Atlantic City recreation was a major loss during the pandemic.
With nothing open, Ahmad Huckaby-Davis decided something needed to be done for his hometown.
“I wanted to provide an outlet for the youth in another way,” he said.
G5 Elite Basketball was born, starting out with just 10 players.
The next year, Huckaby-Davis went to the PAL to see about practice space.
A short time and a few flyers later, there were 100 kids looking to try out for the team.
They had to make 40 cuts. Now, each year, the team is growing stronger, he said.
Friday they will get to play on one of their biggest stages yet, as invited participants in Big Time Hoops National Championships in Philadelphia.
In August, they will head to an invitation-only even in Las Vegas.
“It’s starting to become overwhelming now,” Huckaby-Davis said, quickly adding, “in a good way.”
“Our name is getting out there,” he said. “Everybody knows us.”
And their confidence is growing as well.
“They felt like NBA players walking out there,” team manager Briana Rios, 21, said of a recent tournament in Virginia.
“It’s a great opportunity for us,” said Ky Gilliam, 17, who has been playing basketball since he was 5.
“I enjoy it,” the incoming Atlantic High senior said. “It gives (the team members) something to do instead of being out in the streets.”
The tournaments also give them exposure from colleges, noted Coach Kendell Roseborough.
The team “operates on the philosophy of bridging the gap to connect education and sports to better create more leaders in the community,” Huckaby-Davis said.
“We’re constantly challenging these kids,” said Coach Rob Fishbein, who has even coached some of the coaches during his 25 years working with kids.
That includes G5’s assistant director, Flash Morgan, who aims to use his college connections to help these kids continue their own education.
“It’s been a real good experience,” said 14-year-old Jalil Daniels, who wants to play basketball and football when he starts Atlantic City High School in September.
The team has given him his first time trip out of the state without his mom.
“It feels good to be around new people and try new things,” he said. “It’s helped us develop as a team. We got better chemistry.”
They also have responsibility, Fishbein noted, saying Huckaby-Davis “runs a tight ship.”
“He holds everybody accountable, no matter how good they are,” the Margate man said. “He’s got my fullest respect.”
Now the G5 Elite founder is looking forward to bringing what he has labeled the “Jersey Show” to Philadelphia.
“I feel good about it,” said Dantaye Day, whose two older brothers also are on the team. “I think it’s helping us with our game.
“It’s really rewarding that we get to travel together,” Huckaby-Davis said.
“They’re good people,” 14-year-old Brian Scott said of his team. “They’re fun to be around.
“I think it’s going to be a great experience.”
The team members are mainly from Atlantic City, but include those from Mays Landing and Egg Harbor Township.
They are:
Aamir Mack, 18; and Gershon Washington, Ky Gilliam, Kwamir Charman, Myles Aikens, Hassan Bey, Elijah Beltran, Neeko Rolle, Stephan Jones, Ramar Cook, Jayden Lopez and Jayden Llanos, all 17.
Jesse Rios, Joseph Wiggins, Rameer P., Mykel Jones and Tahjmire Day, all 16, and 15-year-olds Jayden Dixon, Jayden Reyes, Nahseem Gordy-Harris, Jake Karp, Keon Nelson, Gian Canaugan, Hassan Boyd, Abdul Hawkins and Kamaad Turner.
Lamaj Owens, Hanif Rios, Brian Scott, Jaylen Day, Aamir McGraw, Tahmir Rex, James Barkalow, Yamdry Hernandez, Muhammad Hassan and Jalil Daniels, all 14; Muhjahid Pettus, 13, and 12-year-olds Dantaye Day, Julias Beverly, Chase Bryant, Liam Do, Jasir Reynolds and Jerrell Porter.
Julian Sanchez, 11, and Namir Rex, 9, round out the team.
