Neel Ganta has returned to the Illinois men’s basketball program as the Director of Player Personnel, the team announced on Sunday. Ganta, who previously worked as a graduate manager for the Illini during the 2020-21 season, spent the last three years with the Denver Nuggets. He served as the Director of Player Programs for the Nuggets’ G League affiliate from 2021 to 2022, before moving on to roles as a basketball strategy & analytics coordinator and pro scout for the NBA team. In these positions, Ganta focused on special projects, analytics, live scouting across various levels, and assisted with player development and relations.
Head coach Brad Underwood praised Ganta’s expertise, highlighting his advanced understanding of basketball analytics and strategy. “Neel is on the cutting edge of basketball analytics, strategy, and implementation, and he creates outstanding relationships with players, coaches, and staff,” Underwood said. Ganta’s experience, which includes contributing to a Big Ten championship and working with a championship-winning organization like the Nuggets, brings invaluable insight to the Illini program. Underwood expressed excitement about Ganta’s return, noting the significant value he adds both on and off the court.
Originally from Manhattan, Kansas, Ganta grew up alongside assistant coach Tyler Underwood when Brad was coaching at Kansas State. He graduated from Kansas State in 2020 with a degree in finance and started working with the Illini as a consultant in the 2019-20 season. During this time, Ganta played a key role in helping Underwood adjust the team’s defensive strategy based on analytical data. His contributions were recognized in 2020 when he was named to The Athletic’s “40 under 40” list in college basketball. The publication noted his innovative work, including designing a web app that provided coaches and players with access to the playbook, analytics, scouting reports, and more.
In addition to his undergraduate degree, Ganta earned a master’s degree in technology management with a focus on business data analytics from the University of Illinois in 2021. His return to Champaign places him in a key role at a time when the college basketball landscape is evolving rapidly, especially with changes like revenue sharing and the growing pay-for-play system. Ganta’s experience in the NBA and his role in navigating these changes will be vital as the Illini adapt to the shifting dynamics of college basketball.
This hiring reflects a broader trend in college basketball, where teams are increasingly adding front-office-type roles to manage resources, evaluate player market value, and build competitive rosters. While Underwood will still make the final decisions on roster moves, Ganta’s expertise will play a crucial role in the program’s ongoing development. Despite being in his mid-20s, Ganta’s impressive resume and his ability to blend analytics with basketball strategy make him a valuable addition to the Illini coaching staff.
