NBA Players Spent Their Time In Quarantine Learning New Skills

The NBA has restarted play in the Orlando bubble and basketball fans couldn’t be happier. While players are no doubt happy to be back after nearly five months away from the court since the season was postponed, many were making constructive use of their time away. 

Yellowbrick.co is an online platform that works with universities to offer educational experiences focused on player interests and passions. During the NBA’s season hiatus, all NBA and NBA G League players could access Yellowbrick for free, providing opportunities to learn from experts in various industries through four available courses presented by some of the world’s top universities and thought leaders.

These courses include Fundamentals of Global Sports Management from New York University, Music Industry Essentials from New York University and Billboard, Sneaker Essentials from the Fashion Institute of Technology and Complex, and Streetwear Essentials from the Parsons School of Design and Complex

These self-paced virtual courses help students explore subjects through a series of executive lectures, readings, and exercises.

“We’re excited about the number of players who utilized their time away from the game and opportunity with Yellowbrick to explore interests outside of basketball,” said Greg Taylor, NBA senior vice president of player development. “Our players are committed to developing all kinds of skills and becoming life-long learners, and these four courses have been a great way for them to engage with new or different subjects.”  

To date, more than 35 players have enrolled in Yellowbrick since March. This includes fan favorites like Lou Williams of the Los Angeles Clippers, Andre Drummond of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Zach Collins of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Some NBA players took their educational experience during quarantine a step further. Last year, Detroit Pistons guard Langston Galloway created a scholarship through The Langston Galloway Foundation to give others the opportunity to explore their passions through Yellowbrick. Galloway recently completed a Sneaker Essentials Certificate through the program.

Galloway and a cousin discovered Yellowbrick when they were looking to get involved in short-term programs that could provide a long-term educational impact. After benefitting himself from the self-directed, relaxed pace of the class, Galloway believes the program would be beneficial for people of all ages, especially those who might not be able to obtain four-year degrees.

Chasson Randle of the Golden State Warriors also used the spring and summer to pursue his interest in the fashion industry by completing the Fashion Essentials class. Randle aims to use this knowledge to launch his own clothing brand — Volhard. 

“With this time I wanted to make sure that I was learning something — giving myself an opportunity to keep expanding, to keep growing,” Randle told Sports Illustrated back in April. “We’re only guaranteed the day that we get, so every day I’m trying to pick up information.”

Interested in learning more about Yellowbrick? Use our link and get a 20% tuition discount. After you apply, you’ll receive an email with a discount code and instructions on how to enroll.