November 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.

Chris Owens, a distinguished figure in both basketball and real estate, first gained national recognition as the 1997 Texas Mr. Basketball. A standout at the University of Texas, Owens showcased his exceptional talent and determination on the court, which led to his selection in the second round of the 2002 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. On draft night, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he made his professional debut and played his rookie season. 

Following his time in the NBA, Owens embarked on an impressive 12-year international career, competing in various European leagues across Germany, Greece, Turkey, France, Ukraine, and Spain. He ultimately retired from professional basketball in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of skill and tenacity. 

Leveraging the same dedication and professionalism that defined his athletic career, Owens successfully transitioned into the real estate sector, currently serving as one of Douglas Elliman’s top realtors. In this role, he has demonstrated remarkable prowess, recently closing 45 properties—residential and commercial—totaling millions in value. 

In addition to his professional achievements, Chris Owens is proud to be the great-nephew of the legendary track and field athlete Jesse Owens, who captured four Gold Medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. This familial legacy of excellence continues to inspire Owens in all his endeavors. 

Arthur C. Becker was born in Akron, Ohio. The 6 ft 7 in forward from Arizona State University played six seasons (1967–1973) in the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a member of the Houston Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Denver Rockets, Dallas Chaparrals, and New York Nets. He averaged 12.5 points per game over the course of his career and appeared in two ABA All-Star Games. 

He was traded to Denver the following season but remembers his season-and-a-half with the Pacers as the highlight of his six-season professional career. 

"It was just magical for me," Becker says. "The community was great. People would know who you are everywhere you went." 

Becker's favorite memory was getting a press pass for the Indianapolis 500 and watching the race from inside the first turn. "It was just crazy," he says. "I might have taken a couple of pictures." 

Since 2005, Becker has served as president of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). He served two stints (1974–1981; 1993–1996) as men's head basketball coach at Scottsdale Community College and coached men's tennis at Scottsdale from 1981 to 1983. 

Anita Maxwell-Skipper hails from Rome, Mississippi, and later moved to Dallas, Texas, where she excelled in multiple sports at Lake Highlands High School. Her basketball skill led her to New Mexico State University (NMSU), where she became a legendary figure.  

Anita's collegiate achievements include being a 4-time First Team All-Conference Honoree, Two-Time Player of the Year, and Freshman of the Year. She etched her name in NCAA history as the first player to reach milestones like 2500 points, 1000 rebounds, and 300 steals in a career. Anita's jersey, #40, was retired by NMSU, and she was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. 

After a successful college career, Anita played professionally overseas in Israel and Turkey and for the Cleveland Rockers during the inaugural season of the WNBA. 

Anita's journey post-basketball is a testament to her versatility and dedication to community service. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Business and a Master of Arts in Urban Affairs with a Certificate in Nonprofit Management. 

Her career trajectory saw her transition from playing professionally to roles in business, nonprofit, and public service.  Anita's first job after basketball was with J.O.Y. Foods, where she gained valuable experience in administration, logistics, and sales.  Her passion for public advocacy led her to graduate school and volunteer work with United Way, focusing on community impact and urban development. 

Anita's diverse experiences also include a stint at the NCAA Headquarters, where she was responsible for hotels and media for the Women's Final Four event. Later, as Vice President of Community Initiatives at United Way of the Virginia Peninsula, she oversaw their community investments, funding community agency programs that addressed social equity issues. 

Anita's career took a unique turn when she was recruited to be a part of healthcare CO-OP started in South Carolina as a part of the Affordable Care Act. She played a pivotal role in its growth and community outreach. 

Currently, Anita operates Skipper Financial Group alongside her husband, offering financial services and coaching to empower individuals with financial literacy. Her expertise in sales, marketing, and community engagement continues to drive positive change and financial education, particularly among athletes transitioning from sports. 

Aside from her professional endeavors, Anita is deeply involved in her community, serving as the Chief Public Information Officer for her local county government. She also finds time to contribute as a color analyst for New Mexico State University's Men's Basketball Team, showcasing her passion for sports and broadcasting. 

Anita's commitment to community service extends beyond her professional roles. She actively engages in real estate investments, providing affordable housing options and participating in various speaking engagements and mentorship programs. Her accolades include being a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a graduate of Leadership Las Cruces, and a participant in EY's Women Athletes Business Network (WABN) Mentoring Program. 

Anita's multifaceted journey reflects resilience, leadership, and a relentless drive to create positive change wherever she goes.  She is an active and proud member of the NBRPA, where she has served for years contributing greatly to the association.  

Paul “Showtime” Gaffney played professionally with Harlem Globetrotters for 15 years with now 48 years of experience in the sports industry. He has traveled around the world completely three (3) times and played in over 93 countries. He has been seen on several television and heard on radio shows across the globe. From appearing on talk show such as Oprah & Jay Leno to the People of the South in South Africa. He has dined with Presidents, Statesmen, Kings and Queens. Gaffney received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management at Tennessee Wesleyan University while being All-District, All-Conference, and All-American basketball player.  

Showtime has created Gaffney Athletic Preparatory Academy (GAPA), the nation's first International T.E.A.M.S College Preparatory Christian Academy serving Sports Enthusiasts in grades K- 12th. T.E.A.M.S is a new learning model which its acronym stands for Technology, Engineering, Athletics, Mathematics, and Science. This new learning model takes the concepts of STEM and views them the Lens of Athletics while teaching student about the vast careers in the world of sports. GAPA is school for athletic or nonathletic students who has a Love and Desire to be in World of Athletics.  Gaffney has also created an international sport logistic, development, and management company which creates a holistic sports environment called Sports University International, Inc. (SUI). His vision for these companies, which both are in the world of education and sports, are to provide the “Ultimate Academic Sports Destination and Experience which prepares Sports U for College, Careers, and Life in a Holistic environment.    

One of the most historical times for Gaffney, other than playing in front of his grandmother for first time, was being a part of the first professional sports team to play in free and democratic South Africa while meeting and playing basketball with the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, twice.  

Gaffney does motivational speeches, hosts sporting events, and sports tutoring & mentoring. Along with GAPA and Sports University, Gaffney is a member of the AAU’s Future Leaders Committee, the Tennessee Wesleyan University Hall of Fame, and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with the Globetrotters.  Gaffney is one of Tennessee Wesleyan University’s Board of Governors while serving on several other boards and community outreach organizations.   

Gaffney's life did not start with all this glitz and glamour.  Before the crowds started screaming “Showtime” while becoming a professional athlete with the Harlem Globetrotters, developing GAPA, or being a member of the basketball Hall of Fame, there were a baby boy born in a small coal-mining town in rural Kentucky called Benham, to an unmarried teenage mom.  Realizing, during her pregnancy, that she could not provide for him properly, she placed him up for adoption before birth. Turning two years old, his adoptive mother died with him by her side; his is adoptive father, now a single parent, then raised him alone.  By all accounts, these scenarios are the making of a negative path for a “at-risk child”, but his outcome was quite different from what it could have been.  His life is a perfect example of how the concepts of sports, innovative educational programs, and community partnerships working together can make a difference in preparing a sports enthusiast for College, Careers, and Life.   

Gaffney is currently living in Cleveland, TN with his wife and 2 two kids. Paul “Showtime” Gaffney is also becoming an author, with his new book called “Making of A Diamond”, with an estimated release date early 2024.