Kailan Wade

Growing up, basketball was my passion. I dedicated countless hours to perfecting my skills, dreaming of playing at the collegiate level and beyond. I wanted to attend every camp, played for multiple AAU teams, and even created online profiles in hopes of catching the eye of a college scout. One company reached out to my parents, trying to convince them to use their platform to help me secure a Division 1 scholarship.I was unaware of the details discussed during that phone call, but it sparked a conversation between my parents about my future in basketball. That evening, my dad picked me up from the gymnasium and we had a two-hour conversation about the basketball industry, the recruitment process, and how I fit into it all as a "PRODUCT." It was eye-opening for me; I had never considered the business side of basketball before. As I reflect on that conversation now, I realize that my journey in basketball is just beginning. The path ahead is filled with challenges and opportunities that I had not previously considered. While my love for the game remains unwavering, I understand now that there is much more to achieving my dream than simply playing on the court. I am grateful for this newfound perspective and look forward to navigating the world of basketball with a deeper understanding of the complexities involved. As I continue on this journey, I am eager to learn and grow both as a player and as an individual pursuing their dreams in an industry that demands dedication and perseverance.