JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Second-year UC Santa Barbara Men's Basketball assistant coach, Brandon Rosenthal, has been selected as a participant for the 2026 TopConnect Basketball Symposium. The Symposium will be held on Monday, June 8 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
 
The invitation-only event will bring together 50 rising leaders in collegiate basketball for a unique professional development and networking experience. Through educational sessions, leadership presentations, and TopConnect's signature speed dating, participants will engage directly with athletic directors, conference commissioners, search firm executives, and industry leaders from across the country.
 
"TopConnect continues to serve as one of the premier opportunities in college athletics for coaches and administrators to connect, prepare, and lead professionally," said TopConnect Director Dr. Richard Sander. "This year's coaching cohort represents some of the brightest leaders in our game, and we are excited to provide an environment that fosters relationship-building, mentorship, and career development."
 
ABOUT TOPCONNECT
TopConnect is a professional development and networking organization dedicated to connecting aspiring and established leaders throughout intercollegiate athletics. Through its annual symposiums, TopConnect creates opportunities for coaches and administrators to build meaningful relationships, expand professional networks, and prepare for leadership opportunities within college athletics.

The three-word mantra of "Connect. Prepare. Lead." identifies the purpose of TopConnect.

Since the inception of TopConnect in 2018, more than 100 assistant coaches and senior-level administrators have been promoted to the next chair of Head Coach and Athletic Director, as well as a Conference Commissioner.