• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, January 15, 2025

The Game Within the Game: Life as an NBA Video Coordinator

When thinking of the NBA, we often think of star players like LeBron James, prominent head coaches like Steve Kerr or famous franchise owners such as Mark Cuban.

But what about the men and women behind the scenes?

NBA scouts, video coordinators, and analysts may arguably be some the most important members of a franchise (outside of the players, of course) and specialize on winning the game within the game. As a matter of fact, Erik Spoelstra, head coach of the Miami Heat, was actually hired by the team first in 1995 — not as a coach, but as a video coordinator.

Film breakdown, statistical analysis, and player scouting all create space for a career in the NBA, but each requires a specific skill set. We caught up with industry professionals to discuss what it takes to be successful behind the scenes in the NBA.   

Add Value Before Your Title Requires It

Like many of us growing up, Bryan Oringher had a dream to build a career in professional sports. After working for seven years in the NBA with the Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors as a head video coordinator and advanced scout, his dream came true, but it didn’t happen overnight. Oringher got his true start while he was a freshman in college as a manager for the University of Maryland basketball program.

“I found ways to make myself valuable and was given the opportunity to travel as a freshman to the NCAA tournament,” he shared.

Oringher leveraged his opportunity and began reaching out to NBA teams while still in college. “I reached out to Tommy Sheppard of the Washington Wizards for an informational interview. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that would turn into an internship opportunity where I worked almost full-time hours as an unpaid intern.”

Oringher stated that while an unpaid internship was incredibly hard, it was simply too valuable of an opportunity to pass up.  

Become a Student of the Game

Oringher continued to build his brand and credibility to the point where he was then offered a full-time role following graduation.

“I would do everything I could to be the hardest worker,” he said. “I would read old scouting reports to become more knowledgeable and learn the terminology of different systems. I consistently asked myself, ‘Am I making the players better, and am I someone who they trust?’”

But it wasn’t just passion that made Oringher successful; it was his applied knowledge.

“Understanding the tools available like Sportscode, Hudl, and Synergy can be a differentiator. It’s about making the time and opportunity for yourself. You might have to volunteer for a local team just to learn the technology or offer to come by and help, or shadow for a day.”

Not sure yet if you’re ready to approach an NBA team? There are 27 teams in NBA’s G League, with a host of opportunities available.

Become Multidimensional

Being a “jack of all trades and master of none” may not be the best strategy while on the path to becoming an expert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t diversify your skill set.

After being kept on staff by three different head coaches with the Wizards, Oringher pitched his work to others in the industry eventually landed him roles with the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors as an Advance Scout, studying team tendencies and play calls to assist in the coaching staff’s game-planning efforts.

Ben Falk, previously the VP of basketball strategy with the 76ers and an analytics manager with the Blazers, stated on his site, Cleaning The Glass: “One benefit of the era we live in is that good work spreads faster than ever. If you do something that’s truly impressive and get it in front of the right people on social media, it can organically end up on the screens of numerous NBA employees in a short period of time. And then they will reach out to you, instead of the other way around.”

The NBA’s growth is continuing to spike and has the potential to surpass the NFL in revenue generation by 2029. Opportunities are increasing, but so is the pool of applicants.

“It’s a competitive industry and good work doesn’t go unnoticed,” stated Oringher. “I would get 200 resumes every week from people willing to quit their jobs just to get a shot working in the NBA.”

Still looking for ways to separate yourself? Create content on social platforms and show what you’re capable of. Not everyone can sit courtside, but with the right skillset, you can create space for an opportunity behind the scenes in the NBA.



Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 5, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta smiles during the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center.

Cubs, Mavs, Rockets Owners Co-Hosting Trump Reception With Zuckerberg

Owners of three sports teams are teaming up for an inauguration party.
The United States Capitol during the certification of votes by Congress making Donald Trump president on Jan. 6, 2025.

U.S. House Passes Ban on Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports

The bill would apply to all educational levels, from kindergarten to college.
Apr 7, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A general view of fans outside of Truist Park before the game on Opening Day between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds.

Philly Rips Page From Rival Playbook With Sports Complex Revamp

Philadelphia’s mayor frequently touts the influential Braves development.
Jan 5, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) drives against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center.

Why NBA Trade Season Is About to Pick Up

Eligible players include Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey and Nets center Nic Claxton.

Featured Today

Race leader and eventual stage winner Primož ROGLIČ (SVN/RedBull-Bora-Hansgrohe) in the final kilometer up the finish climb of stage 19 from Logroño to Alto De Moncalvillo (ESP/168km) of the 79th La Vuelta Ciclista a España 2024 on 6 September. // Kristof Ramon / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202409060905 // Usage for editorial use only //Primož ROGLIČ (SVN/RedBull-Bora-Hansgrohe) congratulated by teammate Florian LIPOWITZ (DEU/RedBull - BORA - hansgrohe) after a very strong stage 13 from Lugo to Puerto De Ancares (ESP/171km) of the 79th La Vuelta Ciclista a España 2024 on 30 August

Red Bull Is on a Hot Streak in Sports. Can It Win..

The company is betting on a big future in cycling.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) knocks the ball out of the hands of Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) and returns the fumble for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Cotton Bowl Classic during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on January, 10, 2025.
January 11, 2025

College Football Is Closer Than Ever to Perfecting the Championship Process

Despite valid criticisms, the first expanded Playoff is working.
Jan 2, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman (R) reacts on the sidelines in the final minute against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome.
January 9, 2025

Amid Realignment Mania, Notre Dame Stayed Independent. It Paid Off

How the CFP semifinal-bound Fighting Irish made their business model work.
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a first-down catch against Oregon during the 2025 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
January 3, 2025

The Biggest Changes to College Sports Are Coming in 2025

Sweeping developments could affect the college sports foundation this year.
FIFA

Saudis Awarded 2034 World Cup in Uncontested Vote

Saudi Arabia was the only option after Australia decided not to bid.
May 20, 2024

Top Sports Business Jobs This Week (May 2024)

Each week, our staff combs through the thousands of job listings from…
The stands at the Solheim Cup
September 13, 2024

LPGA Apologizes for Solheim Cup Fan Bus Debacle That Left Stands Half-Empty

The USA-Europe women’s team golf event teed off Friday morning.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
October 3, 2022

Real Madrid President Renews Call for Super League

Real Madrid’s president believes that soccer is losing ground.
August 10, 2022

PGA Tour Touts Projected Earnings to Keep Players

The PGA Tour is asking its players to consider their potential futures.
August 10, 2022

Bayern Munich to Make Growth Push in U.S. Market

Bayern Munich is looking to expand its reach in the U.S.
Nintendo-logo
August 3, 2022

Nintendo Profits Underwhelm, Switch Sales Decline

Nintendo failed to meet expectations in the company’s latest earnings report.