WASHINGTON, D.C., June 24, 2020 – Throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Howard University men's basketball team has been actively giving their student-athletes an opportunity to chat and learn from high profile guest speakers through its weekly series, which takes place twice a week via Zoom.
 
The series focuses on leaders in their respective fields while providing the student-athletes a chance to connect and network.
 
"In my presentation to recruits, I speak to families about a 40-year decision as oppose to a four-year decision," Howard head men's basketball coach Kenneth Blakeney said. "During the pandemic, we've established a weekly speaker series with our team. So, we can continue to educate, give insight and have thought provoking conversations with some of the best leaders and influencers in the country."
 
For weeks, the program has provided influential speakers to discuss their experiences on and off the court. These speakers include Xavier Williams, Vice President of AT&T, Que Gaskins, NBAPA Chief Brand & Innovation Officer, Jay Bilas, ESPN analyst and practicing attorney, Grant Hill, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks, and Howard alum Jeron Smith, co-founder of Unanimous Media.
 
"Over the past few weeks, we have had some exceptional speakers from all different backgrounds," guard Nate Garvey said, who was named the team's Most Improved during May's virtual Bison Awards. "They've all provided impactful insight towards the game of basketball and life afterwards. I believe the exposure our team is getting from these successful individuals will be important in the long run for winning on and off the court."
 
Last season, Garvey had a breakout season for the Bison while continuing to excel inside the classroom, finishing with a team-best 3.82 grade point average. The three-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Commissioner's All-Academic honoree is majoring in finance and plans to attend law school with a concentration in Sports & Entertainment Law.
 
The program will continue its weekly guest speakers throughout the summer in preparation for the fall.
 
"I wanted to be the Howard University men's basketball coach because it's Howard," Blakeney said. "It's a brand that resonates globally, and that attract some of the best student-athletes in the country.
 
Blakeney returns for his second season with a plethora of talent, led by 2019-20 MEAC Rookie of the Year Wayne Bristol, Jr.