| jwalker |
hey all |
| jwalker |
we are almost ready |
| Jimmie |
Hello |
| Mark Stevens |
The Academy would like to thank alum Dennis Lindsey for taking the time to chat with us for the next hour. Please give Mr. Lindsey time to respond to each question throughout the chat. To start it off, please explain how you prepare for the NBA Draft? |
| Jared W. |
I would also be interested in hearing about that. |
| Dennis Lindsey |
It is a year long process that literally starts the day after the previous draft ends. We have scouts stationed across the world that we have to organize and then based upon priority, myself and other people within the Spurs management system go out and see these prospects live. We also collect a great deal of INTEL, biographical, and statisical information as the year goes on. Once we gather our information, then our late draft decision making processes come into play. |
| tjf2727 |
What are some major differences in coaching basketball players overseas? |
| Jimmie |
Awesome to have you here, my first question is.. What drew you (the Spurs) towards George Hill? |
| charleskeeley |
How does your organization choose scouts? Are they all former college and pro players? What would a person, with no college or pro experience, have to do to become a scout? |
| Dennis Lindsey |
It starts with the cultural differences in a way an international player grows up versus a domestic player and it extends to the differences in the styles of play between NBA basketball and FIBA basketball. We have found the international players that we have dealt with are used to a "Pros" schedule at a much earlier age then a player that is coming from a college background. The NCAA places stipulations on how much a player can play and practice. |
| Mark Stevens |
Do you think the NBA will budge and conform to international rules as I have heard talk of this? |
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Glaucio joins Alumni-Chat |
| cmirra |
I would also be interested in hearing about this. |
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Jonathan Everhart joins Alumni-Chat |
| Glaucio |
As a follow up to Mark’s question; with all the buzz about having an NBA franchise in Europe, do you realistically see this happening in the next 5-10 years? |
| Dennis Lindsey |
As far as choosing scouts, we look for someone who has a knowledge for the game. Certainly, playing experience can help, but there are many people who are scouts or in upper management that have no professional or collegiate experience. I would encourage you to try and volunteer/intern as a coach or scout with any high school, college, or professional team. Practical experience is always the best. |
| Dennis Lindsey |
Thanks Mark. I am not sure regarding which rules you are referring to. FIBA has changed its lane to the NBA dimensions away from the trapezoid lane. |
| charleskeeley |
Thank you. |
| Jimmie |
How much difference does a Master's degree truly make? Compared to a Bachelor's? |
| TJ Rosandich |
On the general topic of international rules, any opinions on the US National team? |
| Dennis Lindsey |
There has been a lot of talk regarding NBA Europe, but it seems that the growth opportunities may lie in Asia, especially after the Olympics in Beijing |
| GeorDann Shirey |
If someone such as myself had aspirations of obtaining a position with an NBA organization, with the dream of some day being in a upper management position similar to yours, what advice would you give them to enhance their chances of reaching that goal? Any insights would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! |
| charleskeeley |
Great question! |
| Dennis Lindsey |
Jimmie, certainly a Graduate degree shows a committment to your profession. In addition, in my time at the Academy, the networking opportunities are something that has allowed me to attain my current position. |
| Dennis Lindsey |
Dr. Rosandich, I think the currnt team is very well constructed and they now understand the level of competition they will play against given what happened at the 2006 World Championships. |
| Alum1 |
Given your role in signing Yao Ming and working with the "officials" in China do you see the NBA expanding to China in the near future? |
| TJ Rosandich |
Somethimes I think the NBA is becoming the farm system for the rest of the world. |
| Dennis Lindsey |
GeorDann, I would encourage you to set short term, intermediate, and long term goals in regards to your own NBA opportunties. Each day you should strive to reach those goals whether it would be professional development or networking. |
| tjf2727 |
Do you feel that America's obsession with the "dunk" has weakened the game of basketball in America in regards to International competition? |
| Jimmie |
How did you get your position within the Rockets organization? How'd you find out about it and how was the application process? |
| Dennis Lindsey |
Alum1, thanks for the question. Commissioner Stern has been very optimistic about the basketball potential that exists in China. |
| rlcollins |
How can an individual like myself that works for a N.B.A. team and volunteer his time with a local univerisity mens basketball team be to find an internship or position in the basketball operations department of a NBA team? |
| Bart |
Hello, Dennis. What are your thoughts about some college athletes, who don't meet minimum college entrance requirements going overseas for a year and then making themselves eligible for the draft as a result of the age limit requirement? |
