About Us
ANDREW ECKMAN
THE EARLY YEARS
Andrew graduated from Northeastern University in 1975 and went on to receive a degree in broadcast journalism from the Connecticut school of broadcasting. Andrew went on to work as assistant general manager and assistant coach to the Springfield fame basketball team of the USBL in 1985. During this time, he handled player acquisitions, team endorsements, public relations, and coaching duties. Andrew was also credited with making basketball history by signing the first woman, Nancy Lieberman, to play in a men''s professional basketball league. During this year the team won the USBL championship.
RECOGNIZING TALENT
From 1989 to 1992, Andrew handled scouting for the Albany Patroons of the CBA. During this time the team won two championships. Andrew was responsible for bringing Vince Askew and Mario Elie to the team, both of whom played in the NBA.
From 1992 to 1993 Andrew handled player acquisitions for the Hartford Hellcats of the CBA. During this time, Andrew also organized a free agent camp. In 1993, Andrew became director of scouting for the Harrisburg Hammerheads of the CBA. This was an expansion team. Andrew was responsible for evaluating and drafting players for the team''s opening year.
From 1994 to 1997, Andrew was the road manager for the well known Harlem Wizards. He was responsible for scheduling games, managing and coaching the team, office management, scouting players, and overseeing day to day operations. During this time, he successfully increased the volume of games which led to the expansion into 2 teams.
BIRTH OF THE JESTERS
Due to Andrew''s incredible management skills, he was offered the job of road manager for the Harlem Rockets in 1997. In two years, Andrew increased the overall gross income of the team by 150 percent, exceeding projections and quotas by games played, and increased souvenir sales. This is when Andrew originated the idea of having the audience interact with the players during the game and become part of the show. This is where The Court Jesters began.
