University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Joe Murphy
Dedric Lawson Attends NCAA Elite Student-Athlete Symposium
Oct 07, 2016 | Men's Basketball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. –University of Memphis sophomore Dedric Lawson was selected and recently attended the first-ever elite student-athlete symposium put on by the NCAA Leadership Development program in Indianapolis from September 16-18.
Lawson was one of just 11 student-athletes that attended the prestigious event. The student-athletes selected had applied for the NBA draft and chose to return to college. The NCAA worked with member campuses to identify current student-athletes who publicly reported they had considered applying for the draft, and chose to stay in school, as well as identifying high-profile incoming freshmen thought to be considering the draft after one season in college.
The symposium started on Friday, September 16 with sessions about NCAA Enforcement and a talk from former University of Kentucky basketball player Derek Anderson. The two sessions were followed by a dinner and then a tour of the NCAA Hall of Champions.
The Saturday was a packed day with sessions on athletics eligibility, NCAA 101, learning about the importance of controlling your own brand on social media, a talk from former NBA scouts, a visit from the senior counsel from the National Basketball Players Association and the NBA Players Union, and a talk from Antoine Walker about his personal struggle with money during his 12-year NBA career.
The symposium was concluded on Sunday with a keynote speech from former college basketball coach and current basketball analyst Dan Dakich. The goal of the symposium was to provide exposure, education, and preparation for the transition into a professional playing career.
The NCAA wants to set up the student-athletes to help identify the process, pitfalls, and expectations of being in the NBA. The longer goal of the event included an effort to instill a mindset that professional sports are an experience – not a career – and how to maximize that window of opportunity. For business purposes, the curriculum included information about the agent relationship, players' union information, and personal branding tips.
Lawson was one of just 11 student-athletes that attended the prestigious event. The student-athletes selected had applied for the NBA draft and chose to return to college. The NCAA worked with member campuses to identify current student-athletes who publicly reported they had considered applying for the draft, and chose to stay in school, as well as identifying high-profile incoming freshmen thought to be considering the draft after one season in college.
The symposium started on Friday, September 16 with sessions about NCAA Enforcement and a talk from former University of Kentucky basketball player Derek Anderson. The two sessions were followed by a dinner and then a tour of the NCAA Hall of Champions.
The Saturday was a packed day with sessions on athletics eligibility, NCAA 101, learning about the importance of controlling your own brand on social media, a talk from former NBA scouts, a visit from the senior counsel from the National Basketball Players Association and the NBA Players Union, and a talk from Antoine Walker about his personal struggle with money during his 12-year NBA career.
The symposium was concluded on Sunday with a keynote speech from former college basketball coach and current basketball analyst Dan Dakich. The goal of the symposium was to provide exposure, education, and preparation for the transition into a professional playing career.
The NCAA wants to set up the student-athletes to help identify the process, pitfalls, and expectations of being in the NBA. The longer goal of the event included an effort to instill a mindset that professional sports are an experience – not a career – and how to maximize that window of opportunity. For business purposes, the curriculum included information about the agent relationship, players' union information, and personal branding tips.
Players Mentioned
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