• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is open through Nov. 6 Learn More

Jay Bilas Basketball Skills Camp Gets Boost From Under Armour

Bilas enjoying a few moments with the campers. (Photo via Centerfold Agency)

*Centerfold Agency is a Proud Partner of Front Office Sports

Jay Bilas and Under Armour have become quite the on-court tandem.

Every June, the popular ESPN analyst humbly hosts his basketball skills camp for high school players, up-and-coming coaches, and recruits in Charlotte, N.C. The camp — marked by a positive, underlying mission of team and individual development — has undergone a new, elegant rebrand of its design, thanks in part to a partnership with Centerfold Agency, and Under Armour, the mega footwear, sports, and apparel company.

Unlike any other summer basketball camp, the Jay Bilas Skills Camp stands out in one main way: instruction.

“We believe that the thing that sets us apart is our instruction,” said John Searby, Jay Bilas Skills Camp director. “This isn’t an ‘exposure camp.’”

With assertion from Bilas and Paul Biancardi, among many other prominent basketball figures, it receives well-deserved attention and proves to be a legitimate testing ground of talent and character for college basketball hopefuls.

“Our mission is about educating young men both on and off the court,” Searby said. “Basketball has given Jay and me way more than we can ever give back and most of it is through relationships and life lessons. We want to make kids better players. We want them to become aware of their weaknesses and work to improve, and we want them to understand their strengths and play to them.”

Another benefactor of success is the Coaches Development Programs that the camp features. Searby notes the 12 head coaches have all achieved success in collegiate and professional levels, winning championships, and now give back to the campers, while bolstering their own resume. With a 3-to-1 camper to coach ratio, the camp is able to hone in on the individuals, giving each coach valued experience.

Want more content like this? Subscribe to our daily newsletter!

Along with the experience and networking did at the camp, none of it could be possible without a consistent brand recognition.

Bilas is a self-proclaimed believer in Under Armour’s mission and products, and it’s through his personal partnership with the brand that gear and branding opportunities come alive.

“Under Armour has been helping players at all levels since the company was founded,” said Bilas. “As long as I am running this camp, Under Armour is going to be my choice; it’s been nothing but beneficial.”

Under Armour has been the brand sponsor of the camp since 2016, and players and coaches alike bask in the rewards of the brand with uniforms, shoes, shirts, socks, gear bags upon more.

“What [they] get in gear, almost equals the cost of the camp — and that is just gear, not mentioning instruction and staying at the camp,” Bilas said. “The truth is, the money that is saved by Under Armour gearing the camp up allows us to have more staff.”

As a believer and brand ambassador, Bilas knows the true testament and dedication performance brands like Under Armour make in designing their product, leaving buyers satisfied and comfortable.

“When I wore the best shoes and performance gear, I felt better as a player,” Bilas said. “I can tell through watching and talking to the players, they feel empowered to perform when they are wearing the gear Under Armour has provided.”

*Centerfold Agency is a Proud Partner of Front Office Sports

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Oct 4, 2024; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) is introduced to the fans during Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

All Eyes on Cooper Flagg As College Basketball Tips Off

He makes his NCAA debut with Duke on Monday.
Apr 1, 2024; Portland, OR, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) drives to the basket during the second half against UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) in the finals of the Portland Regional of the NCAA Tournament at the Moda Center.

Women’s College Basketball Begins Its Star-Studded Post–Caitlin Clark Era

Women outdrew the men in the championship with 18.9 million viewers.

Embiid’s Clash With Reporter Sparks NBA Probe, Concerns for Sixers

The former NBA Most Valuable Player angrily confronts and shoves a local columnist.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

NFL Teams Face Crossroads at Season’s Halfway Point

0:00

Featured Today

Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 1, 2024

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.
Donald Trump holding a basketball in the White House
October 30, 2024

Mavericks Owner’s $100 Million Trump Donation Dwarfs All Other Sports Owner Political Giving

Dr. Miriam Adelson is one of the most powerful donors in U.S. politics.
August 22, 2024

Marketing Stunt Had Major Cycling Race Start In Grocery Store

The Vuelta has a history of creative stage kickoffs.
August 26, 2024

Cooper Flagg Spurns Nike Ties for New Balance

Flagg is the projected top pick in 2025.
Sponsored

World Series Delivers High-Demand Marquee Matchup

The hype around the World Series matchup drove ticket prices to record levels—but the Dodgers’ dominance quickly quieted the fervor.
August 19, 2024

Jake Paul Claims He’ll Make $40 Million Off Tyson Netflix Fight

Paul and Tyson are set to fight in Texas in November.
August 16, 2024

Mets Bring Back Grimace in Latest Viral Gambit

Viral marketing is typical for the 2024 Mets, who have leaned in.
August 15, 2024

Saudis Make North American Soccer Inroads With Concacaf Deal

It’s PIF’s first North American soccer investment.
August 9, 2024

Are Track & Field Heading for a Divorce?

Money is rushing into running, but not jumping or throwing.