PHILADELPHIA, PA – In the relentless, transactional churn of modern college athletics—where rosters are reshuffled annually via the transfer portal and the pursuit of a “finished product” often overshadows the art of cultivation—a quiet but significant rebellion is being staged not in an arena, but in a high school gym.
On December 6th, the Rare Footage Tip Off Showcase at Archbishop Ryan High School will offer a curated, compelling argument for a different path. In an era where recruiting high school players can seem a fading art, this event, meticulously crafted by the scouts and curators at Rare Footage, reminds us of the enduring value of foundational talent. It is a slate of games designed not just to appeal to fans, but to present college coaches with a rare, concentrated dose of projectable skill, competitive fire, and impeccable character.
The Curator’s Craft: Building a Must-See Schedule
What makes this showcase exceptional is its intentional architecture. Rare Footage has moved beyond simply booking teams. They have constructed narrative arcs and competitive contrasts, understanding that the most revealing evaluations happen under the pressure of a compelling storyline. The schedule is a four-act play designed to test every facet of a prospect’s game.
Carter Smith, Sophomore Guard, Penn Charter
Act I: The Veteran vs. The Prodigy The curtain rises with a Philadelphia private school chess match. Friends Select, led by the poised and savvy senior guard Micah Waters, will try to contain the mercurial brilliance of Penn Charter’s Carter Smith, a sophomore with game-breaking talent. It’s a masterclass in contrasting tempos: experience and defensive discipline versus youthful, explosive ambition.
Act II: The Clash of City Identities Next, the showcase pivots to pure, unadulterated grit. South Shore (NYC) versus West Catholic (PHL) is more than a game; it’s a battle of urban basketball ethos. Rare Footage has pitted two programs renowned for toughness, defensive intensity, and relentless pride. This is where intangibles like heart and resilience are scouted as closely as jump shots.
Korey Francis, Bonner Prendie, junior guard
Act III: The Marquee Argument Here lies the centerpiece, the matchup that validates the entire premise of the event. In the transfer-portal era, why should a mid-to-high-major coach invest a scholarship in a high school guard? The duel between Central Dauphin’s Shakur Starling and Bonner Prendie’s Korey Francis is the answer. Rare Footage has engineered the perfect stylistic contrast: Starling’s explosive, north-south athleticism against Francis’s cerebral, physically imposing control. It is a scout’s dream and a definitive test for two of the Mid-Atlantic’s premier 2027 prospects.
Shakur Starling, Central Dauphin, junior guard
Act IV: The Grudge Match The finale ensures the intensity never wanes. A simmering local rivalry between the host Archbishop Ryan and Academy of the New Church (ANC)—fueled by a disputed preseason result—promises a visceral, emotionally charged contest. It’s a test of poise under the pressure of pure rivalry, another layer of evaluation expertly woven into the fabric of the day.
Beyond the Bracket: A Night of Resonance
Thomas Sorber (r) and NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver (l)
Rare Footage’s effort extends beyond the court. The event will pause to retire the jersey of, Thomas Sorber, a Ryan legend, a poignant reminder of the lasting legacy a dedicated student-athlete can forge. This ceremony connects the past to the present, framing the evening’s competition as part of a continuum—not just a transaction, but a tradition.
The Headliners: A Case Study in Foundational Value
The Starling-Francis matchup is the thesis statement of the showcase.
Shakur Starling represents high-ceiling potential. An explosive athlete with a Division I frame, his ability to attack the rim and create in the open court is undeniable. The blueprint for his ascent is clear: refine his perimeter shot and harness his defensive aggression. Off the court, his strong academic record and interest from Patriot and Ivy League schools paint the picture of a complete scholar-athlete, the kind of player who becomes a pillar of a university community.
Korey Francis offers proven, polished production. A veteran of the prestigious Team Final program, he is a “smart, cerebral point guard and a natural leader.” He dominates with strength, savvy, and exceptional court vision, and his well-rounded stat lines are a testament to his consistent impact. He embodies the term “program pillar” off the court as well, serving as his school’s class president and carrying the academic credentials (Ivy/Patriot League interest) that make him a transformative recruit.
