Jarvis Gunter Summer Apprentice Program
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Possibly the best part of my job includes the various people I have the opportunity to meet and interact with on a daily basis. From my co-workers to our fans, sponsors, community leaders and others in the sports business. One of the truly outstanding people that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know better the last few weeks is Jarvis Gunter, a power forward for us last year who will be returning this season. Just as Jarvis’ game got better and better last year and made an impact in our run to the playoffs, his impact off the court has been felt around the community recently. Jarvis is participating the League’s Apprenticeship Program, an arrangement that provides him insight in to the business operations of the team and the opportunity to be active in the community. I’ve asked him to share with you, our readers and fans, more about his recent experience with the organization…
I am patiently waiting on the start of the upcoming season. I am currently finishing up my internship with my NBA Development League team the Erie Bayhawks. I've been learning how the front office operates behind the scenes. I've learned about the business aspects of selling tickets, getting sponsorships and making new partnerships with different organizations. I have continued giving back to the community by doing the Read to Achieve presentations to local elementary school kids, stressing the importance of education; signing autographs and making appearances at events ranging from Zoo Boo, The YMCA After School Rally, the United Way Campaign kickoff event and John Kanzius Cancer Foundation telethon. While learning a lot about the business side of basketball, I've also had the opportunity to work out and scrimmage with the Cleveland Cavaliers for most of September. It was a very memorable experience. I had the chance to prove to the Cavaliers coaching staff, players, and to myself that I can play at the NBA level. I had the opportunity to compete against the league MVP LeBron James and NBA All Star and fellow Mississippian Mo Williams. As the weeks went by I was hoping I would get the opportunity to see Shaq in person, But I got more than I asked for because I had to guard one of the greatest centers of all time. I was impressed at how small he made even Big Z look. I think this was the perfect situation for me to be a part of the apprenticeship. I had the best of both worlds by getting the chance of a lifetime working out with the Cav's and learning the business side of a basketball organization.
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