A Duke basketball staff member, Nick Colosimo, the Director of Player Branding, recently joked that the upcoming EA Sports College Basketball video game will transform his 9-to-5 job into a 5-to-9 grind. This humorous remark highlights the extra workload that comes with creating an immersive gaming experience.
Staffers will be responsible for providing meticulous data, including current player measurements, shoe color preferences, and locker room layouts. Coordinating with players to ensure accurate virtual depictions and negotiating favorable portrayals will add to the staff’s responsibilities. Managing social media, digital content, and gaming-related events will require significant time and effort.
The introduction of EA Sports’ college basketball game is changing the way programs like Duke approach their roles. Staff members will need to balance traditional responsibilities with new demands, including developing and implementing digital engagement strategies to interact with fans and prospective recruits. Creating experiences that leverage gaming and digital platforms to build a stronger connection with the team will also be crucial.
While the joke about the 5-to-9 grind brought levity, it underscores the evolving demands on college athletic departments. As technology advances, staff roles will continue to blur the lines between traditional operations, marketing, and digital entertainment.
