NEWS

Jan 11, 2023 @ 9:51 AM

CBA Media Relations, Contributor

It’s a new year and for CBA, 2023 is off to a great start. After months of conversations, attending virtual meetings and exchanging documents back and forth with the Royal Logistics Corps (RLC), (which is the largest Corps of the British Army), both sides are finally happy to see their efforts pan out. In May, a list of 30 esteemed members of the RLC will fly to Chicago, and engage with CBA's rich basketball history, its heritage and community. Also, they'll get a chance to learn some of the most effective training tactics used for basketball teams, while playing friendly matches and scrimmages with some of CBA’s most notable athletes.

This new partnership is set to further CBA's global mission of using basketball to promote global citizenship. CBA is now in its 10th year of giving basketball enthusiasts a chance to explore the sport they love in different environments around the world.

Say tuned in for further developments.

Members of RLC's Loggies basketball team during a recent photoshoot in Oct. 2022

Oct 17, 2022 @ 4:51 PM

CBA Media Relations, Contributor

Just when you thought the game of basketball couldn't get any more interesting, one of CBA's youth participants, Juan Jose "JJ" Sanchez, becomes the youngest player in history to make his debut as a pro athlete in Columbia's pro league playing for Sabios de Manizales. JJ began training, and developing his skills for the sport of basketball since the age of six. His dream was to get an opportunity to play basketball on the biggest stage in his country. After traveling the world to attend camps, and train with some of the best programs he could find, 7 years later JJ found himself in Chicago attending one of CBA's personalized training programs where he began to learn a lot about performing on a high-level.

Months after his training in Chicago, JJ’s wish finally came true when he found himself on the court with some of the most talented ball players in Columbia. During the game, his team gained a sizable lead and he finally got his chance to step foot of the court to make history. Just moments into the game, JJ caught the ball in the right corner, gave his defender a shot fake, made a side step then drained a 3-pointer from the right wing. The crowd erupted, and JJ trotted back with the biggest smile on his face as he team won the match.

JJ also launched his own brand Conkers, a brand that’s dedicated to providing high quality leisure wear for athletes, in particular the youth.

JJ Sanchez giving one of his signature Conkers hats to CBA's Founder, Damond Williams

Aug 10, 2022 @ 2:59 PM

CBA Media Relations, Contributor

After enduring most of his childhood, and wishing for a better life outside of his homeland of Guyana, Yanceeh Fleret found himself in Paris just years later with his family as they escaped the dangers of living in his South American country. Upon his life's journey, he loved to play basketball, and eventually became selected to play for a few elite teams in France and Canada's Grassroots Elite team before making his way to CBA. He excelled in training programs, and adjusting to life in America especially in Chicago was something he did with grace and confidence.

Yanceeh Fleret is the first member of CBA to receive a scholarship to ISA, which symbolizes a monumental step for both academies as they continue to carry out their strong partnership efforts. With a $37,000 scholarship awarded to Yanceeh, him and his family immediately displayed tears of joy when they received the news while they sat patiently waiting on the news from their home residence in Paris.

Yanceeh Fleret is set to report to ISA at the end of the month to continue his basketball, and life's mission. ISA is located on the Andrew Osbourne campus, in Willoughby, OH which is just about 20 minutes north of Cleveland. They are set to play the likes of Link Year Prep, Vincennes Indian Hills, Spire Academy and many more.

Yanceeh Fleret with ISA's Post-Grad Head Coach, Johnny Dancy

June 17, 2022 @ 9:07 AM

CBA Media Relations, Contributor

With a special style of playing the game at the shooting guard position, Kazuki Hosokawa has shown the world that he’s been ready for the next level for quite some time. After leading his hometown school, Jobu University to high levels of success on the college level, Kazuki saw a career as a pro basketball player being an ideal one for him. After graduating Jobu, Kazuki played his first season in Japan's B League with the Sharks. During the off season he put on some muscle and prepared for his second season, At 6’2, Kazuki plays big, starting in all 21 games so far this season for his new team San-en NP, he reflects on his rookie year and applies what he's learned to his new team this season.

Kazuki has approached this season with a stronger sense of urgency of getting better, and improving his role on the team. With his shot attempts up, as well as his other stats from last year, Kazuki is set to attack the rest of the season with a fierce tenacity of hoping to get his team to the finals and win it all. Even though he has an uphill climb to the championship, he’s certainly one player that’s capable of getting the job done.

Kabuki Hosokawa at CBA during the winter of 2017.

Jul 7, 2021 @ 8:59 PM

CBA Media Relations, Contributor

During this historic time for college athletes, capitalizing on their talents 'off' the court has never been more lucrative. Since all the smoke cleared in regards to NCAA regulations, CBA announced the launch of its 2021 Summer Showcase thats set to kick off in Chicago this weekend, lasting through mid August. The Summer Showcase will provide current & prospective NCAA, and pro athletes with both on-off court demonstrations, breakdowns, and tactics used by some of the most successful personnel throughout the NCAA, NBA and FIBA.

Notable athletes will have a chance at getting invited to pro workouts and training camps based on their level of experience & performance. In addition, they will have an opportunity to engage with branding & marketing specialists, and create strategies to position their social profile in front of viewers who are set to stream from around the world.

The first Summer Showcase is set to begin Sat. afternoon at the Drucker Center in Lincoln Park.

List of Athletes in Attendance for CBA 2021 Summer Showcase

Jun 2, 2020 @ 8:59 PM

Terry Brennan, CBA Legal Counsel

Since June 2017, the Chicago Basketball Academy has endured a tiring legal dispute with the Cook County State’s Attorney. But we are happy to announce that the parties have now resolved their differences, with no admissions of liability. The settlement will allow the CBA to continue pursuing our core missions: training aspiring basketball players and mentoring through the Basketball Economy.

