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| Simpkins (#8) will co-lead the PFB |
One of the most enjoyable aspects of running this site has been the opportunity to converse with individuals who share the same passion for Providence College basketball that I have.
Whether it’s talking about the current team, going back and forth on potential future Friars, or hearing stories about the program’s glory years from those who lived through them, I’ve found that my readers constantly challenge me to think of the program, its past, present, and future, in a new light.
This has led me to connect with two Providence alumni who are on a mission to make a positive impact on the PC extended community, as well the current basketball program and those who helped build it. Sean Holley (PC class of 1984) and Dickey Simpkins (PC class 1994 - BIG EAST Tournament Champion 1994; NBA 1994-2001) have formed PROVIDENCE FULLCOURT BOARDROOM (PFB) to do just that.
Sean, of the Washington, DC/Maryland area, is an accomplished sports and entertainment lawyer/agent and entrepreneur. After graduating from PC, Sean entered Catholic University's Columbus School of Law, where he received a Juris Doctor degree in 1987.
Through the years, Sean has obtained a vast amount of experience in the sports and entertainment industry at such NCAA establishments as the BIG EAST Conference; as well as leading sports and entertainment agencies like Bob Woolf Associates (agency clients included Larry Bird, Scott Burrell, "Bimbo" Coles, LaPhonso Ellis, Doug Flutie, Tom Glavine, Qadry Ismail, "Rocket" Ismail, Florence "FloJo" Griffith-Joyner, Bernard King, Larry King, Natrone Means, Chris Morris, New Kids on the Block, Robert Parish, Dickey Simpkins, David Wells, Gerald Wilkins), CSMG (agency clients included: Chris Bosh, Michael Finley, Juan Gonzalez, Devin Harris, Randy Johnson, Shaun Livingston, Donovan McNabb, Orlando Pace, Antwaan Randle El, Dwyane Wade), and Seans's own agency, HOLLEY ENTERPRISES (agency clients included: Scott Burrell, Keith Closs, "Bimbo" Coles, Terry Dehere, Eddie Elisma, Donny Marshall, Natrone Means, Dickey Simpkins, Otis Thorpe, Shammond Williams).
Currently, through SEAN HOLLEY SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT HOLDINGS, Sean has formed a racing organization, HOLLEYWOOD MOTORSPORTS (NASCAR, INDYCAR, NHRA), as well as SOURCE HOLLEYWOOD...the eco green authority.
Dickey, also of the DC/Maryland area, is one of the most popular former Friar greats. In high school in the DC/Maryland area, Dickey earned many honors including ALL-METROPOLITAN, ALL-AMERICAN, and McDonald's Capitol Classic. During his college years, Dickey earned a gold medal in the 1991 Olympic Festival, was named to the 1992 and 1994 BIG EAST all-tournament teams, and in 1994 played a lead role in PC winning its only BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP.
After graduating from PC, Dickey was selected in the first round of the NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. Dickey is a three-time NBA World Champion (1996, 1997, and 1998 with Chicago Bulls). Today, Dickey founded and leads the AAU team Next Level Performance (NLP), works as a college basketball television analyst for ESPN, scouts for the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats, while also working as a motivational speaker.
As you’ll see below, I caught up with Sean and Dickey to learn more about what they, and a group that includes the biggest names in PC basketball history, have planned for the PFB.
I’m also proud to call myself a member of this exciting venture.
KF: How did the two of you join together and what led to the development of the PFB?
SH: I initially became aware of Dickey as a basketball player during his high school days, and I continued to maintain an observation of his development through his college career. I first met Dickey personally during his senior year at PC.
Although Dickey may not have initially ranked high in projected NBA mock drafts, I was sincerely impressed with not only his potential but also his determination. I was privileged to be selected by Dickey to represent him for his pro career. Through the years, I am proud to have watched Dickey develop as a NBA world champion basketball player, a founder and leader of a talented AAU program, a college basketball TV analyst, a member of the executive staff for an NBA team, and much more.
Dickey is well respected among his peers on the high school, college and professional levels, and has developed into a very business-minded individual with a strong understanding of what it takes to have a successful basketball program on and off the court.
However, I am most proud to have watched Dickey develop as a father with a beautiful wife and kids! I consider Dickey and me to be PC alumni, business partners, friends, and family. We have always kept a pulse on the status of PC basketball. My vision and perspective on the PC basketball program and the extended community were in sync with that of Dickey's, and we decided to band together to reach out to our fellow PC extended family to join forces for a common mission and goals.
KF: Has an executive committee been appointed?
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| PFB members like Croshere provided lasting memories |
SH: The inaugural PFB EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE is made up of myself and Dickey, as well as Otis Thorpe (PC 1984, NBA 1984-2000), Ricky Tucker (PC 1983), Bruce "Soup" Campbell (PC 1978), Austin Croshere (PC 1997, NBA 1997-2008) , Andrea Mangum Robinson (PC 1990), Eric Murdock (PC 1991, NBA 1991-1999), John Nolan (PC 1979), Kevin Stacom (PC 1974, NBA 1974-1981), Michael Smith (PC 1994, NBA 1994-2000), and Eric Williams (PC 1995, NBA 1995-2006).
