Alright, so you wanna know how to be one of them NBA scouts, huh? Listen up, it ain’t rocket science, but it ain’t easy neither. You gotta love basketball, like, really love it. More than your prize-winning rooster, even.
First off, you gotta get your foot in the door. Nobody just wakes up and becomes a scout. You gotta start somewhere, you know? Maybe help out with the local high school team, be a water boy, keep score, whatever. Just be around the game. Get your hands dirty. Like working in the fields, but with basketballs instead of corn.
Then, you gotta learn the game inside and out. Not just who’s scoring the most points, but why. Watch them players, how they move, how they think. It’s like picking a good watermelon, gotta thump it, see if it sounds right. Same with players, gotta see if they got that something special.
- You gotta see if they can shoot. Can they put the ball in the hoop, or are they just throwing it up there like a chicken with its head cut off?
- Then there’s that dribbling thing. Can they handle the ball, or do they lose it every time someone sneezes? Like trying to catch a greased pig, that’s what it is.
- Passing is important too. Can they share the ball, or are they ball hogs? Gotta play as a team, not just for themselves. Like a good quilting bee, everyone works together.
- And defense! Don’t forget about that. Can they stop the other fella from scoring? Like putting up a fence to keep the critters out of your garden.
And it ain’t just about what you see on the court. You gotta get to know these players, their character. Are they coachable? Do they have a good work ethic? Are they gonna cause trouble? Like picking a good farmhand, gotta make sure they’re reliable and hardworking. You don’t want no lazy bones on your team.
Networking is real important too. You gotta meet people, talk to folks, make connections. Go to games, shake hands, be friendly. It’s like going to the county fair, gotta mingle and get to know folks. You never know who might help you out down the line.
You probably gonna start as an assistant. That means doing the grunt work. Driving players around, getting coffee, taking notes. It ain’t glamorous, but everyone starts somewhere. Like peeling potatoes before you can make a good stew. Gotta do the work before you get to the good stuff.
And you gotta be good at talking to people. Gotta be able to tell the big bosses what you think about a player. Not just saying “he’s good,” but explaining why. Be clear and be honest. Like telling someone how to fix their tractor, gotta be specific and straight to the point.
You’ll be traveling a lot too. High school games, college games, all over the place. Living out of a suitcase, eating gas station food. It ain’t for everyone, that’s for sure. Like being a traveling salesman, always on the road.
And don’t expect to get rich quick. Scouting ain’t a get-rich-quick scheme. You gotta work hard, pay your dues. But if you love basketball and you’re good at it, you can make a decent living. Like raising good livestock, gotta put in the time and effort.
So, there you have it. That’s what I know about becoming an NBA scout. It’s a lot of work, but if you’re passionate and dedicated, you can do it. Just like anything in life, you gotta put your heart into it. Like making a good apple pie, gotta use the best ingredients and a whole lotta love.
Remember, nobody’s gonna hand you nothin’. You gotta go out there and get it yourself. Be persistent, be patient, and don’t give up on your dreams. Even if them dreams seem as far away as the city lights.
And one more thing, always be honest. Don’t sugarcoat things. If a player ain’t good, say so. Integrity is important, in basketball and in life. Like a good fence post, gotta be straight and strong.
Alright, I’ve talked your ear off enough. Now get out there and chase them dreams! And don’t forget to call your grandma once in a while.
Tags: [NBA, Scout, Basketball, Career, Sports, Talent, Assessment, Networking]
