JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Vanderbilt men's basketball assistants Matt Bucklin and Andy Farrell have been invited to participate in the 2026 TopConnect Basketball Symposium presented by Just Play Sports Solutions at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
The invitation-only event brings together 50 rising leaders in collegiate basketball for a unique professional development and networking experience. Through educational sessions, leadership presentations, and TopConnect's signature speed dating, participants will engage directly with athletic directors, conference commissioners, search firm executives, and industry leaders from across the country.
"TopConnect continues to serve as one of the premier opportunities in college athletics for coaches and administrators to connect, prepare, and lead professionally," said TopConnect Director Dr. Richard Sander. "This year's coaching cohort represents some of the brightest leaders in our game, and we are excited to provide an environment that fosters relationship-building, mentorship, and career development."
Now in its ninth year, the TopConnect Basketball Symposium has become one of the most respected leadership development opportunities in college athletics. Since its inception, TopConnect has connected hundreds of coaches and athletics administrators, helping facilitate professional advancement opportunities while strengthening the leadership pipeline throughout intercollegiate athletics.
The 2026 symposium will feature programming focused on leadership development, the hiring process, navigating the first 90 days in a new role, fundraising strategies, and insights from executive search firm leaders. Participants will gain practical knowledge while expanding their professional networks through meaningful interactions with decision-makers from across the collegiate athletics landscape.