Hey everybody, I hope everyone is having a great summer and enjoying the job/internship that you may have. I just got back from the legendary campus of Duke University after being at the University of Florida’s basketball camp the week before. Florida was an amazing experience to say the least. I had the opportunity to meet a lot of coaches from all around the country. The main reason why people like myself work basketball camps is to network, and that is exactly what I did. I had the chance to meet Billy Donovan, as well as the entire assistant coaching staff. Working camps like this gets your name out there in the coaching world, so that in a year when I am looking for a job I know that many more people, and that many more coaches know who I am. I had the chance to see Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, although in my opinion it doesn’t match up to Peden. Florida’s facilities are extremely impressive, which is in direct correlation to the success of their programs. So, after a great week of camp at Florida, networking with as many coaches as I could, while coaching my team to a perfect 8-0 to win a championship (cough, cough) it was off to Duke.

For me being a die hard Duke fan this was an experience of a lifetime, and to my surprise Coach K is a real person, not just a person I see on TV more than most NBA teams. This also was a huge networking opportunity for me, as I got to meet Coach Collins and Wojo, as well as numerous different coaches from all over the country. Duke and Florida were two of the best basketball camps that I have ever worked, but Duke simply does everything differently. Everything is a little bit more serious at Duke, and the overall atmosphere just feels different as soon as you walk onto their campus.

Overall, this was a great 10 days for me, as I had the chance to meet some very important people and network with coaches, managers, and players from all over the country. I hope all you guys are enjoying your summer, and I look forward to seeing you in the fall!

By Paul O’Connor, Vice President, Alumni Affairs