focused companies. Today she shared invaluable insight into the world of brand marketing, NIL and a sneak peek at some additional collegiate-focused projects at CELSIUS.
Today we talked about….
- her desire to be an astronaut before anything else
- how she got her first opportunity in marketing
- why it’s important to work face to face with consumers
- why it’s important to have authentic brand campaigns
- characteristics that have helped her along her career journey
- a 30k foot view of CELSIUS Collegiate Marketing and the products they make
- an exciting new announcement – CELSIUS University!
- The NIL space and what to expect in the coming months
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
These episodes are starting to sound redundant when I record them. But as they say, consistency breeds results! Here's what I'm up to today.
Today’s guest is Daniel Sokolovsky, Head Coach of BKM Lučenec, a professional team in Slovakia.
Daniel's career has taken him all over the globe. From being a collegiate player and volunteer coach in the states to an Assistant in many countries overseas; finally leading him to his first Head Coaching opportunity in Slovakia last season.
Today we talked about….
- his playing career and his path into coaching
- his fortunate seat selection on a flight to Vegas
- a unique role for his first pro coaching opportunity
- the differences between leagues in Russia, Germany, Israel & Slovakia
- his first head coaching opportunity.
- what he looks for when recruiting
- some advice for aspiring coaches
- and much more
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
Web3, blockchain, NFTs, cryptocurrency. Sound complicated? Yes, but those things are here to stay. So let’s get acclimated and discuss why it’s important for the sports world!
Overseas basketball probably does not operate the way you think it does. Today I revisit the structure of domestic leagues and international competitions.
Today’s guest is Chris Gulla, a sports lawyer & Founder of ACD Agency!
Chris graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and minor in Economics from Wilkes University, where he played college basketball. He got his JD from Rutgers Law, where he spent time working for super agent, Leon Rose, who is now the President of the New York Knicks.
During that time he also dove into his coaching career. He coached at Rutgers Camden and then Philadelphia University where he simultaneously started working with a law firm. Fast forward to 2019 and ACD Agency was born!
Chris has not only spent nearly a decade becoming an expert litigation attorney, he has helped a countless number of players, clubs and agents with contract settlement agreements. He holds his NBPA, WNBPA and FIBA agent licenses, and they are just getting started!
Today we talked about….
- college hoops and how many more points he scored than me 🤣
- the process of keeping basketball a part of his life
- the path to law school and choosing what to practice
- the transition into the coaching world
- what coaching, playing and managing all have in common
- differences between power agencies and boutique agencies
- difficulties that FIBA presents when working overseas
- how practicing law adds value to the recruiting process
- & much more!
Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
In this revisited episode, I discuss everything you need to know about exposure camps. Some things have changed since I first published the episode, but the core insights remain the same. It's important to analyze each camp before you decide to invest your time and money.
I missed these episodes! Today I bring you up to speed on a KTA vision, current clients, new strategy, and what's on the calendar this week in Atlanta!
Today’s guest is Jordan Confessore, the Associate Commissioner of Men's Basketball for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference! The MAAC also happens to be the conference that my beloved Quinnipiac Bobcats' play in :)
Jordan played basketball at Ithaca College where she got a degree in sports media. I first met Jordan when we both worked at a small sports marketing firm in Princeton, called the Gazelle Group. Shortly after we met, she started her journey at the MAAC and has taken over several roles over the past 10 years!
Today we talked about….
- not knowing what she wanted to do after college
- her transition from collegiate athlete to “the real world”
- all about the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
- her roles over the past 10 years, what she does day to day
- some cool international projects they are working on
- an overview of the ESPN deal with the MAAC
- Saint Peters amazing Elite 8 run & what that means for the conference
- skill sets that translate well from athletes to the sports business world
- and much more!
If you're looking to learn a bit more about what happens behind the scenes at the offices of athletic conferences, you've found the right place. Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!
www.kevintarca.com/post/jordanconfessore
Sometimes you have to put your head down and focus on some big projects! Unfortunately that meant a short delay in content for the podcast. But it's all good now, after a short hiatus, we are back!
Here is what I've been up to the past three weeks and some insight on what I'm looking forward to heading into the summer!
We all know the NCAA makes a tremendous amount of revenue from March Madness. But have you ever wondered HOW much?
Today I dive into the most recent broadcast deal, including the exact value and length. I also discuss the amount of money conferences receive as a kickback for each schools performance.
March Madness for the public. March Sadness for student athletes.
Today’s guest is Issa Hall, the Founder and CEO of JRZY!
JRZY is an amazing new platform that empowers athletes with technology to leverage opportunities for themselves as competitors.
I’ve been following JRZY the past year and the tools and resources they provide are tremendously valuable! Their original tool started as a marketplace that connects athletes to sponsorship opportunities (which they still have) but they have grown into so much more!
Today we talked about:
- how he grew up and got introduced to the game
- what type of law he currently practices law
- an overview of all the tools JRZYVERSE has
- what web3 and crypto is and how it can help athletes
- NFTs and trading card opportunities available
- the importance of a decentralized platforms & owning your audience
- how athletes can use group economics for deals
- why brands should tap into the entire JRZYVERSE
- and much more!
Issa has made it his life mission to liberate athletes and trust me when I tell you he is well on his way to accomplishing that!
Excited for you to hear what JRZY is doing to educate athletes on controlling their own content and creating and capitalizing on their own entrepreneurial hub.
www.kevintarca.com/post/issahall
Today’s guest is Bruce Hamburger, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Columbia University!
Bruce has been coaching the game of basketball his entire career and has experience at many different levels. From being a Grad Assistant at the Division 3 level, to an Assistant on a Final Four team, to joining the staff for a WNBA team, and everything in between!
Today we talked about:
- how he grew up and got introduced to the game
- his early love for coaching versus playing
- what he learned from his NCAA Final Four experience
- the transition from mens college coaching to the WNBA
- what he looks for when he's recruiting
- things that Ivy league players do differently
- the challenges when you're not having a winning season
- and much more
This is episode is great for anyone who wants to learn more about getting a college scholarship and especially for those who are looking to break into the coaching industry!
www.kevintarca.com/post/brucehamburger
Last month I had a really cool experience jumping on Anthony Uva's TV show!
Here are the topics we covered on the show:
- reasons why I decided to go to Quinnipiac University
- a typical day in the life of a Division 1 basketball player
- the path that led me to explore the European market
- why and how I started Kreation Talent Agency
- what I look for when I'm recruiting
- how much money pros make overseas
- NIL status and where I think it's headed
- advice to students & parents for the college selection process
https://www.kevintarca.com/post/the-secrets-of-college-planning-tv-show
Today’s guest is Edgar Vargas, a Puerto Rico-based digital marketer with many years of marketing and brand building experience in sports, media & athletic administration!
Edgar started his own broadcast project for all sports at his university when he was a student, which spring-boarded him into an amazing career in sports marketing and media.
Today we talked about:
- how he grew up and got introduced to the game
- the BSN (professional league in Puerto Rico)
- his sports business education company, WIN Sports
- how to value a sports franchise
- Genius Sports and his new role
- and much more
His life mission is to promote the sports industry of Puerto Rico and Latin America through education, and he is making a profound impact already!
www.kevintarca.com/post/edgarvargas
Today’s guest is Skyler Beauchamp, Technical Recruiter & Basketball Consultant.
As you know this season of the podcast is geared towards bringing the listeners not just knowledge for on the court… but knowledge that will add value to your life off the court.
Lucky for us, today we get the best of both worlds! Skyler was acclimated to the scouting world the moment he stepped into college. Managing his college team and getting involved with USA basketball during his freshman year led him to start his own scouting service. He spent the past 5 years evaluating talent and helping professional teams identify good fits for the roster.
Today we talked about:
- how he grew up and got introduced to the game
- being exposed to a high level of hoops during college
- balancing school work and starting a scouting service
- what he looks for when evaluating
- what technical recruiting is and how he got the job
- the parallels between the corporate world & hoops
- and much more
Sky also drops some knowledge on exactly what teams look for when selecting imports for their overseas rosters!
Celebrating the small wins!
This weekend we crossed the 50,000 downloads benchmark! The podcast is consistently listened to in 88 countries and counting.
Is Sports Business Secrets the fastest growing podcast out there? I’m not sure.
Is Sports Business Secrets just getting started? Absolutely.
More often than not, very few people will believe in you until you’ve already done it or until a celebrity gives you a shoutout. So just keep showing up until it’s impossible for them to miss you.
If you’ve listened to or shared any episode, THANK YOU!
Today’s guest is Jason Esseboom, the Founder of Joyned Capital.
As you know this season of the podcast is geared towards bringing the listeners not just knowledge for on the court… but knowledge that will add value to your life off the court.
Jason realized early on that he was not going to be able to pay the bills forever by playing the game he loves. So he found a different path that combined his passion for the sport with the ability to make an impact… and simultaneously make a living.
