Former NBA Star Chris Bosh steps into Esports with Gen.G

Former NBA pro Chris Bosh hasn’t played a game of basketball in over two years. Now, he’s stepping into a new role – esports advisor.  

Bosh was sidelined indefinitely in 2016 after blood clots forced him off the court indefinitely. The 11-time NBA All-Star has been searching for a new passion ever since. Gen.G co-founder Philip Hyun and Bosh have been acquaintances since before the establishment of the Overwatch League.

Bosh brought his children to the opening day of the Overwatch League, and Hyun gave him an inside look at Gen.G’s OWL franchise, Seoul Dynasty.

Bosh, a gamer himself, was impressed with what he saw. Now, less than one year later, Bosh will provide special council to the Seoul Dynasty as well as Gen.G’s other esports teams. In an interview with USA Today, Bosh voiced his excitement regarding the opportunity.

“The way I look at it, competing at a high level, whether that’s business, art or film, athletics, anything you do, there’s a certain way to go about it. Being in the NBA, being successful, being able to win championships at the highest level in the world, there’s certain core values that you have, certain things you have to follow,” Bosh said.

Bosh couldn’t have joined at a better time. After being hyped as a top-three team in the Overwatch League, the Seoul Dynasty finished in a disappointing eight place, missing the playoffs entirely. Gen.G’s League of Legends team qualified for the 2018 World Championship to defend its title, but was eliminated from its group in the worst Worlds performance ever by a Korean team.

Bosh will be providing valuable flexibility in his new role. He will act as a mentor, advisor, motivator, and sounding board for Gen.G’s players. While Bosh’s day-to-day plan has yet to be revealed, his initial goals and concepts sound like a promising start: