When I first stepped onto LSU’s campus as a walk-on for the basketball team, I knew I was walking into something big. But I didn’t realize just how big until I saw the cameras. Being part of the SEC meant we weren’t just playing in front of fans in the arena—we were playing in front of millions. The SEC Network doesn’t just broadcast games; it amplifies stories, elevates players, and builds brands. For me, it was an eye-opener into how college athletics, especially basketball, has evolved in this new media landscape.
From Exposure to Opportunity
Before NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) changed everything, being seen on national television was still a big deal. It gave players like me a platform. Even though I wasn’t the star athlete getting the most minutes on the court, just being part of an SEC program meant I had exposure. Parents back home in San Antonio could catch highlights. Old friends from high school would shoot me messages saying, “Saw you on TV last night!” The network helped bridge the gap between who we were as athletes and how we could be perceived in the world beyond basketball.
This kind of exposure has huge implications for coaches, too. Think about it: every time a team is on air, it’s not just the players being evaluated. Recruits, parents, and even future employers are watching how coaches carry themselves—how they talk to players, how they respond under pressure, how they represent the program. In many ways, the SEC Network has become a stage for building a coaching legacy.
The Branding Shift
What I’ve learned through this experience is that college basketball isn’t just about Xs and Os anymore. It’s about branding—of players, teams, and coaching philosophies. Social media clips go viral within minutes. Interviews are replayed. A great post-game quote or a moment of leadership caught on camera can define someone’s reputation for years.
As a future coach, I think about this a lot. Coaching today involves more than teaching the game. You have to communicate well, represent your program with integrity, and help your players understand the importance of building their own brand. The SEC Network is a powerful tool in that process. It can shine a light on who you are, both as a coach and as a person.
A Coach’s Legacy Begins Before the Job
One of the most surprising things I’ve realized is that your coaching legacy doesn’t begin the day you get your first head coaching job—it starts now. It starts with how you lead your teammates in the locker room, how you show up at practice, how you engage with the community, and yes, how you appear when the cameras are rolling.
During my time at LSU, I watched how our coaching staff handled themselves during interviews and national broadcasts. I paid attention to their tone, their body language, and the messages they shared with the world. It wasn’t just coaching—it was branding at the highest level. That made an impact on me. I want to carry that same level of thoughtfulness into my own coaching journey.
Teaching the Next Generation
With all the visibility that the SEC Network brings, it also brings responsibility. I’ve always believed that basketball is about more than just wins and losses—it’s about character, community, and growth. As a coach, I’ll be focused on teaching that to every player I work with.
I want my players to understand that being on camera means you’re a role model. That the way you act—whether you’re winning by 20 or losing at the buzzer—says something about your values. The SEC Network provides an opportunity to tell the story of your program, and I want the story of any team I coach to be one of grit, respect, and growth.
What the Future Looks Like
Looking ahead, I know the media landscape in college athletics will only continue to grow. New platforms, more visibility, and even more emphasis on personal branding will play a role in how teams are built and how coaches are judged. That doesn’t intimidate me. In fact, I see it as an advantage. I’ve lived through it as a player. I’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and how powerful the right message can be.
When I eventually step into my first coaching role, I won’t just bring my knowledge of the game—I’ll bring an understanding of how to use the spotlight for good. Whether it’s helping players navigate NIL, building a program that resonates on and off the court, or using media to connect with fans and communities, I’m ready for that challenge.
Final Thoughts
Being part of a major SEC program like LSU showed me that college basketball is evolving fast. The SEC Network plays a huge role in that evolution, offering athletes and coaches a platform that stretches far beyond the court. As I work toward my goal of becoming a college basketball coach, I carry with me everything I learned—on camera and off. Because in today’s world, building a coaching legacy starts with more than just winning games—it starts with telling the right story.