September 10, 2017
Dave Naves, Retired Harlem Globetrotter (HGT)
Member, NBRPA Board of Directors
Greetings to each of you. I hope this year has been good and the best is yet to come. I am the HGT representative on the NBRPA Board of Directors and Iwant to make sure that your experience as a member is meeting your needs and expectations. If not, please let me know if you have any concerns or ideas that could make your experience better. I also encourage you to participate in the programs that are available as well as serve on the various NBRPA committees. The NBRPA has over 800 members of which 50 are HGTs. I would like to see that HGT number grow. Encourage your former teammates to join. If you have any questions, please send me an email or just call.
NBRPA BOD Update
There has been significant changes in the leadership of the Board of Directors. Johnny Newman is now the Chairman and Spencer Haywood, HOF, is the Co-Chair. They replaced Dwight Davis and Mike Glenn, respectively. Arnie Fielkow, CEO, resigned his position May 2017. The BOD has established a search committee to replace Arnie. These efforts are in process. The members of the Search Committee are: Dave Bing (co-Chair), Johnny Newman, Spencer Haywood, LaRue Martin, Len Elmore, Nancy Lieberman, Major Jones, and Choo Smith, HGT. This group has volunteered to put service above self and dedicate the time necessary in helping to find an outstanding President. The plan is to have the new CEO in place NLT February 2018. Scott Rochelle is the acting CEO until the replacement has been hired.
The NBRPA established a Task Force to assess how the NBRPA can provide the services that can best benefit its members. This report has been completed and will be released to the membership once approved by the BODs.
New HGT NBRPA Member
Let’s all welcome new Harlem Globetrotter members:
Herb Lang
Willie Shaw
The HGTs has agreed to pay the first year membership for players on their roster who is released from the team.
Dave DeBusschere Scholarship
The National Basketball Retired Players Association announced the recipients of the 2017 Dave DeBusschere Scholarship last week. This scholarship provides financial support to eligible NBRPA members, their spouses, children and grandchildren in pursuit of degrees in higher education. This year marked the scholarship’s most expansive class with 73 recipients receiving funding, representing a 93% increase from 2016. http://www.legendsofbasketball.com/legends-of-basketball-awards-73-scholarships-largest-class-in-history/. Remember, if you are a current member in good standing, you, your immediate family member (wife, children, and grand-children) can participate in this program.
Legends World Sports Conference
The NBRPA hosted the annual Legends World Sports Conference in Los Cabos, Mexico at the Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos Resort from August 18-20, 2017 to celebrate the year’s accomplishments, set the agenda for the following year, and to network and commune with friends and colleagues. To add, service and leadership are a huge part of the mission, and thus the weekend’s activities. Click for more information on this event, http://www.legendsofbasketball.com/sun-surf-and-hoops-outtakes-from-the-2017-legends-world-sports-conference/. Do not miss the 2018 LWSC to be held in Las Vegas. Start planning now.
NBRPA BOD Elections
If you are a member in good financial stating, please make sure you cast your vote to fill the open BOD seats. There is one seat for the 60 and over and 3 at large seats. Go to the NBRPA website, www.legendsofbasketball.com to cast your vote.
New Member Drive
Please let me know what your experience has been as a member of the NBRPA. I would like to know how this organization can better work for you. If you are aware of any former teammates who have not joined the NBRPA please encourage them to do so. If they want to know more about the benefits of joining have them contact me, Dave Naves, dgnaves@msn.com, 301-974-4411 or Kenny Gattison, Sr VP Membership, kgattison@legendsofbasketball.com.