Home » Blog » Sport Law Students Get Surprise Virtual Visit From NBA Commissioner

Sport Law Students Get Surprise Virtual Visit From NBA Commissioner

Adam Silver offered class insight into his journey from law school to the NBA

Shenandoah University students in the Sport Law class taught by Assistant Athletic Director DeShon Foxx, M.S., were recently treated to a surprise virtual visit from one of the top leaders in American sports.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who has served in that post since 2014, virtually joined Foxx’s class on Wednesday, April 13, to offer insight into his journey from being a law school student to eventually becoming the head of the world’s premier professional basketball league.

Silver’s surprise appearance – students weren’t made aware that he was joining until the start of class – was facilitated by Shenandoah University Interim Vice President for Administration and General Counsel Phil Evans, who previously worked for the NBA Development League from 2001 to 2007, first as director of legal affairs and later as league president. Evans said that toward the end of his stint with the NBA, he reported to Silver, who was the deputy commissioner under then-Commissioner David Stern at the time.

Silver, who gave some of his time to Shenandoah the morning after the NBA’s first round of postseason play-in games began, spoke to the class of 25 students for about 25 minutes.

Having Adam Silver speak to our Sport Law class was an amazing experience for our students. In that class we have a lot of students who wish to seek a career in sports, and hearing from Mr. Silver and his insight really provided our students with a sense of the hard work, discipline, and commitment that it takes to achieve your goals. It also provided insight into the many different career avenues one can pursue in sports, from the business side to the legal side and everything in between. I want to thank Phil Evans for making this conversation possible, and a huge thank you to Adam Silver for taking the time to speak to our class. It is amazing what this university has to offer!”

DeShon Foxx, Shenandoah assistant athletic director for student success, inclusion and equity

Speaking in front of a backdrop of New York City, Silver touched on his decision to attend law school and walked students through his path from there to the NBA, where he served in various capacities before taking the reins from Stern eight years ago.

Evans and Foxx also asked Silver to explain how his experience in law school and the characteristics he developed during his time as a student prepared him for his role as NBA commissioner; for tips and advice for people considering law school; and about the most difficult legal issue the NBA has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Having NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as a guest speaker in class was truly amazing and is just another experience from SU that I’ll hold with me forever,” said student Matt McIntosh ’23. “He was able to share valuable information that you can’t get from other guest speakers. After learning about his path to his current position, I learned that no matter what position you currently hold, we all start somewhere very similar.”

Categories: , , ,

Recent News

Headshots of Dr. Yunita Anwar (left) and Dr. John Winn (right), both of the Shenandoah University School of Business

WalletHub Taps Two SU Professors for Insight and Advice

Drs. Winn and Anwar Talk Insurance and Improving Credit

Shenandoah Pharmacy Graduates Secure Competitive PGY2 Residency Matches

Four pharmacy graduates advance into competitive PGY2 residencies in pediatric, psychiatric pharmacy, oncology, and investigational drugs and research

Professor explains content on a screen in a Shenandoah University educational leadership doctoral class.

New Higher Ed Concentration Offered in Shenandoah University’s Educational Leadership Doctoral Programs

Course topics delve into the primary responsibilities of higher education leaders

Headshot of J. Robert "Bobby" Spencer

Shenandoah University To Hold Special Performance To Benefit SSMT Living Legacy Endowment Fund

Original ‘Jersey Boy’ J. Robert Spencer headlines ensemble cast of Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre alumni

Shenandoah OT Programs Recognize Students & Educators of Distinction

2024-25 Awardees Hail From Four Occupational Therapy Programs

Students walk on campus with Sarah's Glen in the background.

Shenandoah University Participating In 2025 Virginia Private College Week

Prospective students who visit from July 21-26 will be entered to win an Amazon gift card and are eligible for an application fee waiver

Monthly Archives