2019 OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Aaron McKie | 2019-20 Head Coach, Temple University Men’s Basketball

One of the all-time greatest players to ever don the Cherry and White, Aaron McKie returned to his alma mater when he was named an assistant men’s basketball coach on August 21, 2014. McKie was promoted to associate head coach in April, 2018, and will succeed Fran Dunphy as the program's head coach beginning in 2019-20.

A Philadelphia native who was a prep standout at Simon Gratz High School, McKie had an incredible three-year career at Temple (1991-92 thru 1993-94) and is currently tied for sixth on the school's all-time scoring list with 1,650 points. A starter for all 92 games of his career, he averaged 17.9 points per game while leading the Owls to 60 wins, three NCAA Tournaments and a trip to the 1993 Elite Eight.  

The 6-5 swingman earned many accolades during his heralded collegiate career, including honorable mention All-American (1993); first-team All-Atlantic 10 (1993, 1994), A-10 All-Championship team (1993); first team all-Big 5 (1992, 1993, 1994). In addition, McKie was named Atlantic 10 Conference and Philadelphia Big 5 Player of the Year for his performance in the 1992-93 season, when he averaged a team-best 20.6 points per game.

Selected in the first round (17th overall) of the 1994 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, McKie played 13 seasons in the NBA, including eight with the Philadelphia 76ers.  He averaged 7.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.15 steals while playing in 793 career games, starting 287 times.

As a member of the Sixers in 2000-01, McKie enjoyed his best season, taking home Sixth Man of the Year honors while helping his hometown team reach the NBA Finals. That season, he recorded back-to-back triple-doubles at Sacramento on Dec. 30, 2000 (19 points, 14 assists, 10 rebounds) and vs. Atlanta on Jan. 3, 2001 (11 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists).

Following his playing career, McKie spent six seasons as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers, helping the franchise to four appearances in the NBA playoffs.

McKie is active in the community, through his foundation, “AM8,” He and his wife, Lisa, reside in the Philadelphia area with their four children, Erin (17), Jaron (9), and twin sons Justin and Julian (6).

2019 CLOSING KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Lee Elias | Author, Entrepreneur, Coach

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: The 1% Difference: The Secret Ingredient All Great Teams Share

We all remember great sports stories. From underdogs who no one expected to compete to dynasty’s that define excellence, from youth, to college, to pro, from the women and girls to the men and boys, all great teams have a common thread – a defined team identity. 

In this interactive presentation we will revisit several of the greatest team sports stories ever told and explore how coaches can create an identity every year that will spur their team to victory no matter how you define the word.

Lee Elias’s credentials are rooted in sports, marketing, and management which has allowed him to build a unique skill set through his professional experience. He began coaching at 22 at the collegiate level and has since coached at the youth and professional levels as well. 

Along with coaching, he is the founder of Game Seven Group, an organization that works with leaders to help them unlock excellence, reach their potential, and ultimately win using the spirit and culture of a professional sports organization.

In addition to his work through Game Seven Group, Lee is also the owner of several of businesses including; WeLive.Hockey, Hockey Wrap Around and Ultimate Sports Nation. All businesses that operate in the realm of sports. 

Lee is the award-winning author of WIN: What Every Team Needs to Know to Create a Championship Culture (released in 2017) and Think Like a Fan: Invest in Your Fans So They Invest in You (released in 2015).

If asked, Lee will tell you that his great accomplishment are his two kids, Logan and Alina, and his wife Janet - the family resides just outside Philadelphia, PA.