A Call for Visionary Investment
For coaching staffs from the Patriot, Ivy, A-10, CAA, and MEAC conferences, the Rare Footage Tip Off Showcase is not merely a convenient scouting trip; it is an essential one. In a sporting landscape cluttered with mercenary roster moves, this event presents the alternative: identifiable, investable talent.
The players here, particularly Starling and Francis, represent the sustainable model—the cornerstone you build with, not the temporary patch you apply. They are players who will grow in skill, leadership, and institutional knowledge over four years, fostering the kind of program culture and fan loyalty that cannot be portaled in.
The showcase on December 6th is a declaration. It is a testament to the curatorial eye of Rare Footage and a powerful argument that the future of the sport still runs through the passionate, competitive crucible of the high school game. In an age obsessed with the immediate, this is where one can secure a foundation.
CAMDEN, NJ – In the high-stakes theater of modern college basketball, where narratives are written in highlight reels and legacies are judged by draft night, it is easy to miss a story of quiet, consistent triumph. The case of DJ Wagner, the once-heralded prodigy from Camden, New Jersey, is too often framed as a tale of unmet potential. The chorus of critics points to the fact that he did not explode onto the scene as a one-and-done superstar, that other guards have seized the spotlight at Kentucky and now Arkansas. But to view his career through this narrow lens is to misunderstand the very definition of success. DJ Wagner is not a disappointment; he is the model of a modern, successful college athlete, building a formidable and valuable career on his own terms.
The Myth of the “One-and-Done” and the Reality of Role Players
The burden of expectation placed on DJ Wagner’s shoulders was immense. As the third-generation McDonald’s All-American, his destiny seemed preordained. The blueprint, crafted by his fervent supporters, was simple: dominate from day one, lead the nation in scoring, and head to the NBA in a blaze of glory. When that did not happen, the narrative quickly soured.
What this critique ignores is the fundamental nature of elite team sports. At programs like Kentucky and Arkansas, the arrival of other talented players like Reed Sheppard or Boogie Fland is not a failure on Wagner’s part; it is the reality of competing at the highest level. The mark of a truly valuable player is not always his ability to dominate the ball, but his capacity to adapt and contribute to winning. Wagner has done exactly that. He has consistently been the player his Hall of Fame coach, John Calipari, trusts to start and play substantial minutes—71 starts in 72 career games. This is not a consolation prize; it is the ultimate sign of respect. Coaches who are paid millions to win games do not entrust key roles to players who do not help them achieve that goal.
A Competitor, Not a Statistic
To watch DJ Wagner play is to see a young man who has mastered the unglamorous essentials of winning basketball. In an era where offensive fireworks often come at the expense of defensive effort, Wagner takes ferocious pride in his work on both ends of the floor. He is a tenacious on-ball defender, a trait that never shows up in a headline but is priceless in the grind of a Southeastern Conference schedule.
Furthermore, his conservative, turnover-averse style is a strategic asset. While flashier players may generate more buzz, Wagner’s steady hand in the backcourt ensures offensive stability. His improved efficiency this season—shooting a remarkable 52.4% from the field—demonstrates a player who is refining his game, making smarter decisions, and growing into a more complete athlete. This is not stagnation; it is maturation.
Redefining Value in the NIL Era
The financial landscape of college sports has fundamentally changed, and any evaluation of a player’s career must account for this new reality. The old model of “one-and-done or bust” is obsolete. DJ Wagner, through his consistency and marketability, is projected to earn between $3 and $4 million in NIL compensation over his college career. This is not a footnote; it is a central chapter in his story. He is achieving significant financial prosperity while simultaneously earning a degree and developing his game in a world-class environment.
This financial success, coupled with his on-court reliability, positions him perfectly for a long professional career, whether in the NBA, the G League, or overseas. He is building a sustainable athletic livelihood, insulated from the volatility that often shatters the dreams of players who peak too early or are built on a less complete foundation.
