Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience

Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is back with a brand new “Professional Series” hosted by Howard Beck. Howard (previously with Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report, NY Times) is joined by ESPN writer Kevin Pelton. Kevin brings advanced experience in basketball analytics. Kevin brings advanced experience in basketball analytics, including past work with the Indiana Pacers and supersonics.com.In this episode Howard and Kevin discuss:The new age of stats and analytics in basketballHow to assess team offense and defense from a statistical analytics perspective?Dean Oliver’s 4 factors of offense and defenseScoring efficiency and how to judge high usage players?How to measure team success past a win-loss record?Advice for anyone looking to increase their knowledge about NBA data and analyticsKevin Pelton joined ESPN as an NBA writer in 2013. He is a contributor to ESPN’s Hoop Collective podcast and the co-host of the Fabulous Peltoncast podcast. Previously, Pelton served as an author for BasketballProspectus.com since the site’s inception in 2007 through 2012. He also served as a statistical consultant to the Indiana Pacers from 2010-12. We are excited to have Kevin join the podcast and share his knowledge on the analytical side of basketball.

Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is back with another episode of our “SBC Alumni Takeover Series," and this time we have a new host, SBC Alum Alicia Solomon! Alicia is joined by MajorWavez Lab founder & designer, Ruben Barraza. Ruben is a major creator in the fashion space and has built his own sneaker customizing experience in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. MajorWavez offers classroom-style experiences for the public to get a taste of the designing and creative process for customizing their very own sneakers. Ruben was one of the most popular attractions at NBA Summer League in the past year with players and fans flocking to take part in the custom sneaker process. In this episode, Alicia and Ruben discuss:How Ruben turned his hobby and interest in sneakers and fashion into a successful business modelThe marketing strategies needed in different marketsRuben's experience at NBA Summer League and how it elevated his businessAdvice for anyone looking to break into the sports, fashion, and sneaker spacePrior to starting MajorWavez, Ruben worked retail for Guess and Urban Outfitters. While working in the retail space, he was customizing shoes as a hobby and showed potential as something more when notable designer Salehe Bembury reached out for a collaboration. This opportunity led to Ruben customizing shoes for the likes of A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, and many others. Ruben finally turned his hobby into MajorWavez, opening his first experience-based store in Los Angeles. After watching the growth soar, Ruben has expanded his operations out to a second location in Las Vegas and hosts popup workshops at different events around the country. Ruben shares his big plans ahead in this episode and we are thrilled to have him as a friend of SBC. Follow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookFollow Alicia: LinkedIn | InstagramFollow MajorWavez: Instagram

On this episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience “Alumni Takeover” series, host Arthur McKibben is joined by Chief Operating Officer for UNLV’s Sports Innovation Initiative, Jay Vickers. Vickers, is a senior leader with more than 20 years of experience in the areas of management, fundraising, sales, marketing, and customer service with a proven record of measurable outcomes. A graduate of Notre Dame, Vickers was a member of the Fighting Irish football team from 1996-2000 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.In this episode, Arthur and Jay discuss:What Jay’s current role as Chief Operating Officer entailsAdvice for listeners looking to gain exposure to elite athletes, sports teams, and front-office opportunitiesWhat having awareness of good leadership looks likeThe biggest challenges a person could face trying to have a career in sportsBefore working in intercollegiate athletics, Vickers gained several years of experience as a marketing manager with an extensive background in customer service, sales, marketing, and management at numerous major corporations including Pfizer and Hershey’s. He is a founding member of Game Changers United, the U.S. Soccer Federation Board for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and leads the Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee internship program partnership with UNLV. As a results-oriented leader, Vickers has had success at two Mountain West programs, Fresno State and UNLV, in the PAC-12 at Arizona, in the BIG 10 at Wisconsin, and in the MAC at Northern Illinois University. He has a comprehensive understanding of the role of higher education external divisions aligning with institutional priorities while increasing private philanthropy. We are thrilled to feature him on the podcast and can’t wait for you to hear the valuable insights he has to offer.

On this episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience “Alumni Takeover” series, host Arthur McKibben is joined by Financial Advisor & President of Victory Everyday, Rick Paulsen. Rick was a legendary student-athlete who made his mark as a star basketball and baseball player at St. Mary's High School, followed by a collegiate basketball career at the University of the Pacific. He was a three-time All-League and All-City player, leading the Rams to three consecutive Valley Oak League championships. Rick received many honors and accolades, including being named the MVP of the City of Stockton in his junior and senior years and making the All-Northern California team twice. In this episode, Arthur and Rick discuss:Rick’s transition from athlete to entrepreneurAdvice for listeners who are looking to work with professional athletesThe challenges of working in the sports industryRick’s 10 Steps of SuccessAfter his collegiate athletic career, Rick became a highly successful businessman, specializing in life insurance for families, athletes, and business owners; and has been a member of New York Life's Chairman's Council for 33 consecutive years. Rick's coaching style emphasizes teaching life lessons through sports, helping him have a positive impact on many young athletes. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Rick is a respected community leader and coach, donating his time and expertise to many local charities. Rick is also a board member of the University of the Pacific School of Business, Pacific Athletic Foundation, and Dameron Community Hospital. Rick's contagious unselfishness and positive attitude continue to inspire those around him to strive for greatness in all aspects of life. Follow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookFollow Arthur: LinkedIn | InstagramFollow Rick: LinkedIn

This episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is from a previously recorded webinar on “How Stats Inform and Distort the NBA Awards Debate“ hosted by Howard Beck (previously with Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report, NY Times) and Seth Partnow (Director of North American Sports for StatsBomb and contributor for The Athletic). Howard and Seth are also joined by SBC General Manager Larry Coon to discuss the upcoming Business of Basketball Immersive Experience and help navigate live questions from webinar attendees.In this episode, Howard and Seth discuss:Analytics vs eye test when evaluating playersUtility and validity of factoring all-in-one statsPoint of view from a reporter and award voterWhich advanced stats to take into accountQuestions from webinar attendeesFollow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookFollow Howard Beck: LinkedIn | TwitterFollow Seth Partnow: LinkedIn | Twitter

Welcome back to the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience! Our host for today is GM of Sports Business Classroom and CBA expert, Larry Coon. Larry is joined by NBA Front Office writer for ESPN, Bobby Marks. Join us today as we dive into the new possibilities of the NBA’s New CBA.In this episode, Bobby and Larry discuss:The latest information about the new dealReview the changes made to the NBA’s New CBAWhat do those changes mean for the league moving forwardSBC SPECIAL PROMO CODEThe new 7-year NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) will take effect in July, which means there are lots of changes to unpack. Follow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookFollow Bobby Marks: LinkedIn | Twitter Follow Larry Coon: Instagram | Twitter | CBA Mastery

In this episode of the SBC Audio Experience Arthur sits down with Darrell Miller: former MLB Player, current Vice President of Youth and Facility Development at the MLB, and the first African American Catholic Deacon in Orange County, CA. Darrell attended Cal Poly Tech for baseball and was later drafted to the California Angels. In this episode, Arthur and Darrell discuss:Important skills to have early on to succeed in the sports industryHow to stay motivated when you may be experiencing a lack of progressThe importance of who you surround yourself withAfter Darrell completed his professional career he worked for the California Angels as Director of Community Relations. Darrell then moved over to Scouting for 7 years and finally served as Minor League Director with the California Angels leaving them in 2001. Darrell now serves as VP of Facilities and Youth development and currently oversees all day to day operations at the MLB Compton Academy. Follow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookFollow Arthur: LinkedIn | InstagramFollow Darrell: LinkedIn

Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is back with another "SBC Alumni Takeover" series, this time with our new host and SBC alum Arthur McKibben. Arthur attended the Business of Basketball Immersive Experience in 2022 as a Scouting, Video, and Analytics Major and is ready to deliver an impactful series. In this episode, Arthur sits down with Marni Colbert, Personal Manager at Colbert Sports Management, LLC and Director of Team Operations at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. In this episode, Arthur and Marni discuss:Marni's advice for those considering a career in sportsKnowing your strengthsMarni’s experience as a Personal Assistant to professional athletesMarni Colbert has nearly 20 years of experience in professional sports. Marcus Camby, Ty Lawson, Kenneth Faried, Al Wilson, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Carmelo Anthony are just a few of the athletes she has worked with or is currently working with. Marni's interests and experience are in assisting rookies and young players advance in their careers by helping them become more organized and prepared to succeed at the highest levels.Follow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookFollow Arthur: LinkedIn | InstagramFollow Marni: LinkedIn | Instagram

In this episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience: Women in Sports series, host Kate Foley sits down with Vegas Summer League (VSL) Alumni, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and DSW Candidate Talyah Polee. Talyah completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 2010. Her introduction to the sports industry was when she interned at the Las Vegas Summer League from 2012-2017. Soon after, Talyah landed her first role as a Client Services Coordinator at Wasserman.In this episode, Kate and Talyah discuss the following:Talyah’s experiences as a student-athleteTalyah’s path into the Las Vegas Summer League internship program & WassermanHow Talyah balances her personal & work lifeThe progression of normalizing mental health awarenessWhile a resident of Denver, Talyah Polee was crowned Miss Colorado USA in 2014 and represented Colorado at the Miss USA 2015 pageant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. During her years at UNLV, she competed three times at Miss Nevada USA while competing as a Track & Field athlete. Talyah earned her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California Baptist University (CBU) and is currently pursuing her Doctoral of Social Work (DSW) at CBU.Follow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookFollow Kate Foley: LinkedIn | Instagram | TwitterFollow Talyah Polee: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

We have a special episode of the Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience podcast, joined by guest host Dave DuFour, SBC alum and current Host/Producer at The Athletic. Dave sits with Larry Coon, SBC GM & CBA Expert, to dive in and discuss the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement. In this episode, Larry and Dave discuss: Changes to the NBA’s new CBAHow these changes might affect the leagueSBC SPECIAL PROMO CODEFollow SBC: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookFollow Dave Dufour: TwitterFollow Larry Coon: Instagram | Twitter | CBA Mastery