We are honored to announce that this year’s Keynote Speaker is Mr. Dereck Whittenburg!

Mr. Whittenburg joined NC State University (NCSU) as the Director of Player Development in 2013. He was promoted in October 2015 to Associate Athletic Director for Community Relations and Student Support, a new position within NC State’s athletics department. He joined ESPN, Inc. in 2010. His work includes the program Buzzer Beater and select games appearing on ESPNU. Mr. Whittenburg can also be heard on ESPN Radio.

Mr. Whittenburg was a starting guard on Jim Valvano’s 1983 NCAA Basketball Championship team at NCSU. After a successful career at NCSU, the Phoenix Suns drafted him in the 1983 NBA Draft. He later established a coaching career of his own. Mr. Whittenburg spent seven seasons as head coach at Fordham University and has held coaching positions at Wagner College, NCSU, George Mason University, Long Beach State, University of Colorado, West Virginia University and Georgia Tech.