Two of Our Own Shine Bright as NBA Future Basketball Operations Stars
We’re thrilled to share that two standout members of our NBA Summer League and VSL Talent family, Nick Mardirossian and Amie Callaway, were selected and completed the prestigious NBA Future Basketball Operations Stars Program for the 2024–2025 class.
This highly competitive six-month virtual training initiative draws thousands of applicants globally. It offers participants advanced learning in scouting, roster construction, analytics, player development (on and off the court), and deep dives into the NBA Salary Cap. Fewer than 100 individuals made the final cut, and we’re incredibly proud that Nick and Amie were among them.
Their journey didn’t stop at the classroom. Both Nick and Amie were handpicked as two of only ten Future Stars to support NBA Basketball Operations at All-Star Weekend in San Francisco this past February. During the weeklong event, they worked as NBA Rising Stars Player Liaisons, managing player schedules, overseeing media engagements, and coordinating off-court appearances – responsibilities that mirror those of full-time NBA team staffers.
Their excellence earned them yet another nod. They’ve been selected to assist with the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, taking place May 11–18 at Wintrust Arena and Marriott Marquis in Chicago. In this role, they’ll help manage a wide array of responsibilities for the 75 top draft prospects, gaining firsthand insight into the next wave of NBA talent. These are the very players who will take the court this July 10–20 at Summer League in Las Vegas, giving Nick and Amie a front-row seat to the future of the league.
NBA Summer League co-founders Warren LeGarie and Albert Hall will be on-site in Chicago in preparation for the 21st Summer League games. Their presence and support of Nick and Amie are also a testament to the value we place on nurturing all emerging VSL Talent and bolstering their continued growth.
Nick is now entering his fourth year with Summer League’s Community Relations team, and Amie has been a valued member of our Basketball Operations staff since 2021. Both have consistently gone above and beyond in their roles. Nick also served as a Team Assistant at the 2023 In-Season Tournament and 2024 Emirates NBA Cup held in Las Vegas. Their selection reflects their commitment, professionalism, and deep understanding of the game.
Nick and Amie credit their Summer League experience and inclusion in VSL Talent for preparing them to seize these unique opportunities.
“Summer League is my favorite two weeks of the year,” exclaimed Amie. “It’s demanding, but there is nothing else like it in the world. It has prepared me for my goal of working in off-court basketball player development, international basketball operations, or NBA League office positions.”
“My dream to work in basketball operations with an NBA team, or at the NBA Basketball Operations League Offices, is coming true. I’m living my dream while I continue on my professional basketball career journey. Summer League, VSL Talent, and the Future Stars program are helping to make it happen!” said Nick.
We couldn’t be prouder of them – and we’re not the only ones taking notice.
Marni Colbert, Director of NBA Summer League Basketball Operations “Amie and Nick are shining examples of how Summer League cultivates not just basketball careers, but lifelong professionals. They show up early, stay late, and treat everyone with respect. Their success in the Future Stars program is no surprise to anyone who’s worked with them. We’re proud to call them part of our team.”
Carole Adams Hattar, Director of NBA Summer League Community Relations
“Nick and Amie exemplify what this program is all about – passion, dedication, and a relentless drive to learn and grow. Watching them rise through the ranks and now contribute on the national stage with the NBA is incredibly rewarding. They’ve earned every opportunity and represent the best of what Summer League talent can become.”
Nick and Amie’s rise reflects what we’ve always known: when you combine passion, preparation, and the platform that Summer League and VSL Talent provide, great things happen. We can’t wait to see what’s next for these two rising stars.
