Greetings, NABC members!
It is with great anticipation and excitement that I write to you as a new basketball season tips off. There’s truly nothing like the optimism that comes with the start of the season. Every goal you’ve set for your team – from lofty championship aspirations to a simple aim at getting a little better every day – is within reach.
As I reflected during the offseason on what keeps me energized to serve you as Executive Director of the NABC, I kept coming back to the remarkable stories I’ve encountered during my tenure. Almost on a daily basis, I have the privilege of hearing about a coach making an impact that transcends on-court results.
Stories like Dayton coach Anthony Grant responding to an unthinkable personal tragedy – the death of a child – by using his influential platform to raise awareness for mental health services.
Stories like legendary Missouri coach Norm Stewart launching the Coaches vs. Cancer program, and now 30 years later, celebrating with him for over $155 million raised to fight the disease.
Stories like a diverse coalition of coaches teaming up to launch a grassroots nonprofit organization that helps young people become more civically engaged.
Sports, and coaches in particular, often bear the burden of cynically negative media coverage. But inspiring stories like these are everywhere, and if you ask me, are far more indicative of the character of our profession and our sport.
After all, Guardians of the Game is much more than a catchy slogan for the NABC. Our members – each of you – live out our core values of leadership, service, advocacy, education, and inclusion every day. I’m confident this upcoming season will be no different.
Our strategic priorities at the NABC this year come back to topics you’ve heard me speak on repeatedly since my first day at this job – giving coaches a seat at the table and positioning our sport for future success.
We’ve made significant strides in these advocacy efforts over the past year, as evidenced by the launch of a new pilot legislative model that will give NCAA Division I men’s basketball broader autonomy to govern itself. Already under this new model, our NABC Division I Congress collaborated with the NCAA on a modernized recruiting calendar that we anticipate will earn final approval in the coming months.
Let me stress that our advocacy and legislative efforts aren’t simply focused on Division I. In Division II and Division III, for example, coach input helped drive significant changes to both divisions’ playing and practice season models. Members of our Board of Directors and various NABC committees work with all levels of the sport – including increasing efforts to engage with the high school and grassroots communities – to ensure coaches’ voices are heard.
Another key focus for the NABC this season, as I mentioned above, is celebrating the 30-year anniversary of Coaches vs. Cancer. Three decades and over $155 million raised for the American Cancer Society is an incredible accomplishment – but the work isn’t over until cancer is defeated for good. The upcoming Coaches vs. Cancer Suits And Sneakers Week and the continuation of our Set the Screen campaign will once again give coaches the opportunity to champion this worthy cause. I hope you’ll join us in the fight.
Finally, we remain committed to equipping coaches with professional development resources that support growth both on and off the court. The NABC Mentor Circle has over 200 participants actively investing in one another’s success. Our suite of member benefits continues to expand, including a new partnership with BetterHelp that provides coaches with mental health counseling services. And the 2024 NABC Convention will once again offer an unrivaled coaching education, leadership development, and networking experience for our members.
Thank you for giving me and our staff at the NABC the privilege of going to work every day on your behalf. Cheers to making 2023-24 the best season yet!
Sincerely,
Craig Robinson
NABC Executive Director
