CHN)  Could you describe to fans, the daily tasks involved in representing professional or future professional basketball players?  What types of things will you be doing leading up the draft?

 

Keith)  Promoting a client leading up to the draft is quite extensive.  My daily routine consists of browsing various websites each morning to stay in touch with who's entering, pulling out, team needs, individual workout news on players as well as reading what is topical from newspapers within each NBA city.  Once I gather info, I create a "to do" list for the day which includes NBA team outreach, media outreach, sending game tape on each draftable client to various teams and scheduling individual workouts.  A good portion of your day is spent speaking with executives within the industry to get a better feel for whose stock is rising and falling and positioning your client within the mix as a real "riser" in the draft.  We leverage our clients on a daily basis and work to position them through constant promotion.

 

        CHN)  What career path resulted in your current profession?

 

Keith)  I began my career in 1989 working with prominent agent, Steve Zucker.  At that time, Zucker was regarded as one of the top five agents in sports representing such names as Deion Sanders, Jim McMahon, Dee Brown and Rod Strickland.  It was certainly wonderful training and allowed me to be well prepared when I ventured off on my own to create Edge Sports International, Inc.

 

        CHN)  If possible, can you generally describe how players end up being your clients.  Do they come to you? Do you find them? Is there a lengthy courtship process?

 

Keith)  In our crazy business too many agents try to sprint a marathon.  They go after the "quick buck"  by paying off everyone and their mother in order to secure a client.  Believe me, this goes on way too often in our business and has created a black eye around the entire industry.   We have taken the complete opposite approach--

 

From day one, we chose the ethical path in which we present ourselves in a professional manner to coaches and families.  We target a handful of top prospects each year and introduce our program to their coach during each playing season.  Upon completion of the season, we schedule a meeting with coach, player and family and take our best shot.  Our reputation has grown over the years to the point where several of our clients are signed via referral.  We have ten international partners that represent our interests exclusively.  Our international partners are a great source for securing new talent for our agency.

 

CHN)  How much do you pay attention to various Mock Drafts in the months before the draft? Do you feel they have an influence over how GM's and fans perceive the quality of players?

 

Keith)  Mock drafts are terrific as it relates to increasing fan interest.  My feeling is mock drafts serve this purpose only.  General Managers are certainly aware of mock drafts.  However, I have learned that they do not pay any attention to where a mock may have a prospect listed.  Believe me, teams spend significant sums of money scouting worldwide and usually only rely on their own opinion of a player.  They are not easily influenced by "mocks."  However, I am a great believer that a strong media push can elevate a kid with ease.  No one wants to be seen as missing out on the next big stud.  I do believe teams may be influenced by national media who are consistent in their hype of a top rated kid.  Reason being, most national outlets set the tone and the locals usually follow.  This can help set off a chain of coverage which helps to create a positive consensus on a kid.  Over the years I have learned that once a consensus is out there on a kid, very difficult to unravel prior to the draft.  The most important element is a positive consensus among NBA personnel.  The media certainly helps to mold a consensus.

 

        CHN)  How important are the Summer Camps for a players status?  Is the Chicago Pre-Draft Camp as important as it's cracked up to be?

 

Keith)  Summer Camps are used by teams to further develop their young kids and find a "diamond in the rough" to fill out their roster.  Summer Camps are very important in terms of overall evaluation.  Chicago pre-draft camp can make or break a player's draft position.  Chicago pre-draft should not be taken lightly.  However, projected sure fire lottery picks usually decline an invitation for obvious reasons.  Most guys projected mid to late first round could help themselves by participating.  A prime example is Steven Hunter from a few years back.  Prior to pre-draft, he was a a projected bubble first round pick.  After a solid showing at pre-draft, he was selected in the lottery.

 

        CHN)  What players that you represent are entered in the 2004 NBA Draft pool?  Could you tell us more about one or two of those players, and why you think they're deserved NBA Players?

 

Keith)  In this year's draft our agency represents Marcelo Huertas from Brazil, Aleksandar Capin of Slovenia, Ales Chan from the Czech Republic and Mark Bigelow of BYU.

 

The best NBA prospect is Marcelo Huertas.  Marcelo is one of the most exciting point guards coming into this year's draft.  Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa, another Brazilian called Marcelo "A legit NBA PG."  Marcelo is a true PG with great athleticism.  He sees the floor extremely well and has NBA range.  Marcelo was recently named Rookie of the Year in Brazil and European powerhouse Real Madrid has expressed strong interest in signing him for next season.  This kid is moving up the charts quickly.  He will begin working out with Tim Grover on May 12th in Chicago to prepare for this year's draft.