Staff Spotlight: Nick Scianna

We sat down with Nick Scianna, incoming Financial Analyst at Lockheed Martin to discuss all things life and PBC. Nick has been the Combine Testing Coordinator at the PBC for the past two years. He is a fourth year Business Administration-Information Systems Major at the University of Florida. 

See what he had to say.

Q: Can you tell us about your experience with the PBC?
A: Since it’s first year the PBC has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had the privilege of participating in. There is nothing I cherish more than the friendships I have made with the PBC staff and players. They are truly some of the most hardworking and dedicated people I have ever met.
 
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 is an awesome opportunity for both scouts and NBA personnel because it gives them the opportunity to see players they might not have otherwise gotten a look at. The PBC allows NBA agents and personnel to get a holistic view of the players available for their teams, and allows them to make an informed decision as to who is best for their team.
 
Q: What is one of your favorite memories of working with the PBC?
A: My favorite memory of working with the PBC is getting to know the players on a personal level during the player only shoot arounds at night. I think it is so easy to get caught up in the business of the combine, but I always love to get to know the players and who they are as people not just basketball players. In these shoot arounds you get to see the players outside the light of cameras and NBA personnel, and they’re always so much fun with a lot of energy and excitement.
 
Q: What made you want to work for the PBC?
A: The passion, energy, and commitment of the entire PBC staff was evident from the first interview. Each and every person genuinely cares about each other and every player that comes to the combine. Everyone wants each player to succeed and reach their full potential as people and players, and that is something I wanted to be a part of. It's a huge reason why I continue to come back year after year.
 
Q: What is one way you believe working with the PBC will help you in your line of work?
A:  Working with the PBC has pushed me personally and professionally. It has tested my skills and allowed me to grow into this role while teaching me so much about the industry. The PBC has also instilled in me a team work ethic focused on helping the collective group rather than myself or my individual role.
 
Q: As the Combine Testing Coordinator for the PBC, what were some of your duties?
A: As the Combine Testing Coordinator I oversee the measurement and combine drill portion of the combine. I work to ensure that all measurements and times are recorded properly and accurately to ensure that each player gets a fair and accurate representation of their size and skill. I am also responsible for analyzing the data for NBA personnel and making sure that each player has a complete profile built for them. I also work with the social media team to get them highlights and key data to post on our social media accounts.
 
Q: If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would they be?
A: Tim Tebow, Phil Knight, Steve Jobs- I think each of them have very different and unique ideas of how to be successful and are all geniuses in their own way
 
Q: How do you define success?
A: Success is about continually bettering ourselves and the people around us. One thing I have learned, especially when doing something new, is that you aren’t always going to get it right, and there will always be obstacles and challenges, but to me being successful is not getting discouraged and learning from those mistakes and experiences in order to continue to get better at whatever it is you want to do. Life will throw challenges at you, but you have to be able to adjust and overcome.

Quick Trigger Questions
Role Model: Anyone who has a goal and does whatever it takes to achieve it
Favorite Quote: “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible” - Walt Disney
If you could work in any other sport, what would it be?  NFL, I love football
Favorite sports memory: UF’s 2008 National Championship (GO Gators!)
Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans
Favorite Book: Lost Symbol
Favorite Food: Hamburger
Favorite Musician: Macklemore
Favorite Sports Team Growing Up: Florida Gators

Social Media
Twitter: @nickscianna
Instagram: @nickscianna
LinkedIn: Nick Scianna