KF: Why, in your opinion, is the PFB needed?
SH: I have always been an advocate for athletes and attentive to what is in their best interests. The fabric and essence of what defines athletic programs are established by the athletes. We have the utmost respect and support for the athletic department and coaches; however, the athletes and alumni carry the logo for their institution throughout their lives.
Athletes deserve a voice and an opportunity to be heard. And along with them, I feel strongly that a relevant voice platform should be provided to the alumni base and extended community that have a sincere interest in common goals. PC basketball players and alumni generally care about the welfare of each other. I have observed a strong and proud linkage among PC basketball players through the years, and to have a disconnect with a group that has much to offer is not only unacceptable, but also cuts against the grain of what was instilled in us through our matriculation at PC.
PC professors have taught us to be leaders. PFB allows for a voice, an opportunity to maintain a pulse on PC basketball, as well as an opportunity to maintain a pulse on the extended Providence community, and the ability to assist in making a difference. There is an opportunity for business to business relationships, awareness of welfare of each other, and much more!
DS: The Providence Fullcourt Boardroom is ultimately about bringing the grassroots, PC basketball, the Providence community of fans and supporters, as well as Providence businesses together for a common goal of making a difference in the world.
I recognize the role that PC and its extended community has played in the development of my career and life, and fellow PC alumni have shared similar sentiments with me. My position is that collectively we have a wealth of knowledge and vision, and it is imperative that we have the PFB to bring our voices to the forefront.
I believe the proper repetition builds the proper instinct, so don't expect to react instinctively if you haven't gotten the proper reps. Continuing to be a teacher, mentor, and adviser, along with PC alumni will provide repetition and instinct for all those involved.
KF: What is the mission of the PFB?
DS: The PFB Mission is to unify a group of strong-minded, distinct individuals, who are linked together by a common connection of PC basketball. This organization will bring together a great group of men and women who have played a role in building the rich history of the program throughout the years, for the purpose of empowering individuals to impact the world through education, sports, and social development.
By utilizing the unified strength of PC alumni and others with similar interests, PFB will create an environment that will help develop individuals through any stage of the maturation process from youth all the way to the boardroom. This focus will be accomplished by empowering each individual with on and off the court skill sets, resources, mentoring, and a solid support group from our very distinguished PFB members.
KF: What is the vision for the PFB?
SH: The PFB vision is to reunite the PC basketball alumni and be an influential instrument in the continued development of PC basketball and communities tied to PC, providing ongoing support to individuals, with special focus on youths.
We will rejuvenate alumni support and resources and re-establish the PC basketball alumni family. PFB will use that renewed energy to work diligently toward our mission in maximizing our leverage for the betterment of individuals.
KF: What are the main values of the PFB?
DS: The PFB values focus on teamwork, and the willingness to apply teamwork among a diversified group of people and organizations for the betterment of our mission.
We will build leaders, not followers, who will be able to handle life's challenges.
An attitude for success will be the continuing mood for the development process.
We will assure that members of the PFB, and our partners and constituents, will operate with extraordinary integrity and ethical standards.
We will maintain loyalty with a commitment to value the relationship of our partners and constituents.
Finally, we will promote excellence in mind, body and spirit.
KF: So, what does the rest of the structure of the PFB look like?
SH: In addition to the Executive Committee, we have appointed a VIP Basketball Members Committee, a VIP Alumni Committee (which includes Gary Archer (PC 1973), Jerry Castellucci (PC 1970), Kevin Farrahar (PC 2001), Bob Mackey (PC 1970), and a VIP Advisors Committee.
KF: What type of reaction did you get when the two of you set out on this unprecedented mission to bring together some of the biggest names in Providence basketball history, in addition to PC alumni and others who have a significant interest in the program? Can you share some specific reactions of individuals you reached out to?
SH: The response from these individuals has been outstanding. Soup Campbell, who has continued to follow and attend PC games consistently through the years, expressed that an organization like this is necessary and long overdue.
Otis Thorpe was my roommate at PC, and OT and I have remained the closest of friends and family since we met during our first weeks as freshmen at PC. He was excited to hear that the group of PC guys would be getting together in a formal manner.
When I brought the idea up to Ricky Tucker, Rick was as energetic as he was when he was a leader on the court for PC. He quickly agreed to be on the board and feels that the PFB will make a significant difference.
Ray Knight, from the class of ’85, shared with me conversations that he has had with other former PC players, and that the PFB answers the concerns that they discussed not just from an interest of PC basketball, but also from a standpoint of creating a linkage for professional business advancement.
I’ve also been fortunate enough to get in contact with alumni like Jerry Castellucci (class of 1970). I was excited to be put in touch with Jerry and to learn of the well thought out plans that he and a group of PC alumni had developed a few years ago. We share the same level of interest in implementing some of those plans within the PFB.
KF: Are there any initial plans for the PFB?
DS: The PFB will have an official launch though a major social networking event. The details of this event will be released soon.
KF: Where will the PFB be based, and if others want to join the PFB or want more information, how can they contact you?
SH: The PFB will be based in Providence. Those looking for more information can contact us at PFBinfo@aol.com.
