INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Over the weekend, Norfolk State’s Christian Ings attended the NCAA Elite Student-Athlete Symposium for Men’s Basketball. 

Hosted by the NCAA leadership development and basketball enforcement staffs, the three-day event aims to prepare high-profile college players with remaining eligibility for the transition to a professional career.

“The Elite Student-Athlete Symposium for Men’s Basketball is a unique program that helps selected student-athletes bridge the gap between college basketball and professional play,” said Ashley Jocelyn, assistant director of leadership development at the NCAA. “During this three day program, our learners will have the opportunity to absorb a wealth of knowledge from current and past NBA Players, former coaches and general managers, and more. This atmosphere was intentionally cultivated to assist athletes who are phenomenal on the court transition in becoming knowledgeable professionals after their college basketball careers ends.”

Student-athletes are invited to the symposium after NCAA staff members consult with coaches, athletics administrators, professional sports officials and other experts closely linked to draft prospect lists. Many former participants have experienced success at the NBA level, including OG Anunoby, Ayo Dosunmu, Jalen Brunson and Markus Howard. 

At the NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis, distinguished speakers and NCAA staff members led the 14 attendees through sessions focused on preparing for their final year of college while thinking about the next steps in their career. 

The session topics included: NBA and G-League insight, financial advising, and sports agents. 

The student-athletes in attendance experienced a dynamic lineup of sessions led by industry experts. Notable speakers included Scott Perry, former general manager for the New York Knicks, Kent Bazemore and Okaro White, current professional basketball players, and Charlie Ward, former NBA star and Heisman trophy winner.

2024 Elite Student-Athlete Symposium for Basketball Roster

• Michael Ajayi, Gonzaga
• Daniel Batcho, Louisiana Tech
• Xzayvier Brown, Saint Joseph's
• Darren Buchanan Jr., George Washington
• Jason Edwards, Vanderbilt
• Tyon Grant-Foster, Grand Canyon
• Donald "DJ" Hand Jr., Boston College
• AJ Hoggard, Vanderbilt
• Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State.
• Christian Ings, Norfolk State 
• Boden Kapke, Butler
• Kylen Milton, Murray State
• Andre Screen, Butler
• Tyler Tejada, Towson

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