Today we talked about:
- how he grew up and got introduced to the game
- his transition from playing soccer to “the real world”
- why it’s important to be an educated investor
- what investing means and how you can get involved
- the definition of cash flow and why you need to know it
- and much more
In addition to running Joyned Capital he has a coaching business and an online course that I highly recommend. If you want to learn how you can make financial moves now that can prepare you for the rest of your life, you should invest in yourself and check out his resources.
www.kevintarca.com/post/jasonesseboom
Today’s guest is Adam Finkelstein, National Recruiting Analyst for ESPN. Adam has experience in many different sectors of the basketball world; from the media side to coaching at both the collegiate and prep school levels… and obviously to evaluating talent all across the country.
Today we talked about:
- how he grew up and got introduced to the game
- his transition after school to working in basketball full time
- how he created opportunities for himself as a young coach
- where the idea for NERR came from
- his roles and responsibilities at ESPN
- why rankings matter & when they don't really matter
- and most importantly… all about evaluating talent!
And at the end we have the infamous Sports Business Secrets lightning round.
This episode is going to be tremendously valuable for young players, parents & coaches.
www.kevintarca.com/post/adamfinkelstein
Today’s guest is David Nurse, who is a man of many skills & many titles...
David has been transforming the way hundreds of NBA stars play on the court for most of his career. His method was actually coined as training “athletes of the future” because of his ability to teach them how to tap into different mindsets and become unstoppable.
He has written two bestselling books, runs a successful motivational coaching business and is a highly-sought-after speaker. You're not going to want to miss this high energy, knowledge packed episode!
Today we talked about:
- His NBA dreams and playing overseas
- The challenges he battled as a pro
- His mindset during the transition from pro to “real life”
- Breaking a few world records How he became the Brooklyn Nets Shooting Coach
- How to shift your perspective & redefine success
- How to push through limitations to find your breakthrough & plenty more!
I’m super lucky to call David a friend. And he’s done more to help me along my personal journey than I can even thank him for.
I know you guys are going to enjoy this one!!
https://www.kevintarca.com/post/davidnurse
This is the sports industry! The rules are different here.
Today I give you 12 very fired up minutes of why this industry is difficult to navigate. But more importantly I discuss 3 ways that you'll be able to combat the difficult set of rules you're up against.
Today’s guest is DeMarcus Berry, Head Coach for the Kaohsiung Steelers, a club from Taiwan's PLeague+.
Lucky for me, he is also a Kreation Talent Agency client.
DeMarcus has had an amazing journey from playing at the NAIA level, to playing in Australia, then to coaching in Australia. He’s done scouting for teams in New Zealand, Turkey, Germany, China and more. In 2018 he was a Special Assistant on staff for the Atlanta Hawks GLeague team, the Skyhawks. Before heading to Taiwan he was the Head Coach of a team in the TBL, the Tampa Bay Titans.
In today's episode we talked about:
- His transition from playing to coaching
- How he got his scouting opportunities
- An overview of the PLeague and pro hoops in Taiwan
- His roles and responsibilities for Kaohsiung
- Excitement about the East Asia Super League
- Advice for aspiring coaches & much more!
www.kevintarca.com/post/demarcusberry
KTA Client Anthony Green resigns in Adelaide, South Australia with the Norwood Flames! Listen in for some more details on the process and decisions that were made in the off season. The NBL1 Season kicks off in April!
Today’s guest is Francesco Nanni, who is an assistant coach on Scafati in Italy’s SerieA2.
Francesco grew up playing basketball in Italy. He has been coaching basketball since the age of 16 and got his opportunity to become a professional coach in the 2nd division of Italy in 2017 with a team called Forli.
As you’ll hear in the podcast, assistant coaches overseas wear many hats, so he has been able to conduct a wide range of tasks the past three seasons. From from on-court player development to extensive video analysis, to opponent scouting reports and game plans and much more.
We also talked about:
- an overview of the professional basketball leagues in Italy
- the process and certification requirements of becoming a coach
- his modern coaching philosophies and techniques
- some resources that he uses to become a better coach
- some of the challenges he faces
And at the end we have the infamous Sports Business Secrets lightning round.
Francesco one of the kindest people I’ve met and I love his curiosity and passion for what he does.
www.kevintarca.com/post/francesco-nanni-asst-coach-scafati-basket-italy-a2
The biggest buzz word of the 21st century; networking!
We all know networking is a big part of how we will find success. But when's the last time you asked yourself how to improve your networking routine?
www.kevintarca.com/post/three-ways-to-upgrade-your-networking-routine
Today’s guest is Art Morrison III, who I'm lucky to call a close friend!
Art is an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. After having to move around to a handful of different high schools, he eventually earned a scholarship to play basketball at Caldwell University. Despite an up and down college career, he continued to persevere by procuring himself a contract overseas, and has since taken the business world by storm over the past decade! We get to hear about Art's upbringing & how he used his basketball experience as the cornerstone of his professional life, both on and off the court.
He is not only making an impact in the community, but he is revolutionizing that Real Estate and Online Education space!
Here are some of the topics we dove into:
- His early life and upbringing
- Overcoming adversity in high school, AAU & Prep School
- The steps he took to earn a college scholarship
- The strategy he used to get a professional contract in Portugal
- His transition from hoops to business Insight from his book, "Overcome"
- Tapping into the real estate game Creating an online educational platform
https://www.kevintarca.com/post/entrepreneur-author-former-pro-art-morrison-iii
People often get hired the same way that people get recognized, from their past success. And although there is merit to that, I think we should dig deeper. I believe too many companies & sports organizations overweigh their decisions based off past stats.
https://www.kevintarca.com/post/hiring-recruiting
Today we're joined by the Head of Scouting for FC Barcelona, Ruben Alcaraz!
Ruben was the first guest for season 2 of the podcast, and he definitely did not disappoint! We get to hear about Rubens unique background before he got into the scouting and front office role…
Like many of us, Ruben wasn’t really sure what he wanted to do early in his professional career, and so he simply took life one day at a time!
He spent some time performing freestyle basketball tricks around Spain, he opened up a basketball shop (only for it to close down shortly after), and he even secured himself a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records!
We also talked about:
- How he identifies talent as a scout
- The differences between scouting young players & pro players
- How he keeps himself organized during the season
- & much more!
View full article here:
https://www.kevintarca.com/post/head-of-scouting-for-fc-barcelona-ruben-alcaraz
Today we continue discussing changes to the FIBA Agent Regulations and how I think it will impact the industry.
On January 1, 2022 FIBA decided to make changes to the Agent Regulations.
Sadly, these changes came without consultation from FIBA Agents themselves. Today I dive into the first two big changes.
Welcome to Season 2 of Sports Business Secrets!
Today I recap the end of 2021, discuss some podcast upgrades & share this year's vision for KTA!
🎉🎊 Today is the 365th consecutive day of publishing a podcast episode!
LFG! What a year.
Today I talk about what I learned and what is next! 😎
It has felt like a decade since I’ve been back in my element overseas, but lucky for me, we are back! I just landed in Europe and I’m hitting the ground running!! 😀😎🌎✌️
Today we're joined by a fellow FIBA agent based in Spain, Gerard Colomé!
Gerard knew he wanted to be involved in the sports business world earlier than most. He has experiences at both a big international agency and now a boutique firm. Tune in to hear more about Spain, FIBA inefficiencies, his trips to Africa & much more!
Often times we are so worried about finding the best approach that we forget to take action. The quality of your work in the beginning will not be good… just keep improving.
Yesterday we talked about what types of disputes can arise. Today I break down the process of filing a claim and go behind the scenes of arbitration procedures.
Today I talk about what happens when there is a dispute between a player and an agent. Sometimes it’s handled professionally, but sometimes it gets ugly.
KTA client updates, a few more college visits and a golf outing...
This is exactly what I'm doing today.
I don't care what level we are talking about, scoring 51 points is very difficult to do.
This is more of a venting episode for me, mostly about why teams overlook good players. So thanks for listening lol.
At the end of each episode with a guest, I throw in a surprise round of questions to get to know them better and make them think!
Upon request, today I put myself through the round 😎
KTA Client Djimon Henson will be playing in the Georgian Superleague this season.
Listen in for some more details on the transfer and the league!
Faith will bring you through any battle. But it's important to not overlook the most brutal facts of your current situation.
Today we learn from the highest ranking US military officer who was held captive during the Vietnam War.
We all have said the infamous line, "can you leave me some tickets?"
Today I flipped open the CBA and learned exactly how many tickets NBA players get for each game!
Today we get to learn about the creators of one of the hottest podcasts on the market, Slappin' Glass!
Patrick Carney & Dan Krikorian dive into their college hoops days, passions off the court, the humble beginnings of the podcast, their stellar guests & much more! They even disclose who would win in a game of 1 on 1 😜
Happy October! 13 days until we've reached episode 365. 92 days until the year 2022 🤯😳 This is exactly what I'm doing today...
When I get the opportunity to speak with athletes at any level, I make sure to include these 3 core topics...
Today we’re joined by someone who is simultaneously playing professionally overseas & building her own company!
Jori Davis is the Founder of Wevolv, a tool that is designed to strengthen the careers of athletes through education and community!
Today I go over section 15 of the EFA! This section outlines the requirements for promotional and commercial appearances during the season.
