NBA HBCU Fellowship Welcomes Two DSU Business Students
Two Delaware State University College of Business students have turned their lifelong passion for basketball and their aptitude for business into a meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime experience—interning for the National Basketball Association.
Over the summer, Martin Solomon, a junior Management—Business Analytics major from Clayton, Delaware, and Mseba Hassani, a senior Management— Management Information Systems major from Newark, Delaware, were selected to participate in the competitive NBA HBCU Fellowship Program.
“It was an incredible opportunity,” Solomon said. “Only 70 students were selected out of 11,000 applicants.”
The fellowship is a paid 10-week summer internship program that aims to provide career development opportunities in the business of basketball for undergraduate and graduate students from HBCUs. NBA teams and the league office select fellows to work within various departments, including ticket sales, corporate partnerships, IT, social responsibility, and marketing.
Solomon was chosen by the Phoenix Suns to intern in its Business Intelligence Department, where he gained hands-on experience in data analytics, strategy, and ticket pricing for the upcoming season.
“My statistics and critical thinking courses played a significant role in preparing me for the internship,” Solomon said. “They sharpened my ability to analyze data and allowed me to approach projects creatively and strategically in a fast-paced environment.”
“He has made us all very proud,” said Susmita Roye, a Department of Languages and Literatures professor. “Given the correct opportunities and resources, this promising young man can only scale newer heights.”
Hassani was selected by the Detroit Pistons to intern in its Marketing Department.
“It was an amazing experience,” Hassani said. “I learned the ins and outs of the sports industry, branding, and marketing strategy while engaging with my team and various departments at the Detroit Pistons.”
During his time with the Pistons, Hassani gained valuable experience in branding strategy, event planning, budgeting, social media marketing, and community organizing.
“My business coursework, particularly in marketing and managerial finance, laid a strong foundation for my internship as a Brand and Events Marketing Intern,” Hassani said. “My marketing classes helped me understand consumer behavior and branding strategies, which I applied when coordinating and executing events that enhanced fan engagement and brand visibility.”
“He has exceptional talent and dedication,” said Wade Robinson, a lecturer of economics and director of the Black Male Initiative, who informed Hassani and his fellow BMI members of the fellowship opportunity.
Solomon and Hassani hope more students from Delaware State University apply for the program. They plan to use the knowledge they gained from their experience to pursue careers in business and technology.
“You can continue to use your NBA internship as a really important launch pad in your career,” said Sabrina Ellis, NBA Chief People Officer.
