Staff Spotlight: James Fraschilla

We sat down with James Fraschilla, Video Associate for the Orlando Magic. James was at the inaugural PBC in 2017 and helped lead our on court workouts. From NBA Summer League to USA Basketball, James is a rising star in basketball and we were fortunate to sit down with him and dig in.
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​See what he had to say.

Q: Can you tell us about your experience with the PBC team?
A: Working with the PBC team in the event’s inaugural year was an absolute pleasure. The staff Jake put together reflected his drive and determination to put on a first-class experience for a group of young NBA hopefuls, and I’d like to think we exceeded expectations by a mile. One of the many reasons for the PBC’s success is the professionalism and attention to detail that Jake and the team showed.
 
Q: Can you describe what an opportunity like the PBC represents to not only players, but also to NBA personnel and agents?
A: The PBC represents a unique opportunity for NBA executives to get an in-person look at prospects who may have fallen through the cracks, in terms of post-season combine invites. There is and always will be a constant search for the next under-the-radar prospect who can help an organization win, and the PBC gives teams a chance to see several dozens of them compete against each other and show their skills in one place.
 
Q: You are currently a Video Associate for the Orlando Magic. What are some of your day-to-day responsibilities?
A: With any NBA team, the video room is looked at as the nucleus of opponent scouting operations, so throughout the year, I’m regularly breaking down games of our upcoming opponents, putting together various edits for our coaching staff, and maintaining our offensive/defensive playbook. Additionally, we are often used on the court, so I’m assisting with player workouts, various parts of practice, etc.
 
Q: What has your basketball journey like been up to this point?
A: My basketball journey since leaving college in 2015 has been somewhat of a whirlwind. Orlando is the 4th city in 4 years that I’ve lived in, after stops in Maine, Indiana, and Utah while working with several different G-League and college programs, so hopefully I’ll have a chance to settle down here for at least multiple seasons. The G-League was a great opportunity for me to continue to develop my knowledge of the game and gain valuable experience working hands-on with professional players. I’ve also been lucky enough to work with USA Basketball in a number of capacities, most recently on Jeff Van Gundy’s staff in the Men’s FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

Q: What is your favorite part about working in basketball? 
A: My favorite part about working in basketball is being part of a team atmosphere on a daily basis. I’ve been lucky enough to work individually with a number of pro guys over the previous few off-seasons, but there’s no better feeling than being part of a team and staff that is working together year-round to try and win a championship.
 
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to people who are trying to make it in this industry?
A: The biggest thing I’ve learned over the past few years is the importance of balancing persistence and patience. Breaking into the sports industry isn’t an easy task, but if you’re a hard worker, treat people the right way, and have a constant hunger to learn, things will hopefully work themselves out.
 
Q: What made you want to pursue a career in basketball?
A: I grew up in a basketball family with a college coach for a dad, so basketball has been engrained in me since the beginning. Growing up around his teams and seeing him on the sidelines made me want to do the same thing when I got older.

Quick Trigger Questions
Role Model: Dad
Favorite Quote: "Let go and let God"
If you could work in any other sport, what would it be? Baseball
Favorite sports memory: Watching my teammate Buddy get drafted in-person at the Barclays Center
Favorite Movie: The Godfather
Favorite Book: The Jump by Ian O’Connor
Favorite Food: Italian
Favorite Musician: Drake
Favorite Sports Team Growing Up: Wherever my dad was coaching

Social Media
Twitter: @jamesfraschilla
Instagram: @jamesfraschilla