You might be confused when I tell you to be a little bit more selfish today. But trust me, in the long run its better for everyone. Here’s why…
KTA client Donovan Smith will be playing in Cyprus this season. Listen in for some more details on the contract and the opportunity 🙌
Today we're joined by NBA draft & salary cap specialist, Jon Chepkevich!
Jon breaks down how he evaluates prospects, how they use AI to project talent, the birth of Rookie Scale and much more!
Sometimes a client update can be, "there is no update!"
I know it seems nonsensical, but there is a reason.
Knocking on doors & gearing up for some travel! This is exactly what I'm doing today...
Dick Fosbury is considered one of the most influential athletes in the history of track & field. Why?
Because he was good at something that no one did. Tune in for the rest of the story 😉
Social media expert & digital marketing consultant, Aaron Eisman, joins us to talk about what he learned at the big agencies and why he transitioned into his own company!
You'll learn what brings value to brands and how to upgrade your social media. You even get a sneak peak of his new book, "The Evolution of Sports Social Media."
At some point along your journey in the sports business world you will most likely be overwhelmed with how much you still have to learn.
This is a friendly reminder that an expert in anything was once a beginner!
JR Blount, a Milwaukee native and former Loyola Chicago player, joined Iowa State's mens basketball staff earlier this year.
Today he joins us to break down his pro experience, the D1 recruiting process, some non-negotiables before joining the Iowa State team, how he learns & more.
One inefficiency with overseas basketball is the payment system.
How do we improve the transparency and simplify the execution of payments? Here’s a thought, just hear me out.
How many Varsity Basketball coaches do you know who have zero social media accounts? 🤔
Bill Connolly is entering his 3rd season at Mendham. We dive into his finance background, who he learns from & youth development thoughts!
We are officially closer to October 1st than September 1st! 🤯
Today I talk about an update on a KTA client, re-evaluating the company strategy and looking ahead to the fall months. Same goals, new day!
Matt Beyer has one of the most fascinating stories in the world of sports business in the past decade, and today we're lucky to have him as a guest! Here is an outline of some of the topics we discuss:
☑️ his first few trips to China ☑️ being a translator for NBA players ☑️ passing the CBA Agent License exam ☑️ overview of the Chinese Basketball Association ☑️ raising money and developing the EASL ☑️ the future of sports in the Asian markets
If you have any interest in sports business, pro hoops, the Asian markets or entrepreneurship... you should probably have a listen!
The East Asia Super League is ready to turn the world of Asian basketball on its head!
Today’s episode is a friendly reminder to my pros who are currently playing overseas.
I read an article this week that made me want to spread the word again…. please pay your taxes properly!
No matter what section of the “sports business” industry you are involved with, you should always keep an open mind.
Today I share a story about Duncan Robinson that puts your future thoughts into perspective.
More Euroleague Framework Agreement! Today we’re talking about player health & wellness.
A few important topics include on-court platform rules and updates and second medical opinions!
Happy Sunday my friends! I needed to refresh the memory with the NBA calendar and check out the key dates for the upcoming season.
And lucky for you, I'm sharing what I learned 🙃
I've been consumed by a lot of noise lately, making my brain go in circles.
I decided a brain dump was a good idea. Here's what came out:
-
international summer league 🌍
-
overseas inefficiencies 🧮
-
documentary idea 🎥
Your weekly dose of.... exactly what I'm doing! Sometimes these are weird for me to record. But it's been fun to give a public update of how I'm operating.
They will be cool to listen to in 10 years! ⌛️⏳
Health Protocols have been updated and approved and will be enforced during the upcoming Euroleague and Eurocup seasons.
I highlight the main points in this episode, but you can read the full document here:
There has been a bit of restructuring in the G-League over the past two years, so today I go over the updated 2021-2022 affiliations.
And we’re back to talking about another random section of the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Today’s topic = Player Moving Expenses.
I recently read a letter that Igor Rakočević wrote to his younger self. It is gold.
You can listen to some highlights in today's episode, but I highly recommend you check it out for yourself.
I want to tell you a story... that took place 400 years ago... about a ship... in a harbor.
Guess you'll have to listen if you're curious 🤷♂️🙃
One of the biggest changes in the EFA was the change in payment structure for agent commissions.
Today is the ultimate deep dive on what the new rule means, a breakdown of how it looks contractually and how this will affect the overall industry.
A KTA client is off to Europe tonight, international training camps & exhibitions are beginning, and some interesting conversations have been sparked from a recent interview. This is exactly what I'm doing today...
Today we're joined by Macalester College Head Coach, Abe Woldeslassie!
Abe is entering his 4th season leading his alma mater! Today you'll learn about his journey from playing to coaching, how he got his first opportunity, the differences between D3 and D1, the core team values at Macalester and much more!
A question I was asked in an interview recently was, "what is the main suggestion you would give to a player who's about to experience the international market for the first time?"
Well, you know the drill by now. Here is my answer...
During a conversation with a potential intern, I was asked yet another great question about the recruiting process. After mentioning the ultimate goal of signing highly ranked players, here is the question he hit me with:
"So, how do you actually do that?"
Today we’re joined by Bishop McGuiness Boys Varsity Coach, Josh Thompson!
In this episode we talk about Josh’s coaching journey, his NCAA tournament experience, his AAU program, how he’s built a culture at Bishop & much more!
Last week someone from our Sports Agent Community asked me a great question regarding early growth and social media involvement.
Tune in to hear the exact question and my in depth answer based on personal experience.
Today we’re joined by professional basketball coach, Matt Jones!
Matt has coached from NAIA to professionally overseas, and everything in between.
Today we learn about the Albanian league, his Israeli experience and what’s on the horizon!
Repetition & persistence. Even when results aren't visible yet! Still knocking on doors. Consulting opportunities on the horizon. Online agent course. This is exactly what I'm doing today.
P.S. 4 dozen days away from 365 😎
✔️BYU Football ✔️Name, Image, Likeness ✔️Athletes getting paid ✔️Walk-on heaven
You should probably just listen 😊
Today we're lucky to have another MHS alumni on the pod! We are joined by former teammate and very good friend of mine, Chris Garcia!
Chris is the boys Varsity Basketball Coach at JP Stevens HS in NJ, and Co-Director of the NJ Panthers AAU organization. We talk about his start in football, his love for hoops, why he never stops learning and much more.
FIBA has decided to revise their Agent Regulations. Being fully transparent here, I'm not necessarily impressed and have many questions.
Here's an overview of the new rules and my concerns...
More Euroleague Framework Agreement!
Today we’re talking about the guidelines for team travel, accommodations and days off.
"Can I pick your brain?"
This phrase is used a lot. And there's nothing wrong with it. But make sure you are aware of the context before trying to extract knowledge!
Back to the Euroleague Framework Agreement!
Today we’re talking contract negotiations, tiered salary categories and a new format for agent commissions.
KTA updates, international transfer obstacles and why I’m heading to Jersey City this afternoon! Here is exactly what I’m doing today…
Today we’re talking money! 💶💰
There is now a minimum gross salary for any player with a full season contract. Today I explain the scale and how players can qualify.
Continuing the deep dive of the Euroleague Framework Agreement. Moving forward, the relationship between players and clubs will be regulated by 4 different types of contracts. Today I tell you all about them.
Euroleague Basketball and ELPA recently announced the completion of a historic agreement, the Euroleague Framework Agreement! The goal is to regulate the relationships between EuroLeague, clubs and players. Today I give you the overview and break down some of the topics.
Morning routines can be a huge asset to having a productive day.
But it's also important to revisit and revamp your routines. If you don't it's easy to get complacent. Here is a little revamp of my routines.
A player’s minimum salary is determined by how much NBA experience he has. Here’s a quick update on minimum salaries for the 2021-2022 NBA season.
As a society, we have an ever-growing need to announce everything we’re doing (myself included). Sports play a big role in this.
Just landed back in NJ a few hours ago. What a week in Vegas! Another KTA client signed his next contract overseas and we’re building momentum! Here is exactly what I’m doing today…
We need to be grateful for every part of the process. Because both the ups and the downs serve a purpose.
Mike Papale, former college basketball coach and current high school basketball coach survived sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 17.
In his memoir, A Big Heart, he uses his story to inspire readers and help heart disease patients live a long and normal life. The official book release is September 1, but it is available now for pre-release on Amazon.
http://www.michaelpapale.com/book/
Alright people, we have finally reached episode 300! That is 300 days straight! Today I talk about more lessons I’ve learned, the most downloaded episodes and briefly discuss the future vision of the pod.
Beyond excited to have Montgomery High School Athletic Director & Boys Varsity Basketball Coach, Kris Grundy on the pod today!
Coach Grundy put his trust in me to be his starting PG as a sophomore, and today we talk NJ hoops, public vs private, team culture and much more!
Today is the first day of games here in Vegas! So I figured it would be fitting to discuss the format of the games and a few reasons why the summer league is so important for various stakeholders.
There’s a lot that goes into a college selection for basketball players. For some people the choice is easier than others.
If I was a top recruit these days, here is exactly how I’d break down my selection…
Off to Las Vegas! It's been 2 years since the NBA had Summer League... but we are back!
