Speaker · Educator · Mentor
Helping people find their game, on and off the court.
Gary Durrant was born in Manchester, Jamaica, won the NCAA Slam Dunk title and played pro basketball in Europe. He then spent 15 years as a teacher, and served as his school board's community liaison to the African and Caribbean communities. Today, he inspires and empowers students, youth, and business leaders to unlock their potential and make a lasting impact.
NCAA Slam Dunk ChampionFlorida Atlantic University, 1999
Corporate workshops and training
Bring Gary to your team
Team building
Team days built on what basketball teaches about trust, roles and playing for each other.
Leadership training
Practical leadership for managers and emerging leaders: set the standard, then raise it.
Effective communication
Speaking so people listen, listening so people speak, and handling hard conversations well.
Breaking down organizational silos
Getting departments to play as one team instead of competing for the ball.
Corporate training
Custom sessions built around your goals, your culture and your people.
Soft skills development
Confidence, empathy, adaptability and the people skills that move careers forward.
Highlights
15 years in the classroom
Teacher and guidance counsellor with the York Region District School Board.
NCAA Slam Dunk champion
Won the title in 1999 on a full basketball scholarship at Florida Atlantic University.
Recognized by York Regional Police
Community Award for Leadership and Mentorship.
15 years building community
Founded and ran the Gary Durrant Basketball Association.
Who Gary speaks to
One story, told for the room in front of him.
Schools
Assemblies, classrooms and staff days
Youth programs
Camps, leagues and mentorship groups
Police services
Community outreach and staff events
Community groups
Cultural, faith and non-profit events
Business and NGOs
Workshops, team building and corporate training
Talks
What Gary talks about
Signature keynote
Overcome Adversity and Be Your Best You
From humble beginnings in Jamaica to the 1999 NCAA Slam Dunk title, Gary shows how a setback becomes a starting line, and how to keep raising your own bar.
For students
Academics + Athletics = Success
Built on the motto of the youth program he ran for 15 years. For young people and the adults who guide them: grades, choices, scholarships and the habits that last past the final buzzer.
For business
Important Friends and Big Moves
The power of authentic networking and relationship building, from a teacher who became a licensed NBA player agent.
His story
From Jamaica to the court, and back to the classroom.
Manchester, Jamaica
Born here. Humble beginnings, and the lessons from his elders that he still shares today.
Toronto and Milford Academy
Moved to Canada, then graduated valedictorian of Milford Academy in Connecticut as a McDonald's All American nominee.
Florida Atlantic University
Full basketball scholarship. NCAA Slam Dunk champion in 1999.
Professional basketball
Played professionally in Europe.
York Region District School Board
15 years as a teacher and guidance counsellor, mostly with students who had been suspended or expelled.
Today
President of Durrant Sports Management, certified agent, TV basketball analyst and speaker.
Appearances
Where Gary has spoken
2022 · Media
Feature, CityNews Toronto
From teacher to NBA player agent
2015 · Recognition
Award recipient, York Regional Police
Black History Month celebration, Aurora, Ontario
2009 · Schools
Host, Slam Dunk Career and Mentorship Fair
With the York Region District School Board, Milliken Mills High School, Markham
I think once you are an educator, you never stop being one.
Elevate your next event with Gary Durrant.
Now booking for speaking engagements, conferences, corporate events, and special occasions.
Book a talk