The Responsibilities of a DOBO in Basketball

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This basketball coaching article was written by University of
South Alabama Director of Basketball Operations Jordan
Surenkamp. It is going to talk about the responsibilities that
come with the position of DOBO. It is a great read for any
coach that is trying to break into the college coaching ranks. 
 
As a former Graduate Assistant and aspiring Head Basketball
Coach later down the road, the Director of Basketball
Operations (DOBO) role has made for an interesting yet
necessary transition in my still youthful coaching tenure.
I would be lying if I said this type of administrative role is what
I see myself doing for the rest of my life. Still, as with any
CHAMPIONSHIP caliber team, players must embrace and take
advantage of the role they are given and the responsibilities that
come with it.
While my passion for coaching and the game of basketball can
be found within the likes of running skill development sessions,
helping and teaching at practice, and spending countless hours
watching film, the DOBO position gives you a taste of what
college basketball is about beyond the Xs and Os.
As many, if not all, of you know, as a DOBO, you are strictly
placed in an administrative role, A.K.A. no running skill
development workouts, no teaching at practice, no recruiting,
NO COACHING at all.
Over the past three to four months, I have traded a basketball for
a desk and pen, X’s and O’s for budget sheets and administrative
meetings, and scouting reports for hotel contracts, game
contracts, charter flight bids, and other necessary travel and
program needs.

It has not been easy for me to sit at basketball practice (if I am

even able to go, sometimes other things must be accomplished
administratively during practice time, which does not allow me
to attend) as the season has gotten underway, and not be able to
coach, do or say anything. Chances are, as the season continues
to move forward, it’s not going to get any easier.
However, as I said at the beginning of this basketball coaching
article, being in the DOBO position is one that I see as being
extremely necessary and beneficial. I was able to catch onto
very quickly in my Graduate Assistant role at South Alabama
because of the responsibilities that came with being a Head
Coach.
Our Head Coach, Matthew Graves, does a phenomenal job on a
day to day basis balancing all of the different pillars of being in
that position, from recruiting to academics to balancing budgets
to media relations, and anything else you could dream up, he has
a hand in it, and he does it with unbelievable attention to detail.
This is where I see the importance of my role, not only in
helping to alleviate some of the administrative pressure from his
plate but also in embracing the ability to learn this side of
running a college basketball program (which I hope to do one
day as a Head Coach) and do it with similar attention to detail.
 
As I mentioned briefly before, my responsibilities range greatly
from things such as:

 All aspects of travel (hotels, flights, charter busses).

 Game Day Operations (shoot around/practice times,
officials, pre-game and post-game meals).
 Day to Day operations (facility scheduling and upkeep, all
program purchases, video work).
 Gear, Housing, Budget Allocation, being an academic
liaison (checking classes, weekly assignment sheets, etc.).
 Scheduling, managing both Graduate Assistants and
Managers, and doing anything else I can to help our
program.
 
The role of being a DOBO challenges you to wear many
different hats daily while being able to think on your feet, adjust
to changes, and handle issues as they come about.  While being
a basketball coach and on the floor is where I see myself in the
future, it is hard not to embrace the role I have been given. The
experiences I am getting from having these diverse
responsibilities and the challenges of thinking critically and
problem-solving on the fly will benefit me in any role I am able
to secure as my career moves forward.  
With all of this aside, I think it is important to recognize that, as
with any basketball coaching position, it is difficult (basically
impossible) to make it on your own in this career field. I would
not be the coach (DOBO) or individual I am today without the
help of my mentors and coaches on staff at South Alabama.  
 
Our Assistant Basketball Coaches Russ Willemsen, Darnell
Archey, Brock Morris, and Dan Matic (now at St. Johns) have
given me unbelievable knowledge and advice not only now in
my new role, but also as a young Graduate Assistant trying to
transition from playing in college to thinking like and being the
best coach I can be daily.
Lastly, I just wanted to recognize Coach Matthew Graves, who
gave me the opportunity to come to South Alabama as a GA and
learn from him and the culture he is instilling, even dating back
to his time and great successes at Butler. I would definitely not
be in the position I am today without his willingness to take a
chance with me, and for all of this, I will always be truly
thankful.
So every day, wake up with a passion for learning, embracing
your role, and being the best you can be. Even if the role you are
in isn’t where you see yourself being for the rest of your
basketball career, there are ALWAYS benefits, positives, and
opportunities to learn, grow, and help your program when you
come to work every day to DO YOUR JOB and do it to the best
of your ability!