Illinois Wesleyan Esports has hired an Olympic gold medalist as the head coach for its newest expansion into competitive gaming: NBA 2K.
NBA 2K, simply known as ‘2K’ by its players, is a basketball-based video game.
Players can create a ‘MyPlayer’ to develop and use to compete in online and offline play.
They can also create their own ‘Dynasty,’ a customized version of their favorite NBA team.
IWU alum Amber ‘Craft’ Anderson ‘23 joined the 2K coaching staff over the summer and is recruiting for team play next semester.
“In my junior year at IWU, I started playing NBA 2K competitively, with the hopes of playing at the highest level, the NBA 2K League,” Anderson said.
The NBA 2K League is a professional esports league run by the NBA and Take-Two Interactive, 2K’s publishers.
Similar to the NBA, players go through a skills combine and can get drafted to one of the 25 teams.
However, a different opportunity rose for Anderson soon after she became eligible for the draft.
“Team USA invited me to try out for their E-National team,” Anderson said.
“I was the only female and non-professional 2K League player to make the roster. I was able to learn from the best players in the world to see how they approach the game at the highest level,” she said.
The E-National team is reserved for the 12 best players in the world and competes against over 40 countries.
Anderson won a gold medal during her time playing as a power forward.
“It was a life-changing experience. Now, I want to take what I learned from my experience to help give back to the 2K community,” she said.
While the inaugural team currently has some athletes playing in 1v1 contests through the Eastern College Athletic Conference, they have not started competing in 3v3 or 5v5 team play yet.
“This semester, we want to lay the foundations for players: consistent practices, open communication and skill growth,” Director of Esports Cora Kennedy said.
“You don’t have to be the best player or have prior basketball or sports knowledge to excel at 2K,” Anderson said.
“Just show up with a good attitude and be willing to learn.”
“I think more people should play 2K,” said Terasence Mitten, who is Anderson’s husband and assistant coach.
“It is one of the most popular sports games, and the Esports scene is only growing,” Mitten said.
“2K taught me everything I know about basketball, and playing with the right people will make memories you will never forget.”
IWU Esports offers a unique opportunity from other Titan athletics as recruited players can be offered scholarships.
Kennedy said that scholarships for 2K athletes are not currently available, but could be in the future once the program becomes more established.
Kennedy also said Titans Esports is looking to expand into more sports-based games, which may include fighting games such as Riot Games’ upcoming 2D fighter 2XKO, slated for release in 2025.
For anyone interested in trying out for the 2K Esports team, contact Head Coach Craft at aanders5@iwu.edu.