The Camden Legacy: More Than Just Points
Finally, the criticism from his hometown of Camden, while born of a deep and admirable pride, misses a crucial point. Representing a city is about more than just box scores and draft position; it is about character, resilience, and integrity. Through the noise and the shifting spotlight, DJ Wagner has carried himself with a quiet dignity. He has been a leader, a teammate, and an exemplary ambassador for his family and his city. He has shown the young people of Camden that success is not a single, fleeting moment of glory, but a sustained journey of hard work, adaptation, and professionalism.
(L-R) D.J. Wagner, Milt Wagner and Dejuan Wagner after the Simon Gratz vs. Camden H.S.boys basketball game at Woodrow Wilson H.S. in Camden, NJ on December 20, 2019. Camden won 72-52.
DJ Wagner’s career is a success story of the highest order. He has navigated the immense pressure of his pedigree, adapted to the fierce competition of top-tier college basketball, and carved out a role that makes his teams better. He is financially secure, fundamentally sound, and on the cusp of a professional career. In the end, the most persuasive argument for DJ Wagner is not found in defying expectations, but in transcending them. He has chosen substance over spectacle, and in doing so, he has built a career that is not only strong but truly admirable.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – In the carefully orchestrated ecosystem of college basketball, the early season schedule presents a curious paradox. While powerhouse programs from the Big 10, Big 12, Atlantic Coast and Southeastern Conferences rack up victories in their gleaming arenas, small schools from conferences like the MEAC, MAAC, and NEC often start their seasons with win-loss records of 0-7 or 1-8. These are not accidents of fate, but the result of a calculated, financial arrangement known as the “buy game”—a practice that is both a lifeline for the struggling and a cornerstone for the elite, revealing the stark economic realities of modern college athletics.
Larry Stewart, Coppin State Head Coach
In this unspoken bargain, high-major programs pay low-major counterparts anywhere from $70,000 to $120,000 to visit their home courts. The terms are clear: the visiting team gets a check; the host gets an almost guaranteed victory. For elite programs, these games are a strategic necessity, allowing them to pile up six, seven, or even eight Division I wins before entering the crucible of league play, padding their records and building momentum. For the low-majors, the calculus is different. As one financial officer at a mid-major program put it, “We run thin. There is not a lot of fat” . The revenue from these games—which can total as much as $600,000 for a school’s athletic department over a season—is not a luxury; it is a essential subsidy that keeps entire sports programs afloat
This financial lifeline, however, comes with a profound competitive toll, warping seasons, stymying coaching careers, and creating a distorted landscape where teams often have no true sense of their own identity.
Flash Burton, Rider sophomore guard
The High-Major Calculus: Buying Wins and Building Brands
From the perspective of the nation’s basketball blue bloods, buy games are a rational and efficient investment. They represent a controlled environment to integrate new players, experiment with lineups, and build team chemistry without the immediate threat of a season-damaging loss. In an era where a missed NCAA tournament can mean a significant financial and reputational setback, these guaranteed wins help ensure that a team’s resume is robust enough to catch the eye of the selection committee come March.
Here’s a breakdown of how many teams from each of those conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC) made the 2025 men’s NCAA basketball tournament.
Conference
Number of teams in 2025 NCAA Tournament
ACC
4
Big Ten
8
Big 12
7
SEC
14
The financial outlay, while substantial, is a manageable line item for Power 4 conference schools, which boast operating revenues averaging $97 million in the ACC, for example. For them, the cost of a buy game is easily offset by the revenue from a single home game, which includes ticket sales, concessions, and sponsorships. Furthermore, in the new world of revenue sharing and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), where schools are directing $20.5 million annually directly to athletes, the pressure to maintain a winning program—and the financial windfall that comes with deep tournament runs—has never been greater. A successful season built on a foundation of early wins helps drive the brand engagement that underpins these massive financial operations.
Khali Horton, Coppin State junior forward
The Low-Major Struggle: Survival and Sacrifice
For low- and mid-major programs, the decision to be a “buy team” is a Faustian bargain, balancing financial survival against competitive integrity. The revenue from these games is often the difference between solvency and severe cutbacks. As detailed in a 2020 report, the University of Montana projected a $5 million shortfall in its athletic budget, making the $75,000 to $95,000 earned from a single buy game against a Power 4 school a critical part of its financial planning. This money is used not for luxuries, but for fundamental needs—subsidizing coaching salaries, funding travel for conference play, and paying for equipment
However, this financial lifeline comes at a steep cost.