Most of these episodes stem from a learning experience that I went through. This week I had to have a taste of my own medicine...
Everyone needs a little motivation every now and then. So here is a quick segment that I needed to pump myself up with this morning. Hopefully it helps you too 🤓👍
Of course everyone sees the SIGNING announcements on instagram and twitter... but what really happens after a contract is signed?
Today I share some thoughts on the not-so-sexy behind the scenes process of what actually happens.
Sometimes I like to double down on topics that I'm passionate about. But I also realize it's good to hear from different voices.
Today I share a clip from The Players Podcast, where Kyle Hines and Shane Larkin give some advice to aspiring pros.
A lot of us are back on the road for business travel. Here are a few recommendations that will allow you to travel like a boss. 👌
I’ve noticed a few differences the past several years between the front offices in the states and overseas. Here’s what I’ve seen…
Your weekly KTA updates. Battling through some frustrations. Knocking on doors. Gearing up for Vegas. This is exactly what I’m doing today.
I've recommended this book before. And I'll do it again. You can create a life of passion, purpose and peace by finding what makes you HAPPY.
But just like in the sports industry, it’s not always the “sexy titles” that give you happiness.
More value coming in hot from the NBPA! The agreement to extend last season’s Two-Way modifications to cover the 2021-22 Season has been approved.
Former Euroleague player Axel Hervelle wrote a great article talking about the importance of young players selecting their agents. Today I talk more about this topic and share some of his advice.
Today I talk about Article XXIII of the CBA, which includes the regulations for all off season events and the rules summer leagues have to follow to get sanctioned.
There is a big difference between being interested and being committed. I encourage you to ask yourself this question today...
There are many exposure camps going on during the upcoming NBA Summer League in Vegas. Today I share a few details on the ones that I know well. If you are a player or you just want to network with basketball people. Check them out!
Your weekly KTA updates. Behind the scenes of a contract situation, prepping for NBA summer league and another wedding weekend. This is exactly what I’m doing today…
Today you’ll hear about DeMarcus Berry's career journey from playing to coaching. And more specifically why he will be successful not just as a coach, but in life! #KTAfam
If you are an aspiring agent, don’t do this….
Today I tell a quick story how one aspiring agent has no idea that he is off to a terrible start.
This week I had a phone call with someone who was trying to help an aspiring pro get a contract. I walked them through a recruiting summary step by step over the phone. And let them know the career projections. Here is how the conversation went...
The CBA is nearly 600 pages long. Every time I open it up I learn something new. Today I talk specifically about Section VI, which covers player conduct and the consequences for those who do not uphold the services required by their contracts.
We’ve officially passed 30,000 downloads and climbing! Here are a few more things I’ve learned along the way.
The overseas free agency market is picking up speed and teams are making moves. A few KTA clients have already signed contracts for next season and more to come! Here is exactly what I’m doing today.
I’ve discussed the differences between NBPA and FIBA agents before. Today I dive a little deeper into how an agent gets paid commissions.
KTA client DJ McCall signs with Albacete in Spain for his rookie season overseas.
In today's episode I talk a bit more about the league (LEB Plata) and why we believe its a great fit.
When players reach out I genuinely try to answer everyone and point them in the right direction. Today I talk about three mistakes players make when reaching out to me.
Today is your friendly summer reminder of some frustrations in the overseas market and how you can battle through them. The curtain is peeled back, this is the reality of professional hoops!
I switched up the strategy a bit this year. Going to NBA events is still important, but today I dive into why I've been spending more time watching high school events this summer.
Hindsight is always 20/20, right? Looking back now, here are four things that I wish I did when I was in college.
On the road again! Atlantic City, coach meetings, and then continuing down south! Here is exactly what I'm doing today.
Sometimes you need to think outside the box to differentiate yourself from others. That includes marketing ideas that are outrageous.
No matter how long it takes to get where you're trying to go, there is one ingredient in the "success formula" that is imperative.
Tune in today to find out what that is.
Today we talk with Will Smith, GM of the Norwood Flames in Australia's NBL1.
Will gives us a breakdown of the Australian pro market, the style of play in the league and how he wants to improve Australian hoops!
I chatted with a few college players last week about the overseas market and what it would take to get to the next level. Here is what I told them.
Today we talk w/ AJ Mitnick, newly appointed Head Coach of Inter Aliyah Club in Israel! 🇮🇱
AJ breaks down the Israeli pro market, both 1st and 2nd divisions. We also learn what coaches have to sacrifice in order to get where they want to be!
KTA client updates, tapping into NIL and catching a college friend's wedding! Here is exactly what I am doing today.
Today we're joined by Syracuse legend, Eric Devendorf! Eric has experience playing and coaching at the highest levels around the world, but has transitioned into his next journey: impacting lives on and off the court!
Topics we discuss: - high school dream team at Oak Hill - his recruitment to Syracuse - playing professionally around the world - coaching w/ Jim Boeheim and Mike Davis - founding ED23 hoops - and much more
We are officially in a new era of college athletics. Starting today student athletes can officially monetize their name, image and likeness!
I am not an expert (no one is yet), but in today's episode I share some my thoughts on the topic!
We all fall into the trap of making assumptions. Sometimes they are good. Sometimes they are bad. Either way they can be powerful.
Believe it or not, there is prize money awarded to NBA All Star participants. Today I break down the cash compensation for each competition.
Sometimes we all need to make new friends in the industry. But its not always easy to find the right people. Here are three ways that you can surround yourself with good people.
The purpose of my podcast is to educate others (as I learn myself). That also includes being real with the challenges of the sports business industry. Here are a few challenges I'm battling...
More international movement and back on the road this weekend for some live high school hoops. Here is exactly what I'm doing today...
Today we're joined by former NBA Draft pick and current Managing Director of the Euroleague Players Association, Boki Nachbar!
Tune in to hear about the mission of the association, the benefits they provide players, and the exciting upcoming projects!
Here are 5 pieces of advice I would give to incoming high school players. Specifically players who aspire to play in college.
Today we are joined by GM of CSO Voluntari, Ionut Georgescu!
Tune in to hear about the Romanian basketball market, how Voluntari recruits, the scouting collaboration with Real Betis and much more!
🚨PSA! KTA is looking for interns.
Instead of creating a word document and putting it online, I figured it would be easier to explain via audio. Tune in to hear exactly what we're looking for!
If you're wondering what's inside a standard FIBA contract between player and agent, today is your lucky day!
Today you’ll hear about Evann Baker's career journey from playing to coaching. And more specifically why he will be successful not just as a coach, but in life! #KTAfam
We are backkkk! Heading into summer full speed ahead. Yesterday I finalized a contract for a KTA client. Today I'll join hundreds of college coaches at the Hun School in NJ for some live high school hoops. Here is exactly what I'm doing today...
I received an awesome question from a listener this week. Rafa from Spain asked me what I do to prepare for road trips. In today’s episode I break it all down!
I've noticed a few recent trends in the coaching industry. This includes college, high school and pro coaching markets all around the world.
Every once in a while I go on a random travel tangent. Today I share a trick that I use every time I travel internationally.
If you get confused by the Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion, tune in!
Sometimes I plan travel months in advance. And sometimes I book a flight the day before travel. Here's a bit more insight on how I decided on determine my travel plans.
It’s easy to forget that this is a business. I didn’t come into the business to make friends. If it ends up that way, great!
Your friends are there to tell you how great you are and what you want to hear. I’m here to tell you what you need to hear.
KTA is officially representing coaches! In this episode I break down what that really looks like.
Wrapping up the trip to Tampa... heading to Miami... lots to balance this week! Here is exactly what I am doing today...
Yesterday I talked about organized chaos. Today I talk about what motivates me to power through the obstacles.
It's important to stop and ask yourself why you do what you do every once in awhile.
Sometimes life throws many things at you at once. You can get frustrated. Or you can battle through. I call this organized chaos.
We’ve officially passed 25,000 downloads of Sports Business Secrets! So cool. Not sure what that really means… but I do know that people tune in from 78 countries around the world to hear me talk about my journey. And for that I’m grateful! 🙏
I spent the last three days at the newest pre-draft combine down in Florida. Today’s episode is a recap of the event plus a few guys that I thought played well.
I talked about how to prepare for a coaching interview earlier in the week. Here are three recommendations to differentiate yourself during any interview process.
Happy Friday my friends! Every contract negotiation I am involved with allows me to get better at my job. I learn from every single situation.
I told you I'd fill you in on the details of one of those experiences, so as promised, here you go.
Let's go! As I grow my agency and continue to represent professional basketball players, I'm pumped to introduce you to The European Basketball Advisory Group!
This is a non-profit initiative with the aim to increase the overall professionalism in the sport of basketball in Europe. We will serve as the connectors between basketball and business.
There are so many things in this world that we as humans don't know. Even if you are an expert in your field, there are still things you can learn.
When you don't know something, embrace it! Here's what I mean...
Applying for a coaching position is not an easy task. Especially with the oversaturated market of coaches looking to climb the ladder!
Today I break that process down into 5 steps.
