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The Ultimate Power Play: NBA Legends Share Insights on Reinvention

The National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) is gearing up for a remarkable event as it announces a stellar lineup for the 47th Annual National Black MBA Conference & Career Expo, set to take place in Houston, Texas. Among the conference highlights is a captivating session titled "The Ultimate Power Play: Leveraging Your Brand for Reinvention," featuring renowned NBA athletes
Shareef Abdur-Rahim, T.J. Ford, and Earl Joseph "JR" Smith III. The session will be moderated by the legendary Jalen Rose, who will lead a dynamic conversation exploring how these high-profile athletes transitioned beyond their basketball careers.

Taking place on September 25, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (CT), this session will delve into the lessons that professional athletes have learned—lessons that extend far beyond the basketball court. The discussion will touch on themes such as discipline, resilience, and personal branding, showcasing how these elements can be pivotal in building successful new ventures in business, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.

Spotlight on the Speakers

Shareef Abdur-Rahim, a former NBA All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist, now serves as the President of the NBA G League. With a deep understanding of the sports industry, he has played a crucial role in leading the league's operations and strategic expansions. An accomplished entrepreneur, Abdur-Rahim holds an MBA from USC and founded Abdur-Rahim Enterprises, focusing on real estate and private equity investments.

T.J. Ford, a former NBA point guard and the 2003 Naismith College Player of the Year, has transitioned his post-basketball life into mentorship through the T.J. Ford Basketball Academy. His personal story of overcoming a career-threatening spinal injury serves as an inspiring testament to resilience. Ford focuses on instilling the values of discipline and perseverance in young athletes.

JR Smith, a two-time NBA Champion, is not just known for his achievements on the court, but also for his journey of personal growth. Enrolling at North Carolina A&T State University in 2021, he joined the men's golf team and excelled academically, achieving a 4.0 GPA and earning recognition as the university's Academic Athlete of the Year. His experience in higher education is captured in the 2023 docuseries Redefined J.R. Smith.

Moderating this inspiring discussion is Jalen Rose, a prominent multimedia personality and philanthropist. As a member of the celebrated "Fab Five" at the University of Michigan and a former NBA player, Rose has successfully transitioned into a prominent career in sports analysis for channels such as ABC/ESPN and TNT/NBATV. He founded the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, dedicated to shaping young minds in his community.

Additional Conference Highlights

The conference promises to be an enriching experience with a variety of sessions covering timely and relevant topics. Attendees can look forward to breakout sessions such as:

• - "The Creator Economy: Turning Content into Currency" featuring LaToya Moore of TikTok Shop
• - "Building Empires: From Side Hustle to Generational Wealth" with Jay Bailey, CEO of H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs
• - "Unlocking Access: Tech as a Catalyst for Career Advancement" presented by Adrion Porter, Founder of Mid-Career Mastery
• - "Identifying Blind Spots: The Growth Audit" led by Raneika Weston, Founder of Your Next Thought
• - "Transforming Setbacks into Success" with Andre Thornton, CEO of Whitman Consulting

To register for the 47th Annual NBMBAA Conference and Career Expo, interested individuals can visit the official registration page at nbmbaa.org/conference/registration.

About the National Black MBA Association

Established as a non-profit organization, the NBMBAA focuses on creating educational, wealth-building, and growth opportunities for Black students, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Representing over 11,000 active members and 40 professional chapters, the organization strives to forge intellectual and economic wealth within the Black community through its comprehensive programming channels in career development, education, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle advancements. For more information on the NBMBAA, visit nbmbaa.org and follow them on various social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.