As I mentioned on a previous post, I’m going to make more of an effort to show more love to other elite athletes out here who are transitioning or have transitioned from their playing careers to their post-playing careers. I’ve been blessed to have come in contact with several elite athletes across the globe who are now putting in that work to help other elite athletes. And I’m grateful to have some of them serve as Founding Members of Wevolv.
And one of them is Carlon Brown, who I first connected in 2018 via social media . Carlon is a SoCal native who played ball at the University of Utah and the University of Colorado. After a successful NCAA career he had stints in summer leagues, training camps and (then) D-League with several NBA organizations including the Charlotte Bobcats, Golden state Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers. He eventually took his talents overseas where he found success playing in Israel and Germany. After suffering a knee injury, Carlon moved back to Cali where he now lives with his wife and son.
Though he may not be playing he’s still very much involved in the world of sports with his company, Point Advising, where he coaches elite athletes in various aspects of their careers. We got on the phone to talk about that as well as his experiences playing and his advice for athletes. Here, in his own words.
EMBRACE THE CULTURE
I’m a big believer in embracing the culture that you’re in. Whenever I talk to any of my clients I always encourage them to learn the basics of the language of the country that you’re going to be playing in because it will make a difference with the people there, especially connecting with your fans.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the game. But life is a lot bigger especially when you allow yourself to be immersed in it. And coming from a background in sociology one of the best things about living in different countries and cultures was the human interaction and how it forces you to adapt and open your horizons.
RESPECT THE POWER OF RESPECT
I tell guys to make sure they show respect to the coaches, management and everyone who works for your club. If you consistently show professionalism and respect, your name will be always be spoken with respect. It will shape the way people view you throughout your career. People will always remember you as a nice, kind and respectful person no matter where you go.
HOW TO PICK AN AGENT
I’ve had four agents in my career. I always tell athletes to research as much as you can and take your time to get a real good feel for the person, not just as an agent but as a person. Because if you can’t trust them on a persona level it’s likely not going to work on a professional level. In the end you’re looking for someone you trust, who will take care of you as a player and as a person. And with that trust you should be able to communicate with your agent in an open and honest manner. A lot of us forget that the agent works for us and we should always be able to reach out to them if we have any questions, concerns or issues.
THE FUTURE OF SPORTS AGENCY
My last agent I hired was a friend of mine. And I think a lot of us athletes are starting to realise the power we have in creating jobs with our talents. Obviously we see what LeBron has done and is doing with his group of friends and I think that’s where the business of sports is going in the next three to five years. I think the agent game is going to change a lot in the next 5 to 10 years.
FROM READING TO MENTORING
In terms of mentorship or guidance with basketball I didn’t really have anybody for that. And it was when I was hurt, when I was going through physical therapy that I started thinking about starting my business. My therapist asked me what do you do when you’re not coming here? He was like do you read? And I was like OK let me watch less TV and play less video games and pick up more books. And when I started reading more my mind started opening up more and got me thinking about how I could apply my experiences and knowledge to help others with this basketball journey.
Carlon’s Book Recs: The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz // A Compass to Fulfillment: Passion and Spirituality in Life and Business by Kzuo Inamori // The Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell // The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckart Tolle // Chop Wood Carry Water: How to Fall in Love With the Process of Becoming Great by Joshua Medcalf
POINT ADVISING
I’ve always had a passion to help people. I noticed during my career that there weren’t a lot of resources for the overseas athlete community. I mean real basic things like how to turn my phone on, how to send money home…I was really clueless. And as I went through my career I noticed when I spoke to younger athletes overseas they were really appreciative of the advice I could give them. From how to prepare mentally and physically to what to pack, these are things that most young players don’t know when they begin their overseas career. And it’s not their fault. No one has taught them. So I started my business in 2017. My goal is to speak at every university to the seniors that are serious about playing basketball as a career.
ADVICE TO MY YOUNGER SELF
Don’t try to look too far ahead. Don’t think too much about how much money you can make. Try to embrace what’s in front of you and have fun because it’s gonna end before you know it. I’m living proof. I never thought my career would end at 29 and looking back I know I didn’t enjoy every single moment. Always embrace the present.
