In its continued quest to introduce its best young talent to its ever-growing fan base, the NBA is using its “Rooks” platform as a way to bring insight from the lives of its best up-and-comers to help educate viewers on prospects’ transition from college to the pros.
Over the last month, the NBA has been releasing videos of the best 2013 collegiate prospects on both its YouTube and its NBA TV Channels. To date, the NBA has uploaded features of Cody Zeller, Ben McLemore, Nerlens Noel and Otto Porter. The series has used each video to give a unique perspective on each lottery hopeful.
During the course of the last several years, the NBA has made an effort to expand player recognition by using the Rooks tag to present its new talent through its YouTube channel and website. During the season, these five-minute videos have included behind-the-scenes interviews and practice footage of NBA Rookies adapting to their new profession. Previously these videos spotlighted: 2013 Rookie of the Year, Damian Lilard, Harrison Barnes, Thomas Robinson, Anthony Davis, Jared Sullinger, and Dion Waiters, among others.
These introductory videos give the viewer an insight into the player’s lives that will be continued into the season as these young men transition to the NBA world. Given the fact that all of these players are underclassmen, the NBA’s mission to introduce these players of the world through YouTube is an interesting and unique way to build name and face recognition prior to Draft Night.
After tearing his ACL in February, Nerlens Noel, is featured working on his rehab in Birmingham, and watching the 2013 NBA Draft Lottery. Noel discusses his rehab efforts, and his families support in that endeavor.
Porter, is portrayed as the latest talent to come out of college basketball giant, Georgetown University. Porter walks through the picturesque Washington, D.C. campus interacting with members of the community before transitioning to the Hoyas practice facility where he is working out and taking pointers from Georgetown alumnus and former lottery pick Jeff Green.
McLemore, is featured in his hometown of Wellston, Missouri, where he is shown dunking on the playground and getting a haircut. This video clearly has a more “day in the life” feel. The Kansas prospect discusses being a role model for young basketball players and what it will be like to hear his name on draft night.
Zeller, spends the majority of his video on the court, working out in Los Angeles in preparation for draft day. The Indiana forward openly discusses his perceived deficiencies, and what he is trying to improve upon, and plays against his brothers Luke and Tyler—both of whom have spent time in the league.
Not to be outdone, NBA league partner ESPN uses Bill Simmons and Jalen Rose to present its own series through its Grantland brand: NBA Job Interview. These interviews included a host of draft prospects, and include the hosts breaking down game video and asking the young professionals a variety of basketball related questions. The videos can be found here. ESPN continues to use Simmons and Rose, both of whom are part of their NBA Countdown show, to synergize their online and television basketball product.
The NBA Draft will take place on June 27, 2013, at 7 p.m. Eastern, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY and will air live on ESPN.