June 2024 NBRPA Member Spotlights

NBRPA membership is comprised of a diverse group of former professional basketball players of the NBA, ABA, WNBA, and Harlem Globetrotters.

Each month, we'll spotlight NBRPA members from each league to recognize their career on the court as well as the impact they are now having in their communities.

Mike Bantom played his college basketball at St. Joseph University where he was an All-American as a senior, a two-time All-Big 5 selection, and a member of the 1972 USA Olympic Men’s basketball team. Bantom was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the eighth pick in the 1972 NBA draft. He played nine years in the NBA as a member of the Suns, Seattle Supersonics, New York Nets, Indiana Pacers, and Philadelphia 76ers. He earned a spot on the All-Rookie team.

After retiring as a player, Bantom began working at the NBA as a Licensing Manager for NBA International and held that position until 1992 when he became the International Director of Marketing Programs. During his tenure, he oversaw some of the NBA’s more innovative international endeavors such as the NBA Coaches Program and the NBA 3on3 Programs which focused on teaching the game and increasing player participation in the sport. Bantom was promoted to a plethora of different positions throughout his time at the NBA including VP of Events and Attractions, Sr. VP of Player Development, Executive VP of Referee Operations, and EVP of League Operations.

Mike left the NBA in 2020 and has since been focusing on the structuring and growth of his family business. He has also been a trustee on several non-profit boards focused on education in his hometown of Philadelphia. He also joined the Board for the NBRPA in 2023.

Gerald Govan is a retired American professional basketball player. He played nine seasons in the American Basketball Association (ABA) from 1967-1976. Govan was born in Jersey City, New Jersey where he played basketball at Henry Snyder High School. He didn’t pan to play college ball, thinking he was destined for a factory job, but his high school coach pushed him to apply.

Gerald played college ball at St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kansas.  He spent the year after his graduation playing professional basketball in Italy. Govan spent nine years in the American Basketball Association, playing for the New Orleans Buccaneers, Memphis Pros, Utah Stars, and Virginia Squires. He is nicknamed “Go-Go” and he was one of the rare basketball players who wore spectacles. He also appeared in the 1970 All-Star Game. Govan is one of only six players to have participated in each of the original ABA’s nine seasons of existence. He appeared in 681 regular season ABA games – 4^th all-time. 

After Govan retired, he worked as a probation officer for 25 years. He occasionally worked alongside fellow probation officer Bob Hurley.

Kym Hampton was born in Louisville, Kentucky where she would have a stellar high school basketball career and earn honors to the Kentucky All-State team as the starting center. She would attend Arizona State University where she became the all-time leading scorer and rebounder, a record that still stands more than 30 years later. Kym graduated from Arizona State with a B.A. in theatre. Arizona State retired Kym’s jersey in 1988 and inducted her into the Arizona State Hall of Fame.

Kym was drafted as the number four overall pick in the WNBA inaugural season to the New York Liberty. She played for three seasons starting every single game, including an All-Star appearance in 1999, before retiring. The New York Liberty would later honor Hampton into the Ring of Honor. Hampton also played 13 seasons professionally overseas in Italy, Spain, France, and Japan.

Throughout her career, she signed with high profile agencies modeling for Cover Girl, Lane Bryant, and Ashley Stewart. Kym is also a professional singer who has performed across the United States. After retiring, she worked for both the New York Liberty and New York Knicks in the front office. She has also served as a color analyst, a sports consultant, a coach, a motivational speaker, and is currently a key partner specialist at Nike.

Dedrick’s basketball journey began after graduating high school when he joined the Detroit Neighborhood basketball program. Fate intervened when Dedrick landed in the same dorm as fellow MSU freshman Terry Furlow. Encouraged by Furlow, Dedrick introduced himself to the coaches at Jenison Field House. He made the J.V. team under Coach Pat Miller, and followed him to Northwood University earning a basketball scholarship. As a senior at Northwood. Reffigee averaged 17 points and 9 rebounds per game while also leading the conference in blocked shots and earning an all-conference selection.

Dedrick’s journey took him to California for the Pro Summer League where he met Atlanta Hawks assistant coach Brenda Shur. Impressed by his skills, Shur invited Dedrick to the Hawks rookie camp and eventually veterans camp. This led to him playing two years overseas, winning a championship in Portugal. Dedrick’s talent caught the eye of NBA scout Marty Blake who facilitated a tryout with the Harlem Globetrotters International team. Dedrick secured a spot on the team where he served as a rebounding whiz from 1982 to 1989.

After retiring, Dedrick decided to pursue his passion for education. He became a substitute teacher at Toledo Public Schools and eventually a full-time teacher.  He has been an integral part of TPS inspiring and mentoring students daily. Outside of his teaching career, Dedrick founded the Dedrick Reffigee Youth Foundation (DRYF) where he organizes math and basketball camps for 5^th-8^th graders during the summer. His foundation reflects his commitment to making a positive impact on children’s lives by providing mentorship, teaching, and support.