A Managers Mission: T.J. Saint

Professional: T.J. Saint
Current Title: Video Coordinator--Detroit Pistons
​Student Manager Experience: Belmont Basketball
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Career Notes: What started out as an obsession with the game back in his driveway, as it does with most kids, T.J. Saint knew what it would take to work professionally in the sport he loves, basketball.

A native of Indianapolis, Saint headed south out of high school to attend Mercer University and play on the basketball team as a walk-on. After playing for the Bears for two seasons, from 2006-2008, Saint decided to move on and transfer to Belmont University.

After he arrived on Belmont’s campus in Nashville, TN, Saint was given the option to stay as a walk-on or become a student manager. Knowing he wanted to get into coaching and having already been a walk-on for two seasons, Saint decided to be a part of the Belmont Basketball Team as a manager. Saint served under head coach Rick Byrd from 2009-2011 in more of a coaching staff role versus typical manager role. Saint graduated from Belmont with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing in 2011.

​Saint headed back to Indianapolis after graduation to serve as an unpaid graduate assistant under Brad Stevens at Butler University. Following the 2011-2012 season in that capacity, Saint was elevated to full-time graduate assistant for the 2012-2013 season. Saint stayed with the Bulldogs for the 2013-2014 season as the Director of Basketball Operations under Coach Brandon Miller following Stevens’ departure to the Boston Celtics

Saint contributed to the staff of two teams that advanced to the NCAA Tournament (Belmont in 2011, Butler in 2013).

Saint completed three seasons with Butler and then got the opportunity to move on to work in the NBA which has been his dream. Saint is now in his second season as Video Coordinator for the Detroit Pistons. In this position, Saint is responsible for prepping the head coach, Stan Van Gundy, with every scout, creating edits for assistant coaches to show to players, creating edits for players and assisting and running some workouts.

For the past four years, Saint has been involved with Rising Coaches Elite. He had the privilege of speaking at its 2015 conference this past summer. Saint is a great example of another hardworking manager. He answered a few questions for us below:

​Who have been the key influences in your career to help you achieve your goals?

​Larry Angle (high school coach), Rick Byrd (Belmont Head Coach) and Casey Alexander (current Lipscomb Head Coach and former Belmont Assistant Coach).

How did being a student manager help you get you to where you are today?

It gave me empathy for those who coach and work behind the scenes. 

What is your favorite memory from your time as a student manager?

The NCAA Tournament appearances. 

​To God Be The Glory!

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