While there are millions of people playing basketball globally, only a few manage to reach the highest level and play professionally. Staying at that level is even more challenging.
There are many challenges for players who need to ensure they are playing basketball and excelling at the highest level on the court which include career pathways, financial decisions, communicating with media and managing schedules, to name a few.
FIBA, guided by its Players’ Commission, which is led by FIBA and NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki as well as EuroBasket Champion and Olympian Sonia Vasic, understands the need to support players both on and off the court.
This is a program that everyone on the Players' Commission is excited about because these mentors can and will make a positive difference with young elite players and also within their federation.
The FIBA Players' Mentorship Program, launched in 2021, ensures individuals are trained by FIBA within National Federations to provide players (and, in the case of young players, their parents or guardians) with the necessary support off the court.
OBJECTIVES
Help players achieve their highest level on the court.
Increase the education among professional basketball players to support them in their transition to a work career after their basketball career.
Improve the players’ wellbeing by teaching them how to handle off-court distractions.
Empower National Federations and help them create a bond with their players.
Decrease the drop-out rate of players at a young age, especially women.
The program is divided into three sections - Athlete Lifestyle Mentor Certificate, FIBA Off-Court Guide and an individual assignment with the added support of the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS).
National Federations are invited each year to nominate a former female and male representative to enroll in the FIBA Players' Mentorship Program, which is delivered online.
It's really important that young players, especially women, continue to play basketball and reach their maximum potential, and this program will assist in that regard. Mentors will be able to provide support for younger players to help them strike the right balance between their sports careers and their educational needs.