Since you’ve made it here, I’m assuming you already heard the news. 

I’m going to Africa!

In early June 2023, I will be traveling to Senegal to visit the NBA Academy Africa. I am extremely excited about this opportunity as it will be my second study abroad experience as a college student and first time visiting the African continent. But this experience is more than just about academics and basketball – it’s history. 

The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park is the first university journalism program to travel to Africa to report on the NBA’s outreach and player development efforts on the continent. 

Housed in the Merrill College of Journalism, our NBA Africa course will explore sport globalization and the strategy of the National Basketball Association to develop young talent on the continent. This course will also leverage the sport of basketball to facilitate cultural exchange, community building, and lifelong friendships. 

Whether you know me, follow me, or have heard about the work I’ve been doing – I do not think you can begin to fathom how on time and DOPE this opportunity is for me as a student and emerging scholar. I’ve been talking about international athlete development, sport globalization, and internationalization strategy for years now. I even hosted a whole summit about these interests just a month ago! And now I get to visit NBA Academy Africa to learn more about its purpose, place, and platform in sport globalization, athlete development, and NCAA recruitment?! 

God. Big G, not the little one.

Prior to our departure, our class has taken trips to the U.S. Embassy of Senegal and Chez Dior restaurant. Both visits have shared an in-depth perspective into Senegalese education, sport, and culture. 

We arrive in Dakar on June 4. While in-country, I will be responsible for helping produce written and video content documenting our learning, the lived experiences of athletes and coaches, as well as NBA Academy Africa operations. Below I’ve shared a reminder of research agenda, course deliverables, and next steps.

Research Agenda. My research is focused on the relationship between internationalization and athletics. This includes but is not limited to practices and policies concerning sport diplomacy, sport for development, international college athlete development. My dissy (dissertation) research will center on international college athlete career readiness – though I have a strong sense that this may change after this trip. I’ll report back once stateside. Since I’ve started my doctoral program. I’ve been committed to using my PhD experience to support, advocate, and liberate international college athletes in U.S. higher education and I can assure you my mission is still intact and stronger than ever. It’s personal.

Proposed Deliverables. During this trip, I get to flex my gifts and lean into public scholarship and storytelling through non-traditional forms of journalism. While in Senegal, I will conduct interviews, immerse myself in the Senegalese culture, and organically observe relationships. Together, this data collection will help me produce the first podcast series exclusively focused on basketball development in Africa. I will also be blogging and vlogging via social media.

Be sure to follow these accounts: 

Twitter: @PovichCenter

Twitter: NBA Africa Reporters List

Instagram: @MerrillCollege

Here’s where I need your help. 

I am interested in speaking with NBA Academy Africa alumni competing in the NCAA. If you or someone you know is the plug, hit my line ASAP as I’d love to include these stories in our final product. Additionally, if you know African born basketball athletes competing in the NCAA, NBA, BAL, or another professional basketball league, let’s talk! Lastly, if you would like to connect to talk more about sport globalization, NBA Academy Africa, or NCAA international athlete development – my line is always open. 

Can’t leave without giving a couple shoutouts.

Dr. Taylor Woodman. My guy! Professor, co-advisor, inspiration. Cannot thank you enough for introducing me to the knowledge, vocabulary, and outlets for me to learn and share my work. Together we’ve created something inimitable, and I know our best is yet to come. I’ll brainstorm ways to repay you after I knock out this dissy LOL. 

Dr. Shannon Scovel and Cara Hawkins-Jedlicka. I appreciate y’all believing in the vision and trusting me to educate your students and colleagues on the evolving relationship between internationalization and athletics. Still 

TFB. You’re not delusional bro. You’ve been saying this shit for years and now academia and the world is finally catching up. Continue to be a trailblazer, leading the way in truth, love, and fun. This trip is the beginning of a run that can only be compared to Drake’s discography. 

It’s happening. 

Breathe, meditate, and walk, walk, walk. 

C’est déjà fait.

Encourage somebody to be great today! 

Future Dr. TFB