The Psychological Toll: Teams are conditioned to accept losing as a prelude to their “real” season—conference play. This can be demoralizing for players and coaches who, despite their talent and preparation, are thrust into mismatches night after night.
The Physical Toll: The travel is often grueling. Montana’s team, for instance, sometimes endures trips through two or three airports to reach a game, or marathon 13-hour bus rides to save costs, all while facing the prospect of a lopsided defeat.
A System of Dependence: This model creates a dependency, making it difficult for these programs to escape their subordinate status. The financial incentive to schedule these games can outweigh the competitive incentive to build a balanced schedule that could lead to more wins and long-term growth.
Kevin Baggett, Rider Head Coach
The Sacrifice: A Schedule Built on Blowouts
The brutal reality of this bargain is etched in the season records of teams like Coppin State and Rider University. Consider Coppin State’s schedule heading into its recent game against Rider:
vs Maryland: L 83-61
@ La Salle: L 87-59
@ James Madison: L 84-70
@ South Florida: L 100-50
vs Central Michigan: L 82-59
vs South Alabama: L 72-62
vs Central Penn: W 103-62 (a non-Division I opponent)
@ VCU: L 101-58
Rider’s path was similarly grim before the two teams met:
@ Virginia: L 87-53
@ Rutgers: L 81-53
vs Eastern: W 86-54 (a non-Division I opponent)
@ Texas: L 99-65
@ Houston: L 91-45
These are not just losses; they are systematic dismantlings. The differences in athleticism, strength, and size are so vast that the games become less a contest and more an economic exercise. For the players on the losing end, it is a grueling and demoralizing rite of passage, a season that begins with accepting defeat as a precursor to their “real” season in conference play.
The Coaching Conundrum: A Career Stuck in Quicksand
This system creates a particularly vexing problem for ambitious low-major coaches. Their career advancement depends on winning percentages and postseason success. Yet, they are forced to begin every season with a gauntlet of near-certain losses, cratering their overall record before they ever play a peer opponent.
How can a coach prove their program-building mettle when their team is structurally scheduled to start 0-7? The buy game phenomenon acts as a ceiling, trapping talented coaches in a cycle where achieving a strong winning percentage is a mathematical improbability. Their resumes are hamstrung from the outset, making the leap to a higher-profile job significantly more difficult, regardless of their actual coaching acumen.
An Ecosystem at a Crossroads
The buy game system is a microcosm of the broader inequities in college athletics, a landscape where the financial disparity is staggering. A single Power 5 conference, the SEC, generated $1.89 billion in revenue in 2018, a figure that eclipsed the $1.38 billion generated by the entire Football Championship Subdivision, a group of over 100 schools that includes many low-major basketball programs. This chasm is now being codified in new ways, as the advent of revenue sharing and large-scale NIL deals creates what some have called a “pay for play” tier, potentially relegating mid- and low-majors to a permanently lower competitive status.
The pros and cons from each perspective can be summarized as follows:
Perspective
Pros
Cons
High-Major Program
– Nearly guaranteed victories for record-building – Low-risk environment for team development- Protects lucrative postseason prospects
– Financial cost of guarantee payments – Risk of player injury in a mismatch- Can be criticized for lack of competitive scheduling
Low-Major Program
– Essential revenue for athletic department survival ($600k+/season) – Funds travel, salaries, and operational costs – Opportunity for players to compete in a high-profile environment
– Demoralizing starts to the season (0-7, 1-8 records) – Grueling travel and physical toll on players – Perpetuates a cycle of financial and competitive dependency
Yet, even as this system entrenches inequality, it is also being challenged by the same market forces that sustain it. Low-major programs are being forced to find creative revenue streams, from hosting concerts in their facilities to pursuing novel licensing deals for branded merchandise. Some analysts argue that the coming restructuring of college sports might, ironically, offer these schools a way out—freeing them from an unwinnable financial arms race and allowing them to refocus on their educational mission.
Zion Cruz, Rider senior guard
The Distortion: Who Are We, Really?
