NBA prospect Anthony Davis is the extremely likely number one overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. The NCAA National Champion center/forward from the University of Kentucky had been going through a lengthy vetting process of agents, with the assistance of his father Anthony Davis, Sr., until late last week when he finally announced that he signed with Wasserman Media Group for representation. Wasserman’s Vice Chairman Arn Tellem and EVP, Team Sports Thad Foucher will help Davis leading up to the NBA Draft and thereafter.
Various media entities reported that Davis and his father were choosing between Wasserman Media Group, Creative Artists Agency (basketball agent Leon Rose), and BDA Sports (basketball agent Bill Duffy). At the beginning of last week, I had heard that the family was making a decision between Leon Rose of CAA and Arn Tellem of Wasserman.
Wasserman Media Group’s press release states that Anthony Davis has signed with the agency for “comprehensive representation.” The phrase is an industry term, which typically means that the company will not only represent Davis in his contractual negotiations with the team that selects him in the NBA Draft, but will also represent his interests off the court (specifically regarding endorsement opportunities).
“We are thrilled that Anthony has chosen Wasserman and very much look forward to helping him launch what will undoubtedly be a hugely successful NBA career,” said Thad Foucher. “I know that this decision is a critical one to help me get on the right track for the next stage of my basketball career and I did not come to it easily,” said Anthony Davis. “After speaking with many agents and advisors, it became clear to me that Wasserman was the best place for me. I am excited, and also relieved to have made this choice and look forward to starting my career knowing I am in great hands.”
Once Anthony Davis’ name is called by Commissioner David Stern at the 2012 NBA Draft, Wasserman Media Group will have accomplished a feat that will likely separate the company from its competition for years to come. If When Anthony Davis becomes the first overall pick, Wasserman will be able to claim that it has represented the most recent number one pick in the NFL (Andrew Luck), MLB (Carlos Correa), and Major League Soccer (Andrew Wenger).
