First NBA Season In The Books
I tell you, my God has a great sense of humor.
After a lifetime of praying that I make it to the league, in August of 2019 he finally made that dream a reality; even if it wasn’t what I envisioned at first. He knew exactly what he was doing.
Admittedly, I never mastered the signature NYC crossover although I spent my first 17 years in the streets of East Flatbush, Brooklyn — and it didn’t help that my vertical was nowhere near D1 prospect level, but he had something else for me.
After following my family legacy and graduating from the #1 HBCU in the land (FAMU) during the Spring of 2017, I was a lost kid in the world. After establishing a reputation for curating some of the dopest live event experiences in the Southeast (DREAMxTEAMENT), I knew there was more for me — Even after fielding two job offers in the wine & spirits industry tupon graduation, I still knew there was more.
With strong faith and a will to make a mark, I found myself back in NYC working under one of the top branding execs in the industry @ the Roc💎; and though things didnt work out long term, I still consider those three months fresh out of college as some of the most humbling moments of my life — I take my lessons from the 39th floor everywhere I go in life.
Let’s fast forward — A year-plus at a tech startup just trying to hustle and figure things out, a brief tenure at a content marketing agency (yet successful 😉) and time spent at a content marketing agency in the city; and still there was no sense of fulfilment.
I learned the value of surrounding myself with a group of like-minded individuals early in life, which lead me to applying for a Venture For America’s (VFA — Community of entrepreneurially spirited young professionals placed in some of the countries emerging cities, with the opportunity to build the economies of these towns and provide opportunities for others) fellowship. Being back in NYC was cool, but I knew I needed to get outside of my comfort zone in order to reach my full potential — I officially decided to embark upon this journey in May of 2019. The summer 2019 that ensued had its ups and downs; I had 15+ interviews with different startups throughout the VFA network, but nothing stuck.
One morning, I woke up and just knew something was going to go right; I found out that Dan Gilbert (Owner of the Cavaliers) was 100% committed to hiring a fellow out of 2019 class (Second fellow within the organization of the fellowships 7-year tenure) — I saw it as a sign from God to put all of my eggs in this basket, and I did just that. The conversations I had and the connections I made all led to believe that this was THE opportunity, and it just happened to be.
August 25th, 2019, I took a leap of faith and moved to Cleveland, Ohio.
Admittedly it’s been quite the adjustment, but I am just one of those guys who can make a mark anywhere.
Cleveland is one of the biggest sports towns in the country — Within a 2 mile radius, we have the Cavs, Browns, and Indians. The passion behind this city and their teams is like nothing I have ever experienced. The culture here is amazing.
It’s been a bit over 9 months that I have been here, and following a few successful community based Marketing partnerships deals curated; I am happy to call this town home.
It just happened to be the weirdest NBA season I’ve experienced in my life though — From one of my childhood heros passing, to an extended pause (and close) to the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, I’ve witnessed members of our franchise take the lead on a league-wide initiative of speaking up on racial injustices and the value of diversity across the league; Now that the NBA is officially on its way back I can relish in at least a piece of normalcy; but what have i learned?
- Control what you can control
- Always provide value
- Be present
- I can do anythingggg
It’s been quite the experience, and although this first run is over; I know it’s the first of many — I am looking forward to the future for not only our young franchise, but for myself as I continue to develop within the industry.
Special shoutout to everyone who has been a part of my journey thus far, I love you all; it’s only the beginning.
Season 2 up next.
