A Prestigious Invitation
Manny Adako, an associate coach with the men’s basketball program, has earned a spot in the 2026 TopConnect Basketball Symposium, a coveted invitation‑only gathering that brings together a select cadre of emerging leaders from across collegiate athletics.
The symposium is scheduled for Monday, June 8, and will be hosted on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Over the course of the day, participants will engage in a series of educational sessions, leadership presentations and a fast‑paced speed‑dating format designed to foster meaningful connections.
TopConnect, the organization behind the event, describes its mission as connecting, preparing and leading professionals who work within college sports. Its mantra — ‘Connect. Prepare. Lead.’ — captures the three pillars that guide the symposium’s curriculum and networking activities.
Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with athletics directors, conference commissioners and other industry decision‑makers, creating a fertile environment for mentorship and collaboration. The event’s structure is intended to accelerate the professional growth of each participant through direct access to seasoned executives.
For Adako, the experience represents more than a professional milestone; it is a chance to bring fresh insights back to his own program and to contribute to the broader development of basketball at the collegiate level. The symposium’s focus on leadership and innovation aligns with his ongoing commitment to elevate the student‑athlete experience.