In February, the Sport and Recreation Management program and the College of Law’s Sports Law Society co-hosted Garth Glissman, NBA Vice President of Basketball Operations, for a full day of presentations and mentoring on campus. Mr. Glissman delivered a morning presentation at the College of Law and an afternoon presentation at the Iowa Memorial Union, ate lunch with UISRM students and law students, and stayed after each presentation to connect one-on-one with students. His presentations gave attendees an insider view of NBA league operations and advice on preparing for a career in the sport industry.
Mr. Glissman’s story begins with him following his passion to coach high school basketball in Nebraska while also practicing corporate law. Sharing his experiences in law and basketball on LinkedIn led to the NBA recruiting him based off his profile. Mr. Glissman had the perfect combination of legal and basketball experience the NBA was seeking. His story is inspirational to the students in attendance.
Emma Cooper (pictured left), third-year UISRM major, summed up the general feeling of all students that attended one of the presentations: “Garth’s presentation was one of the most educational and insightful about the sports industry that I have attended while at Iowa. Garth made it accessible for students to participate and hold conversation with him while sharing about his role as a Vice President of the NBA. He emphasized the idea that no involvement in the world of sports is too small and is living proof of that! It is through presentations like these that my inspiration for achievement and eagerness about the sports industry continues to grow!”
Paris LaPoint (pictured right), fourth-year Communication Studies major and UISRM minor, said, “Garth Glissman was a wholesome and enthusiastic speaker who gave students an exclusive look into what goes on in operations at the NBA headquarters. He presented about day-to-day projects, current controversies, and the integration of governance and market interest- all of which he is passionate to be responsible for in his position as Vice President of Operations. Garth gave extraordinary advice for those interested in pursuing careers in sports and was excited to answer any and all types of questions. His presentation was absolutely inspiring and exceeded the SRM program’s standard of excellence. Thanks Garth!”
Following his final presentation of the day and his last one-on-one visit with a student, Mr. Glissman said, “I really identify with the students at the University of Iowa, and I think it’s important that the NBA connects with this part of the country. I have a lot of pride in my Midwestern background.” In recent years, Mr. Glissman has made it a tradition to visit students on Iowa’s campus following the NBA All-Star game, and as he departed Iowa City, he was already making plans for next year’s visit. We look forward to welcoming you back, Garth – thank you for all that you do to support our students!