We want to thank all those who stood with us through a difficult period – especially the young people who have found a home in our programs. Most of all, we want to look forward, to a bright future for the CBA and a growing relationship with this city, the game of basketball and the many opportunities they provide.

For more info email attorney, Terry Brennan

Oct 16, 2019 @ 5:59 PM

CBA Media Relations, Contributor

Already present in Casablanca, the Chicago Basketball Academy arrives this year in Rabat. Registrations began Wednesday, September 11th. It is the turn of the basketball academies to open in Morocco. Already present in Casablanca since last season, the Chicago Basketball Academy arrives this year in Rabat. The Academy is located at Parc Hassan II, in front of the Sofitel hotel. The Academy is inspired by the Chicago basketball game method, one of the world's basketball giants. Last Wednesday it organized a first open house to welcome children interested in this sport. A second was planned Saturday, September 14th.

The coaches are Moroccan. They are graduates in sports training or have degrees from FIBA (International Basketball Federation). American coaches will make monthly visits to supervise the training sessions. The participants of the Chicago Basketball Academy will participate in July 2020 in an international basketball tournament in the United States. Registration can be done at the Academy, Hassan II Park in Rabat, training days (Wednesday and Sunday), or at the Academy headquarters, Zaer road.

CBA's Founder, Damond L. Williams pictured above playing basketball with kids from Rabat

Sep 7, 2018 @ 3:59 PM

CBA Media Relations, Contributor

CBA reaches yet another milestone in the sports department - by finishing with an impressive undefeated victory (8-0) during the 2018 Chicago Park District youth basketball tournament held in Old Town. The tournament, now in its 3rd year, featured other notable basketball programs from around the city including Farragut HS and Francis Parker. The championship title didn't come by that easily, as each game was decided by at least 5 points or less - even including an overtime victory that propelled CBA into the semi-finals. Coach Will, and Coach Toshi (shown in the photo above) led the surge from the sidelines, adding that the level of competition was undoubtedly high.

CBA plans to add a youth girls basketball team in the tournament next summer, as well as planning to add its first female coach to the sidelines.

CBA's Guard, Elijah Smith pictured above holding his championship trophy

May 9, 2018 @ 10:24 AM

CBA Media Relations, Contributor

CBA reaches a huge milestone - just as the second quarter kicks off into full gear. With recognition and highlights from the BBB and many others business listing agencies in the US, this is certainly a great time for CBA as it heads into the next phase of operations and re-organization. In honor of the company's 5 year mark, CBA plans to focus more on corporate governance, and strengthening its corporate policy as a way to alleviate and potential liability or damages.

In addition to fortifying its governance, CBA plans to add more global programs, community-based initiatives, and aim its mission towards basketball communities around the globe.

Feb 9, 2018 @ 3:48 PM

CBA Media Relations, Contributor

With a special invitation from the BMO Harris family and the Chicago Bulls, CBA Founder, Damond L. Williams participated in the annual 'Court of Dreams' game held at the United Center. The 40 minute game, coached by former legendary Bulls Center Bill Wennington, and announcer Chucky Swirsky, went down to the wire. Mr. Williams stated, "I had so much fun, and it was such an amazing time playing at the United Center. Having Bill Wennington coach our team, and come up with a game plan to help us win the game was great to experience."

After the game, the 'Court of Dreams' players attended a private dinner which hosted and Q&A with former legendary Bulls Forward Horace Grant, and watched the Bulls play the Minnesota Timberwolves, which hosted an array of former Bulls players. The Bulls went on to win the game with a late offensive surge by Bulls Guard, Zach Levine.

Dec 7, 2017 @ 10:12 AM

CBA Media Relations, Contributor

Last week, coaches from two very known universities in Japan, Jobu University and Kanto Gakuen University attended CBA's cultural exchange program for international coaches. Coach Mr. Tomo (left) returned for his second exchange with CBA while the two other coaches experienced their first cultural exchange, as well as their first time visiting America. In addition to each coach loving every facet about the city of Chicago, from its skyscrapers, to the lakefront skyline and many places to shop, they were particularly fascinated of how well the infrastructure of gymnasiums and athletic facilities are built here in the US. They stated that compared to athletic facilities in Japan, here in the US is ahead of them by lightyears.

In 2018, the coaches plan to create annual sport exchanges with CBA that will allow Japanese athletes to participate in workshops that expose the Basketball Economy, scrimmage other local colleges & universities, and attend personalized training sessions to further develop the sport of basketball in their country.

Dec 12, 2016 @ 8:21 AM

CBA Media Relations, Contributor

Nathan Palmer, Chicago native and NFL star join CBA's Giving Circle as a “3-Point” level Social Sponsor. Palmer, a former Illinois State Redbird and Greenbay Packer, is now a member of the Tennessee Titans and is an avid supporter of youth development. Growing up on Chicago’s south-side he understands having access to safe & reliable resources are important for the community he grew up in as well as in others around Chicago.

“I play professional football, there is a lot of money that flows through that and it takes a lot of money to participate in a sport,” Palmer said. “I figured it’s the same way with basketball. Now we’re talking about kids from less fortunate communities having to come up with ‘x’ amount of dollars, this is an area that needs more funding.”

His sponsorship will provide selected participants with access to CBA’s programs and facilities, and help improve differences that most Chicago youth and families face on a day-to-day basis, which is access to high-quality programs.