Perhaps the most subtle yet damaging effect of the buy game system is the competitive distortion it creates. When Coppin State and Rider finally faced each other, they did so with a combined 2-12 record. Their lone wins came against non-Division I schools.
They had no true idea how good or bad their teams were. How do you gauge your defensive schemes after being overwhelmed by Virginia’s size or Houston’s speed? How do you assess your offense after facing defenses with a level of length and athleticism you will never see in your own conference? The games against high-majors are so different in kind, not just degree, that they offer little actionable data for the games that ultimately matter—the conference matchups that determine a chance at the NCAA tournament.
An Uneasy, Enduring Symbiosis
Despite its clear downsides, this ecosystem is remarkably stable. The high-majors have no incentive to change a system that provides them with wins, revenue, and a soft launch to their season. The low-majors, trapped by financial necessity, cannot afford to walk away from the checks.
The buy game is the purest expression of college basketball’s economic hierarchy. It is a transaction that funds dreams at one school by monetizing the competitive hopes of another. For every check that clears, a season is warped, a coach’s record is tarnished, and a team is left to wonder about its own identity until it finally steps onto a court against an opponent its own size. The games will go on, the standings will tell two different stories, and the unspoken bargain will continue to define the sport, for better and for worse.
RICHMOND, VA – The tectonic plates of college athletics have shifted irrevocably, creating a landscape that is both exhilarating and unnerving. The confluence of name, image and likeness (NIL) compensation and the transfer portal has ushered in a form of rampant, year-round free agency, where roster-building is a high-stakes puzzle and the very concept of player loyalty is being tested. In this volatile new world, a program’s success is no longer just about the X’s and O’s on the whiteboard; it’s about constructing a culture so compelling, a vision so clear, and relationships so authentic that players choose to stay and build within it, rather than simply pass through. Many, like Philadelphia’s six Division 1 college basketball programs, have struggled to adapt.
Phil Martelli, Jr., VCU Head Coach
The proud tradition of Philadelphia’s Big 5, once a vibrant tapestry of city-wide basketball passion, is being systematically unraveled by the harsh realities of the modern NCAA. In this new era, defined by the transfer portal’s relentless churn and the financial allure of Name, Image and Likeness deals, the foundational pillars of local recruiting and program continuity have crumbled. The result is a stark and unprecedented decline: for the first time in the consortium’s storied history, no Big 5 program has danced in the NCAA tournament for three consecutive years. These schools, from Saint Joseph’s to Temple, are now caught in a debilitating cycle, struggling to retain burgeoning talent while finding themselves outgunned in the bidding wars for the transfers who could save them. The very model that built these giants of the mid-major world has become a relic, leaving them to fight a existential battle on a playing field tilted decisively against them.
It is against this backdrop of existential change that Virginia Commonwealth University’s hiring of Philly born and bred, Phil Martelli Jr., as its head men’s basketball coach must be viewed. This was not merely a search for a tactician; it was a search for an architect for a new era. In Martelli, and in his strategic assembly of a staff featuring his brother Jimmy and rising star Ryan Daly, VCU has not just found a leader. Drawing from the pool of young Philadelphia coaching talent, it has established a coherent, persuasive, and uniquely qualified command structure designed to thrive amid the chaos. These young men were literally born and raised in the A10. This hire represents a potent blueprint for sustainable success in modern college basketball: a fusion of deep-rooted cultural understanding, proven program-building, and unbreakable personal trust.
Navigating the New Frontier: Culture as the Ultimate Competitive Edge
The transfer portal giveth, and the transfer portal taketh away. In an age where a star player can be lured away by a more lucrative NIL collective at a moment’s notice, the intrinsic value of a program—its identity, its sense of family, its proven path to development—has never been more critical. This is the very heart of VCU’s bet on Phil Martelli Jr.
He is not a mercenary coach; he is a native son of the Atlantic 10. He understands that at a program like VCU, you cannot simply outspend the power conferences. You must out-care, out-develop, and out-connect. His life’s work, from his playing days on the storied courts of St. Joseph’s to engineering a historic turnaround at Bryant, has been about fostering deep, authentic relationships. In the “NIL and free agency” era, this is not a soft skill; it is a strategic imperative. Players today are not just athletes; they are partners and stakeholders in the program’s journey. Martelli’s genuine, grounded approach is precisely the antidote to the transactional nature that threatens to consume the sport.
