Learn More About Jerome Kersey

Blazers.com wants you to meet the people behind the team. These people come to work full of dedication for their job and passion for the game The next personality profile in our series is Jerome Kersey.


Blazers.com: What is your official title?
Jerome: This is a new position for the team, and we talked about several titles that would fit, but we decided on Director of Player Programs.


Blazers.com: How long have you been with the Trail Blazers or Oregon Arena Corporation?
Jerome: I retired from the NBA in 2001 after playing eleven seasons for the Portland Trail Blazers. I came back earlier this summer to help coach summer league and just started this position last week.


Blazers.com: How long have you been in this field?
Jerome: I was in the NBA for seventeen years after being drafted in 1984. I've been around basketball my whole life and I've never lost touch with this team. I know what it's like to be a professional athlete, so I guess I've been
in the field of basketball since I was a little kid.


Blazers.com: What drew you to this field?
Jerome: I think this type of a position really fits my skill set and lets me have an influence on the players on and off the court. I think the chance to help them in their personal lives as individuals and not just basketball players was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I always knew I had basketball in my blood. And having been an athlete, I know how complicated life can be. That's why I want to help younger athletes make the right decisions.


Blazers.com: What type of training did you need?
Jerome: For this type of a position, just understanding the type of lifestyle of the players and the league, as well as understanding the city of Portland. My experience as a player is the most important thing I can offer this position.
It hasn't been that long since I played and I clearly remember what it's like to face both great opportunity and great challenge as a player in this league. My hope is to provide support both on and off the court and I think I can connect with the players in a way that will be positive and they will feel like they can open up and trust me.


Blazers.com: What responsibilities do you have for the Blazers/OAC?
Jerome: My primary focus will be on the lives of the players, both on and off the floor. I will act as a mentor and share the experiences that I gained as a player in the league and help them understand what being an NBA player means and the challenges that comes with it.

I'll be creating a mentoring program for young players, helping veteran players make decisions about their careers, work with the whole team on media relations and help the organization with community outreach.


Blazers.com: What does your position look like at other arenas?
Jerome: I don't know that many other teams or arenas have a position like this. I think the Blazers are making a positive statement by looking out for their players and their city this way.


Blazers.com: What is a typical day like for you?
Jerome: I haven't really had one yet. I guess everyday involves talking with the players, working with our marketing and communications staff to make sure we're on board with the community programs, the player relations and so forth. I work on player programs and the media and try to be the link between the players and coaches. I think that's the best part about this job, it will be changing all of the time based on what the team and the city needs.


Blazers.com: What are some of the biggest challenges that you face?
Jerome: I think this position reflects the challenges that players face regularly; specifically the loss of a private life, the expectations of fans, and the needs of the community. Everybody sees athletes in a different way and it's important for these guys to understand what we need from them and for the fans to understand them as people.


Blazers.com: What do you find most rewarding?
Jerome: I think any job in the world that lets you make a difference in the life of other people is rewarding.


Blazers.com: What do you see happening next season?
Jerome: I think the fans are going to see a team of great guys who play hard. After 48 minutes, you'll feel like you watched great basketball, got your money's worth and can believe in the roster of guys.


Blazers.com: What does it take to be successful in this business?
Jerome: Being flexible and understanding. I think knowing how to talk and work with the players is key, but also having been in the workforce outside of professional athletics will help. I understand being a player and being a fan. I understand what it's like to spend your money on a ticket to the game and expecting to see hard effort from guys you like and respect.


Blazers.com: Anything you want to say to the fans?
Jerome: Just that I'm really excited about this opportunity. This is a great chance to reconnect the city to the team and to help the players grow. I look forward to being a part of something with so much potential.


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