From the court to crypto: Jared Dillinger ventures into Web3 and blockchain
Jared Dillinger, a well-known player for Barangay Ginebra, one of the most popular basketball teams in the Philippines, is not only making waves on the court but also in the digital realm.
Speaking with AIBC News, Dillinger said he is exploring the dynamic world of Web3, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain technology. Dillinger leads a media production company that delves into Web3, gaming, and finance. “Daredevil Media is a network that I’ve created where I have not only my personal brand, but I also have two hit shows,” Dillinger shared during the AIBC Asia conference. This venture showcases his growing interest in technology and innovation, highlighting his ability to balance his sports career with his digital pursuits.
Daredevil Media: A new digital venture
Dillinger’s Daredevil Media serves as a hub for his digital content, featuring two successful shows: “Let It Fly,” a basketball podcast that ranks number one in the Philippines and number four in the United States, and “GM Crypto,” which focuses on Web3, blockchain, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and holds the top spot in tech news in the Philippines and fourth in the US. Dillinger expressed his enthusiasm about the network’s rapid growth, stating, “I’m having a lot of fun. We’re getting a lot of distribution, whether it’s in the States, whether it’s here, and we’re just getting bigger and bigger.“
Discovering blockchain during the pandemic
Dillinger’s interest in blockchain and cryptocurrency was sparked during the pandemic, a period that gave him the freedom to delve into new interests outside of basketball. “I had a lot of time to think, to calculate, and to figure out how I could do this properly,” he explained. After two years of dedicated learning, marked by both gains and losses, Dillinger found his footing in the industry, guided by valuable mentors. He remarked, “Things have been picking up quite well, but the job is not finished. I still have more scaling to do.”
The importance of education in crypto and blockchain
Offering advice to newcomers in the blockchain and crypto space, Dillinger stressed the significance of education and a cautious approach. “There’s a lot of information out there that’s not the correct information,” he warned.
Gaming and AI: The future of Web3
As an avid gamer and streamer, Dillinger sees immense potential in the convergence of gaming, AI, and blockchain. He believes these elements will drive the future of Web3, emphasising that “Gaming mixes so well into a handful of crypto components.” He pointed out the compatibility between NFTs and gaming, suggesting that the shift from traditional servers to decentralised nodes could transform game management and gameplay. “Gaming is really going to be the central force that crypto will be piggybacking on for years to come,” Dillinger predicted.
The future of tech in sports
Moreover, Dillinger is optimistic about how technology will revolutionise sports, particularly through the integration of blockchain, AI, and crypto. He envisions enhanced fan engagement, deeper analytics, and improved transparency, noting, “We can have deeper analytics. Everything’s going to be transparent on the blockchain, and you can’t change that.”
Dillinger also sees the potential for AI referees to make accurate, unbiased calls. Despite these advancements, he emphasised that the primary goal should be to benefit the sports community, stating, “The main thing is really servicing the community behind these sectors.”
What’s next for Jared Dillinger and Daredevil Media
In the future, Dillinger said he plans to transition into a coaching role in basketball, utilising his leadership skills to mentor the next generation. Regarding Daredevil Media, he envisions expanding beyond podcasts and shows, sharing his ambition: “I think the next step is that we need to build a website similar to the Players Tribune.” Dillinger also hopes to explore sports documentaries, aiming to bring the stories of Filipino sports figures to a wider audience.
