Basketball GM and Scouting FAQ

 How do I become an NBA Scout?

To become an NBA scout, you need a deep understanding of basketball, experience in the sport (often through coaching, playing, or working with teams), and strong networking skills. Many scouts start by working in college basketball or as unpaid interns before landing roles with NBA teams. It is best to get trained in basketball scouting through a program such as the Basketball GM and Scouting course taught by NBA/International Scouts. After successful completion of the course, you will be invited to join NetScouts Basketball which offers on-the-job training and the opportunity to credential for collegiate and international games

  How do NBA Players get scouted?

NBA players get scouted through college games, international leagues, and NBA combines. Scouts look for athletic ability, basketball IQ, and potential. Some players also get noticed through high school tournaments and AAU competitions.

  How much do NBA Scouts make a year?

NBA scouts typically make between $50,000 and $100,000 per year, depending on experience and the team's budget. Senior scouts with years of experience can earn even more.

  What is a scout in basketball?

A basketball scout evaluates players' skills, strengths, and weaknesses to determine their potential for professional teams. Scouts attend games, review footage, and make recommendations to team management on potential draft picks or signings.

  How do you become an NBA Scout?

To become an NBA scout, gain experience by working in basketball at any level, build relationships with professionals in the industry, and learn how to assess talent. Many scouts start as assistants, coaches, or by working in college sports.

  Will the Basketball GM and Scouting Course help me get a job in basketball?

It will help you get a job in basketball. The keyword here is help. For the entire eight-week course you will be in a class speaking weekly with NBA Executives Rick Sund and Carl Berman who are training you what you need to know to get hired. This is your opportunity to be mentored by an NBA GM and Scout. We designed the course so it is like sitting in his office for an hour every week! You will be involved in discussions and share knowledge of the game, the business of basketball, and how they got ahead to where they are now.

You will also be networking with fellow students who are interested in improving their knowledge of the business of basketball and scouting talent. More importantly, you will be learning techniques and strategies that NBA teams are currently using. 

The course content includes cutting-edge theories on how to evaluate talent and study the game. The course will give you information that will make you an asset to any professional team. Will it directly get you the job? The knowledge you learn from the course and the contacts that you make might be the clincher to beating out your competition for the job!

  Do I really get to talk to Rick Sund weekly?

Throughout the eight-week course, you will meet one hour each with Rick Sund, Carl Berman, and Dr. Lashbrook via Zoom. This is an hour-long question and answers video discussion with your Mentors and your fellow students. In addition, Rick, Carl, and Lynn's guest speakers and buddies participate as guests in the chats. If you miss a chat they are archived and you can listen when it is convenient for you.

  Do International Scouts take this course?

Yes. We have success stories around the globe. The next Giannis, Jokic, or Yao Ming is in your back yard! Our students come from over 163 countries. Both Rick Sund and Carl Berman, your NBA Executives who mentor you in this course are well versed in international basketball. So if you want to work in the EuroLeague, Spain's Liga ACB, Germany's Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), Turkish Basketball Super League (BSL), Italy's Lega Basket Serie A (LBA), France's LNB Pro A or others, we can train you. Our motto at SMWW is "go global or go home"!


 Can I be the next Kevin Pritchard?

Maybe! The start of any great career begins with passion and being willing to work hard to achieve your goal. If you are passionate about working in basketball and continue to learn, network, and work hard, you can make your dream job happen. Job experience and who you know is important, so never burn a bridge because they might one day be the person hiring you! 

If you want to enhance what you know and who you know this is a great place to start. If you need an internship at a professional team and are willing to start in the sales department, you should look into our Sports Sales and Marketing course.

  What's the difference between Sports Sales and Marketing and the Basketball GM and Scouting Course?

The Sports Sales and Marketing Course assists students in not only learning what they need to know to get an entry-level job in any professional sports organization but also requires that a course project be done with a major or minor league team. It teaches everything from ticket sales and sponsorship sales to creating contacts in the sports field. Students who take this course generally want a job as soon as possible in football, hockey, soccer, basketball, or baseball. The weekly chats focus on who's hiring and the instructors help the students learn skills that those teams are looking for in new hires and strategize to get the interview. Instructors use their contacts in the sports world to assist students in getting sports jobs. 

The Basketball GM and Scouting Course is pure basketball. Pure HOOPS, scouting hoop players, and evaluating talent. If you want a job in professional basketball, we recommend you take both!

  How else can I break into the basketball world?

David Morway, former GM of the Indiana Pacers worked for a while as a Sports Agent. If you are not in a situation to start your career over and want to learn more about the business of basketball and gain more contacts, check out the Athlete Management Course and consider representing NBA and Overseas basketball players.

  Do I need any special equipment or books for the course? 

The books for the course are sent directly to your home from the SMWW office. Some of the books or materials are so specific that they are either out of print or not sold in any bookstore. You will need a computer with access to the Internet.

 This all sounds too high-tech for me, I don't know very much about computer technology.

Don't worry. We have many students who have felt the same way. SMWW has a technical support team that not only knows computers and can get your microphone working, (even if you didn't know you had one), but they love sports! As long as you have a computer and access to the internet, we can help you with the rest!

  How old do I have to be to take this course?

18 or older.

Do I need a college degree to take this course?

No.

  Do you have more questions?

Call the office and ask! 1-877-SMWW-Now in the US or Canada. In London at +44(0) 871 288 4799. Everywhere else at +1-503-445-7105