As VCU Vice President and Director of Athletics Ed McLaughlin stated, Martelli has “clearly lived his entire life amid college basketball legends but has made his own path and paid his dues through hard work, good character and a devotion to developing young men into the best versions of themselves through sport.” This focus on holistic development, on building men rather than just players, is the cornerstone of a culture that can withstand the siren calls of the open market.
The Visionary: Phil Martelli Jr., A10 Native and Modern Program-Builder
Phil Martelli Jr. is the perfect synthesis of old-school values and new-school methodology. His upbringing as the son of a St. Joseph’s coaching legend provided him with an innate, cradle-to-present understanding of the A-10’s competitive soul. He didn’t just study the conference; he was raised on its sidelines, absorbing its rhythms and rivalries. As a player, he was a co-captain on the 2002-03 St. Joseph’s team alongside Jameer Nelson and Delonte West, experiencing the pinnacle of A-10 success and NCAA Tournament glory. He knows the recruiting battles in Philadelphia and the DMV, the grind of the conference schedule, and the specific breed of tough, intelligent player who thrives in this environment.
But his record at Bryant proves he is no traditionalist clinging to the past. He is a self-made architect of success. Arriving as an assistant in 2018, he was a key engineer in the Bulldogs’ first Division I NCAA Tournament berth in 2022. When handed the reins as head coach, he didn’t just maintain success; he elevated it, leading Bryant to both the America East regular season and tournament championships in 2025, earning an NCAA Tournament bid and securing a second straight 20-win campaign. For this, he was deservedly named the 2025 America East Conference and NABC Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year.
His teams won with a dynamic, modern, up-tempo offensive system that ranked third and sixth, respectively, in the country in adjusted tempo. His 2024-25 squad averaged a blistering 81.8 points per game. This style is a powerful recruiting and retention tool in itself, offering the kind of exciting, pro-friendly basketball that attracts and motivates today’s players. Furthermore, his well-rounded apprenticeship—from being the youngest full-time assistant in Division I at 22, to an NCAA Tournament appearance at Niagara, to a crucial stint in the NBA G-League—provides him with unique credibility when advising players on their professional pathways. In an era where players are focused on their next step, a coach who can speak the language of the pros is invaluable.
The Cornerstone: Jimmy Martelli, The Keeper of the Flame and Bridge to the Future
In his brother, Jimmy, Coach Martelli has an associate head coach who is the ultimate force multiplier, a cornerstone ensuring the entire structure remains stable. Any coaching transition risks the erosion of a program’s intangible identity. At VCU, that identity—a specific brand of relentless defense, communal toughness, and city-wide pride known as “Havoc”—is its most valuable asset. Jimmy Martelli is its living archivist.
Jimmy Martelli, VCU Associate Head Coach
For six formative years, from 2017 to 2023, he served as the director of operations under Mike Rhoades. In that role, he was not a bystander but an integral part of the machinery that produced two Atlantic 10 regular-season titles, a tournament championship, and three NCAA Tournament appearances. He understands the daily rhythms, the operational expectations, and the very soul of Ram Nation. He knows what makes a VCU player tick. This is not knowledge that can be learned in a manual; it is absorbed through years of immersion. His presence guarantees that the foundational principles of VCU basketball remain intact, even as the leadership and tactics evolve.
Crucially, Jimmy is not just a link to the past. His recent two-year stint at Penn State showcased his evolution into a dynamic, forward-thinking coach capable of thriving in one of the nation’s toughest conferences. He helped the Nittany Lions set a program record for scoring (79.1 points per game) and fostered a defensive identity that ranked near the top of the Big Ten in steals and forced turnovers. More impressively, he proved himself as an elite recruiter, serving as the lead recruiter for the highest-ranked recruiting class—and the highest-ranked individual recruit, Kayden Mingo—in Penn State history. This demonstrates a critical capacity: the ability to sell a program not named “VCU” to blue-chip talent, a skill that will translate powerfully back in the A-10.