Today were joined by a director from FIBA Europe, Radmila Turner!
Radmila dives into the resources that FIBA provides for current players, the purpose of the TIMEOUT program, and some exciting new projects coming out soon!
Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Today we have the Euroleague Championship and many other leagues overseas will finish up shortly. I'm also gearing up for a two week road trip!! Here is exactly what I'm doing today.
Today we hear from Founder & CEO of Slan Sports Management, Matt Slan!
Matt started his agency over a decade ago and currently represents both players and coaches around the world!
The NBPA is best. Here’s a little sneak peak into the value they provide NBPA certified agents!
Today we hear from professional basketball coach, David Gale! We talk about his playing days at Loyola Chicago to all of his stops in the NBA to his most recent experience leading a team in the first division of Lithuania!
There are many differences between professional basketball cultures around the world. Today I talk about one major thing that is missing from a coaching perspective in Europe.
Today we chat with Coach KJ Smith! He teaches us about the basketball culture in Brazil, the types of players in the first division, his new role with the Fraser Valley Bandits and much more.
What does it take to get to the top? A mix of skills, hard work, luck and surrounding yourself with the right crew. I'm working on a new project, here are some thoughts on it.
Today we bring on another agent, who also happens to be the CEO of his company. Drew started OMS in 2018 and currently represents about 50 players around the world!
We discuss the talent in JUCO & NAIA's, agency business models, showcase events & more!
First step to success = stepping up to the plate and swinging the bat. Most importantly, doing that even if the odds are stacked against you!
This is why you should be more like Amelia Earhart...
Today we head over to Hungary to chat with professional basketball coach & scout, Mate Jakab!
You'll learn about the style of play in their professional leagues, which imports have succeeded there, and more about Mate's coaching journey!
Another trip up to North Jersey! Today is a brand partnerships & marketing focused day mixed with a few overseas contract situations. Exciting weekend coming up! Here is exactly what I'm working on today.
Today we talk with Menelik Fernandes, who is a Canadian college basketball coach. We discuss the differences between College and University sports, the balance between entrepreneurship and coaching, and what changes he hopes to see in Canadian hoops moving forward!
The only way to get better at negotiating is through experience. Trust me, I've learned the hard way! Today I'll talk about a few key principles that I've learned about negotiating contracts as an agent.
We are 45 days away from college athletes being allowed to monetize their name, image and likeness!
Yesterday I talked all about the demand side. Today I'll dive into the supply side. You'll hear exactly what I include in my player profiles, including the move that I made to get them done quicker!
So how do teams overseas find and sign their coaches and players? Today I share three conversations I've had with clubs this week.
Today’s discussion stems from the book, “Outwitting the Devil,” by Napoleon Hill.
Those who try to receive something without putting in the work, will end up with nothing.
In the past, the main role of an agent was to procure and negotiate contracts. In 2021 the list of benefits that players expect is a dramatically longer list. Here is a current challenge that I am facing as a boutique agency...
Every agent has a different strategy. Here are some specific characteristics that I’m searching for when looking for future clients.
A handful of people have recently asked me why I haven’t joined another agency. Well here’s your answer (and it’s probably different than you think)!
Another KTA Client Highlight! Today you’ll hear about D.J. McCall's career from college until today. I talk about the recruiting process before he joined KTA and then touch on why he will be successful not just on the court, but in life!
Today we head down to sunny Florida to chat with Coach Billy Clapper!
Billy talks about transitioning from coaching at the college level to landing at IMG Academy in Florida. He is also the GM of Sideline Cancer, who is gearing up for the 2021 TBT event!
European playoffs, client profile prep, coaching representation? Here is exactly what I'm doing today.
The ability to tell stories is more impactful than you might think.
Today I share a rarely told story from a trip to Croatia 🇭🇷 and also explain the reason you should tell more stories yourself!
Today were joined by the one and only Carlon Brown! We talk about his transition from college to being a pro, the grind in the G-League, how he “flipped the switch” overseas and much more.
If you’re looking for a guy who has experienced it all and need someone to keep it real with you, look no further!
Carlon is the Founder of PointAdvising and currently the Head Coach of Glendale Prep in Arizona.
One of the biggest challenges in the sports business word is gaining access to resources and decision makers. Today I share two ways to gain that access!
Alright people, we have finally reached episode 200! That is 200 days straight, I’m pumped!
Today I talk about some of the things I’ve learned, the most downloaded episodes and, as always, what is on the agenda for KTA!
Today we venture over to one of my favorite cities in the world, Belgrade, Serbia! Filip Sunterlic is the GM of Euroleague and ABA team, Crvena Zvezda.
Buckle up for a long one, as Filip shares insight on his journey from player to marketing director to GM.
Volume 5 of “Agent FAQs” 📝 where do you start without film? 📝 can you apply for a sports agent job? 📝 where to find other sports jobs?
Quick shoutout to the NBPA! Today I talk about what the NBPA is and why they add tremendous value to players (and agents).
One of the worst things that can happen when building a business is people telling you that youre doing a good job 24/7.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the support!
But today I’m asking you to roast me! What have I done a bad job with? How can I improve?
Back on the east coast in New Jersey! Here is exactly what I'm doing today as we wrap up April and head into May...
Today we get to hear from Blair Academy’s Boys Head Basketball Coach, Joe Mantegna!
We talk about his decision to gravitate towards high school coaching versus college, his international experience, the upcoming AfroBasket games with the South Sudanese national team & more!
What do I do when I’m at events? What are my goals when I’m on the road?
Well, each situation could be different. But here are 4 things that always remain constant...
Today's episode is an in depth break down of Carlon Brown's latest video.
There are many considerations that rookies need to keep in mind before officially starting their pro career. Here I break them down from an agent's perspective.
One of my all time favorite things is meeting new people. You never know when you’ll meet someone that could change the trajectory of your life.
What does that have to do with sports business? I’ll guess you’ll have to tune in 😎
Should you be a creator or a curator?
Tough question. 🤔
I believe you should be a combination of them. But successful businesses have come from both ways...
Today we hear from the President of the TBL, David Magley!
The TBL is a showcase league that is designed to help players take a stepping stone in their basketball careers. There is currently more talent than ever before and the emphasis on player development stretches much further than just on the court!
There are pros and cons to the transfer portal. Players have more leverage. Which I love. But is it too much? Here are a few thoughts.
I tried to log off the phone and work all weekend. It was much needed, but now it’s time to get back in action. Here is exactly what I’m doing today.
As Robin Sharma says, the fears we don’t face become our limits. Here’s a few ways I faced a fear of mine this weekend.
Andrew Stallings learned the ropes of event marketing & brand partnership at some of the top agencies in the world.
Shortly after, he decided it was time to give athletes the opportunities they deserved. Enter Athelo Group!
Please stop trying to skip steps. You will only hurt yourself! As they say, trust the process!
If you want to diversify your perspective of the game you should experience multiple levels and markets.
Well, Coach German Srulovich has done exactly that! From Czech Republic to NCAA D1 to Israel to NBA to JUCO and everything in between... tune in today to get a global outlook of the game!
My personal formula for success is finding the balance between micro and macro thinking.
In the short term I work hard. I work smart. And I hustle. But in the long term, I realize there is no finish line. I don't sweat the small stuff. I have that next play mentality!
Our next guest is a public speaker, a mentor, a business leader and of course a father!
Today Kelly Oubre Sr. talks about: ☑️growing up in New Orleans ☑️overcoming Hurricane Katrina ☑️the recruiting process of Kelly Jr ☑️helping the next generation
Almost half way towards 365 episodes! Seasons overseas are in the home stretch and recruiting is picking up. Here is exactly what I'm doing today.
Spending too much time on social media lately? Me too.
Here's what I've noticed and a few tricks to help stay more focused.
🎙Today we take a trip down to Florida to chop it up with the Head Coach of Montverde Academy Girls Basketball team, Special Jennings!
Tune in to hear her journey from 4x Conference champ and NCAA tournament participant at Xavier University to overseas pro to college coach and to most recently running her own program at Montverde! 💪
Another KTA Client Highlight! Today you’ll hear about Djimon Henson's career from college until today. I talk about the recruiting process before he joined KTA and then touch on why he will be successful not just on the court, but in life!
If you enjoyed part one with Ed Scott, you're in for a real treat today.
In the beginning of part two, Ed cuts me off and begins bombarding me with interview questions. 😂... No wonder why this episode was almost two hours!
Part Two Topics: ☑️ Ed’s attempt to roast Kevin Tarca ☑️ My 3pt & FT% @ Quinnipiac 🤦♂️ ☑️ Lack of Basketball Growth in the UK ☑️ Upcoming NCAA NIL changes ☑️ & more
Today we are lucky enough to dive deep into the brain of Ed Scott, former COO of Euroleague Basketball!
Ed takes the trophy for longest podcast of the year, coming in at a whopping 1 hour & 38 mins!
So buckle up... this is only part one!
