John Sparks: Arena Go-To Guy

In the Nets hierarchy, Brett Yormark is CEO of the Barclays Center and the Nets. Billy King is general manager of the Nets, a job that used to be called President of Basketball Operations. Leo Ehrline is Chief Administrative Officer. Jay-Z? Cultural Icon! But when the arena's doors open in September, John Sparks will be in charge.

Sparks is general manager of the arena and the Nets feel lucky to have him. One reason: Barclays will be the third NBA arena he's opened, after the Phillips Arena in Atlanta and the AT&T Center in San Antonio. No one else has that experience (and he's latest recruit from the Spurs).

To him, it's all about supporting the people on the big stage: "Some players are very approachable, and some players are not. They all become very trustworthy of your confidence and that you’ll take care of them…they have a big job and they’re entrusting that you’ll take care of the rest."

• First Person: Hewlett Resident Spearheading Barclays Center - Susan Varghese - South Shore Standard