MEET THE TEAM
Founder
Edward W. Pilot
Edward W. Pilot, Esq., a National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Certified Agent and an International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Certified Agent, is the Founder and President of Pilot Sports Group.
His lifelong passion, love and commitment to basketball has guided him to this place. And his unique journey prepared him for the mission and vision of Pilot Sports Group.
Mr. Pilot, a highly-respected attorney, is a member of the California State Bar and the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
For over 32 years, Mr. Pilot has been a thought leader in the Southern California Legal Community in the areas of Immigration Law, Personal Injury Law, Civil Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (Mediator and Arbitrator ). He is a sought-after negotiator having formerly been a National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) Certified Player Agent.
Unapologetically committed to working with vulnerable communities, Mr. Pilot has contributed extensive pro bono work representing indigent Victims of Violent Crime before the California Victims Compensation and Government Claims Board.
Advisory Board
Barry Mendelson
Barry Mendelson’s career in the game and business of basketball has spanned over 40 years. Mr. Mendelson began as the 25 year old Vice President of the Boston Celtics in addition to writing and producing the nationally syndicated radio show, "The Red Auerbach Show.”
In 1971, Mr. Mendelson joined the Los Angeles Lakers as Director of Radio/TV and Advertising just in time to be part of the first NBA championship the Lakers went on to win in the 1971-72 season. Mr. Mendelson left shortly thereafter to manage the career of the legendary Jerry West while hosting the "Backcourt with Jerry West" show on KFI radio and Producing "The Jerry West Show" on KTLA channel 5 .
In addition, Mr. Mendelson produced "The John Wooden Show” on KTLA Channel 5 in Los Angeles, Ca. In 1974, Mr. Mendelson started the NBA expansion franchise, The New Orleans Jazz as its Executive Vice President and in 1988, Mr. Mendelson became the Executive Vice President of Madison Square Garden, the owner of the New York Knicks and oversaw the Big East Basketball Tournament and the Holiday Basketball Tournament. From 2013 to 2016, Mr. Mendelson served as Executive Producer of "Courtside Jones" a nationally syndicated TV series.
In 1984, Mr. Mendelson hosted the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA as they played 12 regularly scheduled games at UNO Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, La. His career also includes opening seven arenas and theaters including The Superdome, The Tokyo Dome and The Saenger Performing Arts Center. In 2009, he also was responsible for bringing the first ever college basketball game (Defending National Champion North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Texas Longhorns) to the AT&T Stadium In Arlington, Texas.
In his career, Mr. Mendelson has produced or presented over 2,500 sports and musical events and over 300 Worldwide TV Specials.
Jon Singleton
Jon Singleton, is the owner and Head Coach of The Game Matters LLC — a youth basketball academy designed to promote the teaching, sharing and growing the game of basketball to young players around the globe.
Mr. Singleton was a four year letter-man in high school, leading his team to back-to-back state championships as a player. As a collegian, he was recruited to play at Southwestern Assemblies of God University, where he was a First Team All-American selection.
Over the last 16 years, Mr. Singleton has coached and taught players from elementary, middle school, high school varsity and collegiate levels. During this time he has realized his purpose, which is to encourage, help and serve young men and women and they navigate through their life and basketball journey.
Brian McCormick
Brian McCormick is an author, creator, clinician, and coach. He has published 20 books for basketball coaches, including The 21st Century Basketball Practice, and created the Playmakers Basketball Development League.
Mr. McCormick has conducted 200 clinics around the world, from China to Uganda, and coached youth, high school, college, and European professional basketball. He graduated from UCLA with a Bachelors in American Literature and Culture and the University of Utah with a Doctorate in Exercise and Sports Science.
Mr. McCormick has coached international teams in Sweden, Denmark and Ireland.
Lindell Singleton
Lindell Singleton is a retired basketball coach, having spent more than 30 years teaching and coaching players from elementary school to the professional ranks. He and his son Jon formed The Game Matters Basketball Club to teach and share the values of the game. Mr. Singleton also produces and directs sports-related documentary films, television and digital content.
During a 14-year tenure as a high school varsity basketball coach, Mr. Singleton was recognized by the Fort Worth Star Telegram as the 2006 Coach of the Year, and he guided 15 of his players to continue playing basketball at the collegiate or professional levels. Several of his former players are now coaches, trainers, Athletic Directors and PhD candidates.
In addition to his historical novels on the African-American experience, Mr. Singleton's non-fiction book entitled Rain: A Workbook For Players Who Want To Score Points In Games, is a fun, practical and easy-to-follow guide designed to help players think differently about basketball. His favorite basketball sayings are: “It’s a simple game when you make shots; it only gets complicated when you don’t” and “Only when the game is in your heart and head will you ever be able to play it.”
