On October 16, Rice MBA graduate Joe Branch ‘04 visited Rice to speak about his career in the basketball industry and his path to becoming the new assistant general manager of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Branch presented insightful views on his various roles and experiences in the sports world. He then facilitated a Q&A session for students who were inquiring about opportunities and careers in basketball operations.
“It was incredible to hear someone as accomplished as Branch speak about the industry I someday want to be a part of,” Finn Bjerknes ‘22 said. “I am motivated to follow his footsteps and aspire to work in operations, either in the MLB or NBA.”
As a category expert in sports marketing and athlete education, Branch has served in many capacities within other key sports organizations such as Nike. Prior to working for the Timberwolves, Branch was the managing director of basketball at Roc Nation Sports, where he represented several NBA players.
“(Branch) really opened my eyes and gave me a whole new perspective on what a full time career in basketball analytics could look like,” Jason Gardner ‘21 said. “It's so inspiring to see a fellow Rice Owl succeeding at the top of a field that is becoming more and more competitive.”
As a Houston native, strong supporter of Rice University, and an advocate of education, Branch has always been helpful to Rice’s Sport Management majors.
“It is flattering to have someone of Joe’s caliber come in and engage with students about possible careers, as well as impart his ideas about the foundations required to get started in the industry,” said Tom Stallings, Professor in the Practice for the Department of Sport Management. “It speaks volumes about Rice’s prominent brand, our impactful Sport Management program, and the extensive connections we have here.”
The event took place on campus in the Baker College library. Joining Branch for the talk were seniors Frank Li, Ellery Pickens, and Taylor Scott; juniors Jason Gardner and Faraz Virani; sophomores Marcus Thompson, Charlie Chen, and Finn Bjerknes; and freshmen Jackson Jeffcoat and Jeremy Alpert.
Manav Kabra, a current sophomore from Kuwait, is double-majoring in Mathematical Economic Analysis and Sport Management and is also minoring in Data Science