| Dennis Lindsey |
tjf2727, I think that is the great thing about basketball Some people find enjoyment in the athleticism of the game. Others are stimulated by great teamwork and execution. |
| Dennis Lindsey |
Jimmie, a fellow academy graduate told me about a scouting position that was open. From that point, I interviewed with Rudy Tomjanovich and Carroll Dawson and was lucky enough to receive a position. |
| Dennis Lindsey |
Jimmie, regarding the application process, I would encourage anyone to contact the Human Resources Director for each NBA club. |
| Dennis |
Did you take classes from the Academy online or in person? |
| Dennis Lindsey |
rlcollins, I would steadfastly send out your resume to as many clubs as possible. |
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| Dennis Lindsey |
Bart, everybody has to make career choices and there are many different paths into the NBA. This would be an unusual route that may be difficult, but if you are a good enough player the NBA will find you. Players are like water, they always seek their own level. |
| Dennis Lindsey |
Dennis, I took classes both online and also in person. I had a great time in my 2 summers at the Academy. |
| Bart |
Thanks, Dennis. |
| Jimmie |
I have to look into that more closely |
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Mark Stevens joins Alumni-Chat |
| TJ Rosandich |
Dennis - did you do a mentorship and if so, where? |
| Dennis Lindsey |
Glad to help guys |
| Dennis Lindsey |
Dr. Rosandich, I did a mentorship at a local high school |
| Jimmie |
Did you seek out to coach on the High School team or were you asked to? |
| TJ Rosandich |
How well did the mentorship experience carry over to your current position? |
| Dennis Lindsey |
Jimmie, I was coaching high school basketball, but that was not a part of my high school mentorship |
| Jimmie |
Thats what I was referring to, sorry about that |
| michael e |
I know that you said you were a scout, but did you play college ball as well? And did you scout internationally? |
| rlcollins |
For a rookie's contract, is the contract already drafted or do you and the agent negotiate the terms. Also, how can a player become a restricted or unrestriced player and have a no trade clause after he signs a rookie contract? Is this at all possible for a rookie? |
| Dennis Lindsey |
Michael, I played my college basketball at Baylor. I started with the Rockets at a young age and did some video work before moving over to basketball operations. When scouting for the draft each year, I will make a cetrain number of visits each year overseas to look at high priority prospects. |
| Dennis Lindsey |
rlcollins, as far as draft pick contracts. There is a scale set for the guys drafted in the 1st round. The way the deal works is there are 2 years guaranteed to the player and then years 3 and 4 are team option years where they team gets to decide the summer before that season. |
| michael e |
With no disrespect to any team what is the difference between the spurs and the rockets? |
| Dennis Lindsey |
Dr. Rosandich, there isnt a lot of carry over. I would say that I appreciate my mentor spending time with me in regards to professional development and I have tried to do the same for other young professionals in the sports business. |
| Mark Stevens |
Dennis - you and Mike Leach who was the chat guest last month STRESSED that volunteering/interning are key to getting in the door. Do all of the intern/volunteer jobs go through the individual HR offices or are they handled by the department in need? |
| Dennis |
Are there any steps you would have done differently if you could repeat your professional career? |
| Dennis Lindsey |
rlcollins, restricted and unrestricted status is based upon years of experience and number of NBA contracts a player has signed. |
| rlcollins |
Okay, thanks. |
| Dennis Lindsey |
michael, I would say there are more similiairites than differences. I am glad to have the opportunity to work for two great organizations. |
| michael e |
Typically how many interns or volunteers would you have w/ the rockets or the spurs |
| TJ Rosandich |
Dennis, I gotta beat feet but I really appreciate you taking the time this evening to "chat" with our students and alumns - thank you. |
| Dennis Lindsey |
Mark, I would say both HR department and the specific department. |
| Jimmie |
No one else has questions? I could go all day haha |
| Dennis Lindsey |
Michael, we typically have 2-3 interns per year. The positions are very hard to come by, you usually need to know somebody. From that point on, we joke about it being a PHD program---Poor, Hungry, Driven |
| Dennis Lindsey |
I really appreciate all the questions, good luck to each of you. |
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| Jimmie |
Thank you, you too |
| Mark Stevens |
I could also go on all day. It is 7 p.m. and I am sure Dennis has a number of free agent reports to cover on this first day of free agency. We really appreciate Dennis taking the time to chat. Thank you. |
| michael e |
THX A million |
| jwalker |
Mr. Lindsey, thank you for coming to the Alumni Chat. |
| rlcollins |
Mr. Lindsey, thank you for your time and good luck this year. I know the Western Conference is alot tougher than years past. |
| Dennis |
Thank you for your time Mr. Lindsey |
| cmirra |
Thank you very much Mr Lindsey |
| cmirra |
Thank you everyone for comming, have a wonderfull night. |