The energy is electric, the stakes are high, and dreams are about to come true. It’s that time of year when young prospects are filled with excitement and nerves, eagerly anticipating their fate.
74 outstanding talents from 29 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) await their fate at the NBA HBCU Fellowship Draft breakfast.
Amidst the suspense, names are called, dreams are realized, and futures are forever changed. Greg Taylor, Executive Director of the NBA Foundation, takes on the role of the commissioner for the day and announces, “The Dallas Mavericks select … Danielle Jones from Dillard University!” The room erupts, and Jones feels her heart soar.
Danielle Jones, a distinguished alumna of Dillard University, stands tall, carrying the legacy of her HBCU with confidence. Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, has been shaped by inspiring HBCU professors who instilled in her the confidence and preparation needed to excel in the world of sports. The NBA HBCU Fellowship feels like destiny, offering her a chance not only to pursue her passion for the game but also to make a meaningful difference.
Another shining star among the HBCU Fellows is Emile Dogbe-Gakpetor, an analytics rotation intern with the Atlanta Hawks. Born in Ghana, he received a life-changing full-ride scholarship to Livingstone College in North Carolina. They instilled in her the self-assurance and preparation needed to thrive in the world of sports.
The NBA HBCU Fellowship Program is designed to offer career development opportunities to talented undergraduate and graduate students from HBCUs. These exceptional fellows roll up their sleeves for a 10-week paid internship across all 30 NBA team offices, including the league office in New York City.
Contributing across various departments, such as marketing and finance, the fellows seize the chance to shine. Danielle Jones spearheads an internship pitch and creates a one-of-a-kind overnight basketball experience for kids in Dallas. Along the way, she even crosses paths with the legendary Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Dak Prescott, at a luncheon, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Emile Dogbe-Gakpetor collaborates with the G League, H.R., and Community Impact, honing his presentation skills and networking abilities while soaking in invaluable knowledge from seasoned executives.
The NBA HBCU Fellowship is more than just an internship; it represents the pinnacle of HBCU excellence. It proudly showcases the immense potential and talent of young visionaries like Danielle Jones and Emile Dogbe-Gakpetor, who are all set to shine brightly in the world of sports.
Jones credits her time at Dillard University and the unwavering support of her family for molding her into the successful person she is today. But at just 21 years old, she knows her journey is only beginning. As the NBA HBCU Fellowship launches these promising talents into the spotlight, they are poised to become trailblazers, illuminating the sports world with their passion and dedication.
The NBA HBCU Fellowship Draft Breakfast celebrates the spirit of diversity, resilience, and ambition that HBCUs represent. It is an empowering event that unlocks the untapped potential of exceptional young talents, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future in the sports industry.