Part One Topics: ☑️ 30k foot view of EL business model ☑️ Reliance of shareholder contribution ☑️ Financial FairPlay & Sustainability ☑️ Club sponsorship best practices ☑️ FIBA vs Euroleague battles
There are two sides to every coin. Even though a coin flip has one of two results, I encourage you to have an open mind to many different possibilities! 🤯 🤔
Another KTA Client Highlight! Today you’ll hear about Jacquil Taylor's career from college until today. And more specifically why he will be successful not just on the court, but in life.
Yesterday I discussed the differences between NBPA and FIBA Agents. Today I break down what you need to do to become officially certified.
There are a few main differences between agents who are NBPA certified and FIBA certified.
[full explanation in less than 10 minutes]
Happy April! Back on the east coast and hoping I brought the warm weather back with me. Here is exactly what I'm working on today.
Being a pro overseas is a different type of grind!
Today you’ll hear about Anthony Green's career from college until today. And more specifically why he will be successful not just on the court, but in life.
Honestly I wasn’t sure what to talk about today. Chatted a bit about what I’ve done and what I’ll do moving forward. Test and then adjust from there!
There is a secret weapon for networking, and today I’m sharing it with you.
It helped me connect with the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, and it can help you too.
Have you ever watched a Netflix show and thought about turning it off? Maybe it’s slow at first or it’s not what you expect.
This is like your life... if episode 1 doesn’t bring what you’re looking for... give it a chance. It will get better!
If you are an aspiring agent, this episode is for you. I created an online course and community for aspiring agents to get a jumpstart into the industry. If you think someone you know will benefit, please pass it along!
The ultimate question for all college players this year... "should I stay or should I go?"
I've already been asked by a handful of college players what they should do. Here were my top pieces of advices.
It’s been a tough year for the agency business without a doubt!
Here are 3 things I’m struggling with today and how I’m working to battle through them.
A common topic I like to discuss is the challenges to becoming a pro. I'm amazed to learn how many players think they can easily earn a contract overseas, even if they are the leading scorer in their league. Here is why it's difficult...
Today we go behind the scenes with Coach Tanner Massey! We talk about coaching differences between college and the pros, what his role was in the G-League, how he breaks down film with his players & more.
Last week a listener asked me what is important in the process of getting to the next level. And what mistakes players make along that process.
Here’s my response...
Today I talk about young prospects and their pathway to the pros.
There is a new option in town for elite high school players -- Welcome, Overtime Elite!
Yesterday I mentioned it. Today we dig deep.
The signs of change were written on the wall. But today they are front and center. Two topics discussed today are NIL & the transfer portal.
Change is difficult. But it’s inevitable. I feel the subtle shifts of this industry changing. On the way to the airport again...
There are many ways to succeed as an agent. But today I talk about some skills that are necessary to have no matter which path you take.
Today we’re joined by NBA Shooting Coach, Dave Love!
Tune in to find out exactly what Coach Love does to improve shooting mechanics and help players of all levels achieve results.
Today is the 150th day in a row that I’ve published a podcast episode. At this point, it’s a habit!
Here are 5 takeaways so far.
Today we chat with French professional basketball Coach, Guillaume Vizade!
You'll hear how many imports are allowed on the rosters & what types of players are successful in France 🇫🇷🏀
Today's Euroleague discussion is all about the Competition (how the league is structured, who makes the playoffs, logistics of the Final Four, etc).
It's March Madness!! We've got college basketball on the hour almost every hour! And teams all across the country are doing whatever they can to get to the next level.
In today's episode I give you six ways to prepare for YOUR next level.
Today I go back to the early days of KTA and talk about some of the things I did to get the company started.
More specifically I share some things that I spent way too much time on (hint: naming the company)!
Did you know there is a phenomenon in this world called "imposter syndrome?"
It's a relatively new term to me, but it is definitely real! Some days I feel like a fraud, and today I tell you why.
Building your audience is a byproduct of performance + consistency. Whether you are a professional athlete or a sports business professional, there is tremendous value in the people who pay attention to you!
March Madness is one of the most exciting times of the year! It's also a time when players begin to meet with agents.
Today I discuss a list of the most important questions that all players should ask agents during the recruiting process.
In today’s episode we are joined by Agent and CEO of Worldwide Sports Management, Alvin Snow, Jr!
Alvin played professionally for 10 years and then took those experiences with him to the next stage in his career — giving back to the next generation of pros!
Today I revisit why I’m doing what I’m doing and give a quick recap on some of the topics we’ve discussed the past 141 days!
This is exactly what I have on deck for today, March 3rd.
Gearing up for the next KTA recruiting class! Have a day!
Topic: Financial Stability & Fair Play Regulations.
We could talk for hours about this topic but I summarized this situation in about 12 minutes. You're welcome! 😁
Starting a new mini series all about the Euroleague! Volume one kicks off with a refresher on what the Euroleague is and then we jump into Club Licensing Rules. Enjoy!
Being traditional is easy. Being untraditional is hard.
The world is changing my friends. If you don’t adapt and think outside the box, you will not get to where you want to be!
There is a lot of noise in the world today, but don't let it knock you off track! Some noises are unnecessary distractions. But some noises are just sounds that you need to let go of.
Coaching on game days is very different than coaching on off days. You have to tune out the noise!
Volume 4 of “Agent FAQs”
📝 where I find my information
📝 international vs domestic
📝 fav place I’ve watched a game
When you’re goin through the process of being recruited (to any level), here are things that you SHOULD NOT DO.
Today we're joined by former pro and Co-Founder of Pro's Vision, Sean Marshall!
Sean played professionally in some of the most respected leagues in the world, and now he has transitioned into giving back to the next generation. At Pro's Vision they coach, mentor, advise & educate young players along their basketball journey.
Think back to your high school math class when the teacher wrote a painstakingly long formula on the board. And you thought, “well that doesn’t make sense! It should be so much easier!”
That’s the way I feel in regards to overseas contacts and agent commissions!
I used to think the most valuable asset in the world is time. But not anymore. There is one key ingredient missing from that statement!
There are endless similarities between elite athletes and top business leaders. Both of those roles need to tap into the same characteristics and tools in order to reach success!
I try to reflect on my strategy very often. I take inventory of what has worked, what has not worked, what I’ve learned from it and how to overcome future obstacles.
Today I talk about some overarching challenges that I see in the sports agent world.
Blessed to be back on the road!
Tune in to hear where I am in the world and what's on deck for the next few weeks!
Today we chat with veteran Italian professional basketball Coach, Marco Sodini!
You’ll learn about the differences between NCAA talent and Italian pro players. I also ask him about his unique press conference routine... 🖼 🗣
Creating a lofty goal is always the first step. But as soon as it's created, the process begins.
Too many people get overwhelmed with "chasing the goal," instead of breaking it down into steps and enjoying the process.
There is a big difference between athletic performance & sports performance. Today we are joined by the one and only Coach Brijesh Patel, Director of Athletic Performance at Quinnipiac University.
➡️ building a culture at QU ➡️ why accountability is necessary ➡️ what all athlete should focus on
Tune in to find out what you need to do to become the best version of yourself on and off the court!
Today I discuss everything you need to know about basketball exposure camps.
From the G-League Invitational to overseas tours to camps during NBA summer league and everything in between!
Today I’m joined by basketball journalist @heinnews to talk about the world of international basketball!
We discuss why Germany is one of the best markets to play in, the differences between youth development overseas & his recent book!
How can you get a contract overseas? Well, the short answer is: be very good at basketball.
The long answer: listen to this episode.
Not only do you get to hear what types of players @Eric Eaton recruits to his program, you get to hear a few memories from our days at Quinnipiac!
I also gave Coach Eaton a chance to tell a funny story about me at the end, you won’t want to miss it 😂
Customer service can mean everything to the success or failure of your business. What does that have to do with serving scrambled eggs at night? Well, let me explain! 🍳
In 2016, AJ noticed something missing in the sports representation world. His solution? Enter VaynerSports!
Today AJ and I talk about his leadership role with Vayner Media, his transition into being a certified agent, and the upcoming NCAA rule changes.
One of the biggest threats to success is boredom. And if you don’t fall in love with it and take control, it will be your downfall!
Today you get to hear from one of the most respected scouts & player development coaches in the industry!
Avi Even joins us to talk about the culture they they built at Maccabi Tel-Aviv, and what it takes to play in the Euroleague. You'll want to take the notepad out for this one!
Visualize this on a line chart 📈
The performance of anything at one point in time should not be the total sum of your thoughts. Take a step back and look at the aggregate trajectory.
ps: today we hit 10,000 downloads!!
🙏❤️
Even though Tony Vasaturo lives in Southern Cal, he knows he's a northeast guy at heart 😎
Today Tony and I talk about his story from team manager to college coach to trainer & teacher. Listen up, class is in session!
Stop trying to grow plants before fertilizing the soil. One way to NOT build a genuine relationship is to come in hot asking for something.
Here is a story about an email that backfired, and some suggestions for building your foundation.
When he was a kid, Derick Grant didn’t dream about the NBA. He just focused on his process and fell in love with the game.
After a pro career with the Harlem Globetrotters, he now spends his time teaching others how to elevate to the best versions of themselves!
We all have big league dreams. But for most, they are just that... dreams.
