SAN DIEGO — Anthony Slater, NBA Senior Writer for ESPN, will join the 2026 USD Basketball Coaches Clinic as a bonus addition to an already elite speaker lineup the USD men's and women's basketball programs announced on Wednesday. Slater's appearance adds a media and storytelling perspective to a clinic that includes Jeff Van Gundy, Cori Close, Seth Davis and hosts JR Blount and Blanche Alverson, set for Saturday, Aug. 1 at USD's Basketball Performance Center.



A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Slater joined ESPN in the summer of 2025 as an NBA senior writer following nearly eight years at The Athletic, where he covered the Golden State Warriors through the franchise's dynasty run. Slater began his NBA reporting career at The Oklahoman, covering the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2012-2016 during the Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook era, before spending a decade on the Warriors beat from 2016-2026. Across 14 seasons covering the league, Slater has built a reputation for source-driven reporting, becoming a central figure in breaking high-profile roster news and producing in-depth feature analysis.


"I'm excited to be part of this year's USD Basketball Coaches Clinic," Slater said. "I've been fortunate to spend the last 14 seasons around some of the most influential coaches, players, and organizations in basketball, and every stop has taught me something different. I'm looking forward to sharing those experiences and speaking at what has become a great event for the basketball community on the West Coast."


A native of Rohnert Park, California, Slater brings a distinct West Coast perspective to his NBA coverage, pairing courtside access with a national vantage point. He resides in El Dorado Hills, California, and is entering his 14th season as an NBA reporter.

Hosted by USD head coaches JR Blount and Blanche Alverson, the clinic will take place inside USD's Basketball Performance Center — one of the premier basketball development facilities on the West Coast — giving coaches at every level the opportunity to learn, connect and collaborate in a world-class setting.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026 | Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Location: Basketball Performance Center | University of San Diego
• Admission: Free (advance registration required)
• Eligibility: Open to verified basketball coaches only. 
• Parking: Free parking is available in the Main Parking Structure on campus.

Note: Due to NCAA regulations, lunch will not be provided. Food will be available for purchase at on-campus dining locations.

Registration: CLICK HERE to register.