Elite Coaches Gather in Las Vegas for TopConnect Basketball Symposium

As a lifelong basketball fan, I’ve always been fascinated by the art of coaching. What makes a great coach tick? What sets them apart from the rest? This summer, I’ll be keeping a close eye on the TopConnect Basketball Symposium, where some of the country’s top assistant coaches will gather in Las Vegas to network, learn, and grow.

TopConnect Basketball Symposium logo

The symposium, now in its seventh year, has a proven track record of identifying and developing the next generation of leaders in college basketball. Its mantra, ‘Connect. Prepare. Lead.’, encapsulates the event’s focus on building relationships, sharing knowledge, and empowering coaches to succeed.

This year’s event will take place at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of UNLV on Monday, June 10. University of Dayton men’s basketball coach Sean Damaska has been selected to participate, joining an esteemed group of coaches from around the country.

Damaska’s selection is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. As a coach, he’s constantly looking for ways to improve and grow, and the TopConnect symposium offers a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the business.

The symposium’s educational programming is designed to provide coaches with a wide range of skills and knowledge, from leadership development to roster management. Panel discussions and breakout sessions will feature successful leaders and speakers, offering insights and expertise that coaches can apply to their own programs.

One of the standout features of the TopConnect symposium is its focus on networking. By bringing together top assistant coaches with mid-major Athletic Directors, the event provides a platform for coaches to build relationships and make connections that can help advance their careers.

Coaching staff at a basketball game

As a fan, it’s exciting to think about the impact that this symposium could have on the sport. By investing in the next generation of coaches, we’re investing in the future of basketball. And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll see a coach who got their start at the TopConnect symposium leading a team to a national championship.

For now, I’ll be keeping a close eye on the symposium and the coaches who participate. It’s an exciting time for college basketball, and I’m eager to see what the future holds.

Basketball court at the Thomas & Mack Center

As the TopConnect symposium gets underway, I’ll be thinking about the coaches who have made a lasting impact on the sport. Coaches like Anthony Grant, who attended the original Villa 7 program before becoming a head coach in 2006.

Coach Anthony Grant

Grant’s story is just one example of the success that’s possible for coaches who participate in the TopConnect symposium. With over 50 assistant coaches and assistant athletic directors having been promoted to head coach or athletic director since the program’s inception, the evidence speaks for itself.

This year’s symposium promises to be just as impactful, with a talented group of coaches gathered in Las Vegas to learn, grow, and network. I’m excited to see what the future holds for these coaches and the sport of basketball.

As a final note, I want to express my gratitude to the organizers of the TopConnect symposium for their dedication to developing the next generation of leaders in college basketball. Their work is vital to the success of the sport, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share their story with the HoopsHub community.