If you're not trying to identify how to leverage your skill set & passion to open doors for after your playing days, you're wasting time! Today I talk about several career paths in the world of sports.
"Sleeping in the same bed and dreaming different dreams" is an old Chinese expression.
What does that mean? And what does it have to do with sports biz? You’ll have to listen in to find out 😜
NBA front offices try to collect as much data as possible for their respective scouting databases.
Allowing college underclassmen to “test the waters” opens the door for teams to get a competitive advantage.
Here is an overview of that process...
So, do you need to go to law school to be an agent? 🤔
The best way to find out is to hear from an agent/lawyer directly! Today we’re joined by Darren Angell to hear his unique path from playing to coaching to law school and beyond!
Some days you'll get overseas deep dives or hear from experienced guests in the industry.
But other days the curtain gets peeled back. Today, January 28, 2020, you get a front row seat in the life of Kevin Tarca.
Today we’re joined by a former teammate of mine, James Feldeine!
Even after his successful college career at Quinnipiac University, James didn’t see himself as an NBA player. He just wanted to be true to himself & trust the process.
It’s safe to say that mindset paid off!
If you know someone who is an aspiring pro, send this to them. I try to answer all emails, DMs & random messages I receive, but sometimes I can’t get to them all.
I also share my email. I will respond to every single one, if you follow directions!
Nick Lagios studied Geography in college but always had a passion for the game of basketball. Less than 10 years later he found himself a member of the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers!
Today Nick talks about his unique journey and gives some great advice to aspiring coaches.
Want to know how to GUARANTEE yourself your dream job?? Well, I'm sorry but I can't help you 😂...
But if you want to hear some tips that can definitely put you on the right track, listen to today's episode.
If you're wondering how to leverage your brand image as an athlete, it's your lucky day! Today you get to hear from Opendorse Co-Founder, Blake Lawrence.
In this episode you will hear everything you need to know about the upcoming NCAA changes regarding name, image and likeness; specifically how players and teams should be preparing themselves for success!
Alright people, we have finally reached episode 100! That is 100 days straight, I’m pumped!
Today I talked about some of the things I’ve learned, the most downloaded episodes and, as always, what is on the agenda for KTA!
"So, tell me about yourself!" 📝
This is one of the most important questions in life. But it also happens to be one of the questions that people have no clue how to answer! 🤦♂️
A lot of your are carrying around a hand grenade every single day and you don't even know you are about to pull the pin out!
If you get invited to a party, you should NEVER show up empty handed. If you're wondering how this has anything to do with sports business, I guess you should give it a listen. 😎🎙
There is quite honestly nothing that gets me more motivated to crush the day than traveling around the world meeting new people. Obviously it's a tough time to do that freely, but here are 3 reasons that you should prioritize travel as soon as it is safely possible!
Today Chris Prescott tells his story. If you’re not using basketball to open up doors for the rest of your life, you’re not paying attention!
We talk college recruitment, navigating Panama hoops and ImpaCT Training!
I full heartedly and unapologetically believe in everything I’m doing as I plant seeds for success. And no matter what obstacles show up, you can’t beat me!
I hope you can take away a bit of this mentality to attack your day with some swag!
Today we get to talk with former Galatasaray General Manager, Omer Yalcinkaya!
The first time I met Omer was at a cafe in Istanbul during their Euroleague season in 2017. The fact that he took the time to have a coffee with me (an aspiring agent with no high level clients), tells you what kind of person he is! Tune in to hear about hoops in Turkey.
A topic you’ve all been waiting for! Today I break down how much money pro basketball players make. 💶💰💷
I briefly cover the NBA minimum and maximum and then dive into overseas budgets.
When you first meet someone, it’s impossible to know their story. You don’t know where they’ve been or where they’re headed on their journey of life.
So here is a reminder on why you shouldn’t pass judgments based on the title on someone’s business card!
We all get stuck at some point in life. I found myself in a funk a few weeks ago, and here are a few things that helped me battle through and get "unstuck."
Doing your taxes is frustrating, but doing your taxes when you’re accumulating paystubs in different states and playing overseas is even more difficult!
John Karaffa is the President of ProSport CPA and today you’ll want to bring your notepad!
They say that time equals money... but does it really?
In my humble opinion, definitely not! Today I broke down the difference between time and money, what opportunity cost means, and questions that you should ask yourself before making choices!
As always, trying to give you a front seat perspective of what happens behind the scenes!
Today we hear from Strasbourg Sports Director, Nicola Alberani!
Nicola shares some differences between France and Italy, the challenges he faced last summer and his passion for finance & economics!
Being a professional basketball player overseas is a different type of grind!
Today I'm telling you the story about Donovan Smith's career from college until today. And more specifically why he will be successful not just on the court, but in life.
Today you get to hear from Daniel Marks, Manager of Prospect Information for the Milwaukee Bucks. Daniel talks about his journey from internship to assisting the GM on a day to day basis.
My favorite part about Daniel is the impact that he’s making off the court. He is the Founder of Scouting and Scavenging, which had a massive positive impact on the community the past year. Go sign the pledge!
This is Volume 3 of “Agent FAQs” from the past several years!
📝 I discuss how I organize data to propose my clients to a team, how much public speaking is involved in the job, how I balance my involvement in a clients life off the court &more 👍
We've talked about recruiting challenges before. But today I'm talking about the progress of recruiting. And giving you a time-lapse of how my recruiting has shifted and grown from the 2017-2018 season until today!
Guys. Today I’m taking my first flight of the year 😀... I haven’t been on a plane in 329 days (who’s counting?)
2021, I’m coming for you!! ✈️
Today we have another unique story into the athlete management industry! James Blackburn started at the bottom floor of Power to Win Sports, and today he owns the business!
We talked about getting a FIBA license, exposure camps and overseas tours!
What's in store for the sports business world in 2021? (KTA, esports, college athletes monetizing NIL, sports betting, overseas market + more!)
Hindsight will soon be 2020 🤪😂
I think it's important that you end the year with some questions. Take a listen to hear some of the questions that I am asking myself before we flip the page of the calendar.
Today we’re joined by Princeton Men’s Basketball Associate Head Coach, Brett MacConnell! 🐅
Coach MacConnell breaks down how different the recruiting approach is in the Ivy League, the types of players that succeed in the Princeton culture, and shares a story about his very first coaching job!
How do you monetize relationships?
I wish I had the golden formula for you! But I don’t. Because it’s a challenging task in the sports business world.
But here is how I am currently navigating this challenge:👇
Imagine taking live +/- or PER stats by hand? That’s exactly what Kevin Daniels did to add value when he was on staff at St. John’s University.
Since then he has found his niche in statistical analysis and currently runs his own scouting service, Northeast Scouting Report!
Not all storms come to disrupt your life. Some come to clear your path! Shift your perspective today. 🤔 💭
How many NBA agents do you know who have also produced an Emmy nominated documentary? 🤔
It’s been very cool watching Daniel Poneman transition from media guru/scout to established agent as he helps build Beyond Athlete Management!
Coach Ian Macleod has been a part of the Newcastle Eagles club for two decades. It was no surprise that he was given the reigns to lead one of the most successful clubs in the UK!
The power of consistency is WILDLY underrated and underutilized.
70 days in and we’ve reached 5,000 downloads from 57 different countries.
Amazing. 🙏
Some agents start their career in the sports industry and work their way up the ladder. BJ Bass’ story is different!
BJ started his career in the tech bubble and worked his way over to representing athletes! It all started in Roslyn...
Dear Aspiring Pros:
This episode will educate you on why I can’t help (most of) you.
And it’s not because you are bad at basketball! There are levels to this game.
After his professional career, Brad Kanis started Europrobasket International Academy to provide an opportunity for players who might otherwise get overlooked.
If you have any aspirations to play professionally overseas, you will find value in the insight that Brad offers!
I’ve been to 34 countries so I may have a few tricks up my sleeve regarding international phone service and how to communicate 😎
The very first pro contract that NBPA certified agent EJ Kusnyer negotiated was his own!
Today EJ talks about the importance of educating yourself as a player, the challenges he overcame to build his reputation and the growth of Beyond Athlete Management.
This is Volume 2 of “Agent FAQs” from the past several years!
📝 I discuss which aspects I like and dislike about being an agent, how I organize meetings with teams, and a situation when a team disagreed with me about one of my clients.
Quinnipiac University alum and former pro Sam Guastella has been quickly climbing the ranks in the coaching world.
Tune in to learn about pro opportunities for women and also what a day in the life of an A-10 Assistant Coach is like!
Before a player can play for any FIBA sanctioned team in a new country, a letter of clearance (LOC) must be obtained. If you’re unfamiliar with that term, give this episode a listen! 🎧
Growing up Joerik always looked for ways to improve. The idea for Elite Athletes started from a garage, literally!
Today’s episode is not just about basketball development. Joerik talks about some business challenges they faced early on!
What do you do when obstacles get in your way? You can either turn around, or find a way to battle through them!
The CBA is the 2nd highest paying league in the world, outside the NBA.
If you want to learn more about the Chinese Basketball Association, tune in! Today Coach Mark Amaral tells us about import rules, style of play, youth development & more!
