Boston College Athletics
Donald Hand Jr. Takes Part in NCAA Elite Symposium for Basketball
September 10, 2024 | Men's Basketball
The sophomore guard was 14 high-profile players attend 3-day event to help prepare high-profile college players for the transition to a professional career
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. -- Donald Hand Jr. was among 14 high-profile Division I men's basketball players who took part in the NCAA Elite Student-Athlete Symposium. Â The three-day event was held Sept. 6-8 at the NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis.
Hosted by the NCAA leadership development and basketball enforcement staffs, the Elite Student-Athlete Symposium aims to prepare high-profile college players with remaining eligibility for the transition to a professional career. Student-athletes are invited to the symposium after NCAA staff members consult with coaches, athletics administrators, professional sports officials and other experts closely linked to draft prospect lists. Many former participants have experienced success at the NBA level, including OG Anunoby, Ayo Dosunmu, Jalen Brunson and Markus Howard.Â
From decision-making strategies and advice from former NBA players, to financial literacy and working with sports agents, the student-athletes experienced a dynamic lineup of sessions led by industry experts.
"The Elite Student-Athlete Symposium for Men's Basketball is a unique program that helps selected student-athletes bridge the gap between college basketball and professional play," said Ashley Jocelyn, assistant director of leadership development at the NCAA. "During this three-day program, our learners will have the opportunity to absorb a wealth of knowledge from current and past NBA Players, former coaches and general managers, and more. This atmosphere was intentionally cultivated to assist athletes who are phenomenal on the court transition in becoming knowledgeable professionals after their college basketball careers ends."Â
Hand said he learned from the speakers to never skip a step.Â
"Never skip any step in the process because every step is essential. Once you stop learning, you can't grow. I'm going to take all of the information, take it back to my teammates and give them a better insight on what I've learned and how they can expand on it."
The student-athletes in attendance experienced a dynamic lineup of sessions led by industry experts. Notable speakers included Scott Perry, former general manager for the New York Knicks, Kent Bazemore and Okaro White, current professional basketball players, and Charlie Ward, former NBA star and Heisman trophy winner.Â
Here are three key takeaways that Hand and his fellow student-athletes learned in their time at the NCAA.
1. The game of basketball is a tool to direct you to different points in your life.Â
Former NBA players Bazemore and White talked with the student-athletes about the ins and outs of their careers in the NBA. In the session, Bazemore and White helped the student-athletes to understand the opportunities that basketball will provide in the future.
2. What got you here won't get you to where you want to go.Â
Former Division I men's basketball coach and current ESPN analyst Tom Crean talked about the decision-making necessary for these high-level athletes. Crean's message to the student-athletes centered around intentionally building relationships and holding oneself to a high level. For these players to be successful in their professional careers, characteristics like maturity, self-awareness and social awareness are crucial.Â
3. Think the long game.
In a financial literacy session, financial educator Courtney Altemus spoke about the importance of student-athletes thinking long term about their financial decisions. Attendees were equipped with practical tools and knowledge for navigating their finances and choosing a financial advisor.
As these players left the NCAA national office in Indianapolis, the knowledge they gained at this workshop will serve as a toolkit for success in their collegiate careers and in their futures.
2024 Elite Student-Athlete Symposium for Basketball RosterÂ
Donald Hand Jr., Boston College
Michael Ajayi, Gonzaga
Daniel Batcho, Louisiana Tech
Xzayvier Brown, Saint Joseph's
Darren Buchanan Jr., George Washington
Jason Edwards, Vanderbilt
Tyon Grant-Foster, Grand Canyon
AJ Hoggard, Vanderbilt
Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State
Christian Ings, Norfolk State
Boden Kapke, Butler
Kylen Milton, Murray State
Andre Screen, Butler
Tyler Tejada, TowsonÂ
Â
Hosted by the NCAA leadership development and basketball enforcement staffs, the Elite Student-Athlete Symposium aims to prepare high-profile college players with remaining eligibility for the transition to a professional career. Student-athletes are invited to the symposium after NCAA staff members consult with coaches, athletics administrators, professional sports officials and other experts closely linked to draft prospect lists. Many former participants have experienced success at the NBA level, including OG Anunoby, Ayo Dosunmu, Jalen Brunson and Markus Howard.Â
From decision-making strategies and advice from former NBA players, to financial literacy and working with sports agents, the student-athletes experienced a dynamic lineup of sessions led by industry experts.
"The Elite Student-Athlete Symposium for Men's Basketball is a unique program that helps selected student-athletes bridge the gap between college basketball and professional play," said Ashley Jocelyn, assistant director of leadership development at the NCAA. "During this three-day program, our learners will have the opportunity to absorb a wealth of knowledge from current and past NBA Players, former coaches and general managers, and more. This atmosphere was intentionally cultivated to assist athletes who are phenomenal on the court transition in becoming knowledgeable professionals after their college basketball careers ends."Â
Hand said he learned from the speakers to never skip a step.Â
"Never skip any step in the process because every step is essential. Once you stop learning, you can't grow. I'm going to take all of the information, take it back to my teammates and give them a better insight on what I've learned and how they can expand on it."
The student-athletes in attendance experienced a dynamic lineup of sessions led by industry experts. Notable speakers included Scott Perry, former general manager for the New York Knicks, Kent Bazemore and Okaro White, current professional basketball players, and Charlie Ward, former NBA star and Heisman trophy winner.Â
Here are three key takeaways that Hand and his fellow student-athletes learned in their time at the NCAA.
1. The game of basketball is a tool to direct you to different points in your life.Â
Former NBA players Bazemore and White talked with the student-athletes about the ins and outs of their careers in the NBA. In the session, Bazemore and White helped the student-athletes to understand the opportunities that basketball will provide in the future.
2. What got you here won't get you to where you want to go.Â
Former Division I men's basketball coach and current ESPN analyst Tom Crean talked about the decision-making necessary for these high-level athletes. Crean's message to the student-athletes centered around intentionally building relationships and holding oneself to a high level. For these players to be successful in their professional careers, characteristics like maturity, self-awareness and social awareness are crucial.Â
3. Think the long game.
In a financial literacy session, financial educator Courtney Altemus spoke about the importance of student-athletes thinking long term about their financial decisions. Attendees were equipped with practical tools and knowledge for navigating their finances and choosing a financial advisor.
As these players left the NCAA national office in Indianapolis, the knowledge they gained at this workshop will serve as a toolkit for success in their collegiate careers and in their futures.
2024 Elite Student-Athlete Symposium for Basketball RosterÂ
Donald Hand Jr., Boston College
Michael Ajayi, Gonzaga
Daniel Batcho, Louisiana Tech
Xzayvier Brown, Saint Joseph's
Darren Buchanan Jr., George Washington
Jason Edwards, Vanderbilt
Tyon Grant-Foster, Grand Canyon
AJ Hoggard, Vanderbilt
Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State
Christian Ings, Norfolk State
Boden Kapke, Butler
Kylen Milton, Murray State
Andre Screen, Butler
Tyler Tejada, TowsonÂ
Â
Players Mentioned
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