I’m not a gambling man; but if I’m going to bet on something, it’s going to be myself. 😤 🎲
Steve went from an undersized & underrecruited HS player to a 2x All-American & European Pro.
Even though he trains NBA players & coaches w/ USA Basketball, he will humbly tell you, “he’s just a coach.”
We live in a results based society, not an effort based society!
Hard work is important, no question about it. But it's only one piece of the puzzle. Here are 4 ways to help you work smarter, not harder.
The landscape of youth basketball in the USA is changing drastically. The “prep school path” could potentially open doors for players, but it is definitely not for everyone!
Today Cory Heitz talks a little bit more about the industry!
If you think you'er going to walk smoothly into the life of your dreams you are very mistaken.
If your goals are important enough to you, then you’ll find a way to accomplish them, no matter what obstacles arrive.
During his pro career, Basi added something to his training that increased his scoring from 0.9ppg to 22ppg in just 3 months! 🧠🤯
Now he uses that to help pros and youth players in Russia take their game to the next level!
Do you or someone you know hope to make a G-League roster this season? You’ll want to listen to this episode.
Today I go through 9 different paths that you could take to get onto a G-League roster.
When I told Pascal I was on my way to Luxembourg, he invited me for a coffee at his house and picked me up at the train station! What a guy.
Today Coach Meurs explains how he uses his PhD in Mathematics to analyze the game and build his team strategy.
In 2017 I had two choices. Cry about not getting an opportunity at a bigger agency. Or start on my own and see where it goes.
Choosing the latter was easy. But the challenges that came after that weren’t so friendly. Here is the evolution of KTA...
Bobby Jordan has coaching experience on multiple D1 staffs and a few nationally ranked prep schools.
Today we talk about the types of players he looks for at Wagner, the transfer market, and how the recruiting model might shift in the years to come.
There are many times during the past 6 years that I've questioned my sanity, just being honest with you.
This episode is for the people who are SO close to chasing that dream, but haven't quite made the decision. Once you take that leap of faith, you'll find your wings on the way down!
Today is a great day to put on your headphones and get free game! 🎧
Whether you are a young athlete, an aspiring pro or currently getting paid to play the game of basketball, there is a message in here for you! 📝
In today's CBA lesson, I break down what a "Two-Way" contract is and what an Exhibit 10 really means.
Head Coach of the Formosa Dreamers joins us today from Taiwan. Originally from Canada, Kyle Julius has played and coached at the highest levels around the world.
Learn about the newly formed PLeague+ & how the style of play in Asian markets differs from Europe! ⬇️
Did you ever wonder if NBA players could turn down media requests? What about when they are asked to be mic’d up during games? Well, those are covered in the contracts!
Lucky for you, today you’ll get to eat your Turkey dinner with a side of a CBA lesson! 🦃 🏀
I don't know everything about overseas hoops, but I do know a lot! I've been lucky enough to travel to 34 countries and immerse myself in various basketball cultures abroad.
Today I break down international basketball from a 30,000 foot view.
If Delgreco got the opportunity to intervene early enough in the recruiting process, he knew he could help open doors for players that otherwise would have stayed closed!
We talked NCAA eligibility updates, off court non-negotiables, the future of the HS hoops scene and more!
Here are six things that move players from my recruiting list onto my “stay away from” list. ⛔️❌🛑
You do not need to be a D1 scholarship player in order to be successful in life.
If that is one of your goals, great! I’m rooting for you. And if you get there, congrats! But either way, you need to be aware of the numbers.
Something bad happened to you? No scholarship offers? You didn’t get the job you wanted? Got cut from the team? People overlooked you?
Welcome to sports business. Wait, even better; welcome to life! So what are you going to do about it?
The strength & conditioning world is much more than just lifting weights!
Roberto gives some insight on how he structures workouts for Hapoel Jerusalem and what players at every level should be focusing on from a performance perspective 💪
A common challenge when networking is how to genuinely connect with someone. How can you add value to a relationship?
I learned the answer to this question when I knocked on the GM’s door in an arena in Macedonia 🇲🇰
The day I started KTA in 2017 I set a goal for three years down the road. I wanted to be sitting in the green room with one of my clients during the 2020 NBA Draft.
Crazy? Of course. Well today is that day. And I have a lot to improve on!
In the spring of 2018 Evan was playing professionally in Israel. Within 12 months he became one of college basketball’s youngest Head Coaches in the entire country! 🤯
There are a few potential revenue streams for agents. In today’s episode I walk you through the percentages that agents can charge from player contracts (both in the NBA and overseas).
Contrary to popular belief, putting a slow motion video with a Lil Yachty soundtrack into your highlight tape does not mean you will get a college scholarship (all due respect to Miles)!
Today I walk you through how to put together your basketball resume.
Have you ever done dribbling drills with cones? What about the 3-man weave? Well you might rethink that after listening to this episode!
Alex has coached some of the top young talent from all over the world and his transformational coaching strategy is next level!
I stayed up past my bedtime last night to play Yahtzee with the fam. And it was COMPLETELY worth it. Because I won! 😎
Oh yea... I guess I'm also excited to share with you a few principles for success in this competitive world of sports business!
Ever wondered what a pro scout does? Sam walks us through some of the things that he looks for when analyzing college players & which skills translate to the next level.
🔐 bonus: a few entry level international leagues he keeps an eye on!
Did you know that people who are slightly behind in a competition are statistically more likely to win than expected? Think about that one. Are you down at halftime in your own life? 🤔
Want to know how many career points I scored at Quinnipiac University?
[that was a rhetorical question]
Of course you do!
You can either ‘google it’ or listen to today’s episode 😉
If there is ever a time that college coaches do NOT want their players to call, it’s in the middle of the night when a recruit is on campus! Lamar will never forget when his phone rang at 3am. “Uh Coach, we can’t find the recruit.”
Being a pro overseas is not what you think it is. Consider this your 30,000 foot view of how international basketball leagues are set up! 🗺 🏀
Want to increase your chances of being recruited at any level? Here are some characteristics I look for when recruiting (including some red flags that make me stay away)!
Bring out the notepad people! Tyler breaks down his coaching journey from his start in the ABA to various roles in the G-League and how he landed in South Korea! 🇰🇷
Are you an aspiring pro? Want to be an agent? Hoping to land a coaching job? I have one question - what have you done today to bring yourself closer toward your goal? 🤔
Live from Brazil! Teddy shares a mistake that most pros make before their rookie season, his daily routine when he’s traveling and a few tips for aspiring pros!
Have you asked yourself what your motive is? I’m talking about actually standing in front of your mirror, and asking yourself why you do what you do? 🤔
Today we get to venture inside the mind of my very first KTA client! CJ and I talk about the process of getting recruited, some challenges he had to overcome during his rookie season in Australia, and the unexpected phone call that changed the path of his career!
If you have a question about the sports agency world, I’ve most likely been asked before! This series will be a continuous thread of FAQs from the past several years! 📕📚
Icebergs look pretty dope from above sea level. But have you ever thought about the view from underwater? 🤔🤷♂️
Want to know how to level-up your game without even touching a basketball? Want to learn one simple trick that can instantly bring you into an elite & optimized mental state? Click play to find out.
We all know 2020 has been tough. Whether you are a pro athlete waiting for a contract or a recent graduate looking for employment, here are some things you should be doing!
Ciao from Italia! Today international scout @mDeBenedetto shares some secrets about his career path and recommends a few events that you MUST attend.
There’s an old saying that goes, “pull yourself up by the bootstraps and figure out a way!" That's a mantra I live by. And in today's episode I remind listeners that everyone currently has all the tools and resources they need for success. You just need to make the decision!
If you're trying to find an agent, you should listen to this episode. I break down exactly what you should do. And more importantly, exactly what you SHOULD NOT do.
If you’re trying to get your foot in the door by simply applying to jobs online, please listen to this episode 5 times in a row. 🤷♂️
Have you ever wondered what the differences are between small boutique firms and large agencies? If so, you’re in luck! Today I break down some differences into 3 main categories!
Have you ever ordered food from someone who doesn’t understand English? It’s not fun! Three things you will hear if you listen to today's episode: (1) me speaking Spanish 🇪🇸 (2) an iced coffee surprise ☕️ and (3) "the phone guy" from Serbia 📲
What would it take for you to consider yourself successful? Have you defined "success" in your own words before? Give this episode a listen, you might think about success differently today.
We all come to points in our lives when we are unsure of which way to to go. Stop over-analyzing the potential consequences of your decision. Take action. It's the only way to learn!
There are many challenges on the recruiting trail. This episode I go over a few common recruiting strategies and how I personally overcame a few of the challenges. I may or may not be FIRED up towards the end 😤
Has someone ever told you that your network is key to your success? Of course they have! Today I give you three secrets to building genuine relationships.
If you ask 20 agents you’ll get 20 different responses. But personally, I believe in one main secret that helps me dominate any obstacle that comes up.
Welcome to episode #1 out of 365! I will be releasing an episode every single day for one year! The lead-off includes a bit of background on this project, overcoming my very first challenge and a brief story on where it all began! 🙌