The head coach-assistant coach dynamic is inherently one of professional trust. The Martelli dynamic elevates this to something far more potent: unshakeable personal and philosophical trust. Having literally grown up in the same household, under the tutelage of a legendary A-10 coach, Jimmy and Phil Jr. share a basketball language and a core set of values forged over a lifetime. This eliminates the typical feeling-out period and inherent friction of a new staff. Jimmy can speak with a candidness to his brother that no other assistant could, facilitating smoother, more honest decision-making. In the high-pressure crucible of a first-time head coaching job in a passionate market, this built-in, trusted confidant is an invaluable asset.
The Firebrand: Ryan Daly, The Embodiment of the Underdog Spirit
Completing this strategic trifecta is Ryan Daly, a coach whose personal narrative is a recruiting pitch in itself. If a culture needs an engine of intensity, Daly is that engine. His story is one of perpetual overcoming. As a Philadelphia Catholic League Player of the Year, he was inexplicably overlooked by the city’s prestigious Big 5 programs. This snub became his fuel. He accepted a scholarship at Delaware and exploded onto the scene, becoming the fastest player in the program’s history to score 1,000 points. When he transferred to his family’s ancestral home at Saint Joseph’s, he didn’t just play; he dominated, leading the Big 5 in scoring for two seasons and cementing himself as one of the most prolific scorers in modern Hawks history. Daly doesn’t just preach perseverance; he is a living monument to it.
Ryan Daly, VCU Assistant Coach and Jadrian Tracey, Senior Guard
His brief but impactful track record proves he can translate his personal grit into team success. In his single season alongside Martelli at Bryant, he was instrumental in the Bulldogs’ America East championship run, directly helping to develop Earl Timberlake into the conference’s Player of the Year and Barry Evans into the Newcomer of the Year. At UAlbany, he helped engineer a top offense and was credited with recruiting and developing All-Conference players. His nomination as one of Silver Waves Media’s Top 100 Rising Stars was a recognition of this burgeoning reputation as a developer and recruiter.
Daly’s deep, almost poetic ties to the Martelli legacy add another layer of cohesion. His grandfather, Jim Boyle, played for the legendary Jack Ramsay on Hawk Hill and was the head coach at Saint Joseph’s who hired a young Phil Martelli Sr. as an assistant. Daly’s own father, Brian, played for Martelli Sr. Now, he joins the staff of Martelli’s son, closing a multi-generational circle. This shared history creates an environment of profound understanding and shared purpose. Daly’s energy, authenticity, and undeniable credibility make him a formidable recruiter who can connect with players on a visceral level, selling the VCU dream because he has lived a version of it himself.
Ryan Daly and Philly Sophomore point guard, Ahmad Nowell
In a sport destabilized by constant change, VCU has chosen not to fight the chaos, but to master it through stability, identity, and trust. VCU joined the A10 in 2012, yet their relative newcomer status, the program has a deep and profound understanding of the A10 culture. By hiring Phil Martelli Jr. and empowering him to bring his brother and Ryan Daly, the Rams have built more than a coaching staff; they have built a familial command structure designed for the modern game. They have invested in a cohesive unit that provides the cultural stability, tactical modernity, and authentic relationships today’s players seek. In the turbulent new world of college athletics, that is not just a smart hire; it is a profound and powerful statement of identity. The Martelli era in Richmond isn’t just beginning; it’s coming home.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – For the legendary Big 5, success is no longer measured in championships, but in survival.
Deuce Jones, La Salle guard
The stained-glass windows of the Palestra, college basketball’s most venerable cathedral, have looked down on decades of Philadelphia basketball lore. They’ve witnessed the intensity of John Chaney stalking the sidelines, the perfection of Saint Joseph’s 2003-04 regular season, and the raw passion of one of sport’s most unique rivalries. For generations, the Philadelphia Big 5 operated within a coherent, predictable universe where tradition mattered, coaches built programs over years, and players became four-year legends on Hawk Hill and North Broad Street.
That world is gone.
The past five years have witnessed what philosopher Thomas Kuhn termed a “paradigm shift”—a revolutionary, non-cumulative break from the old order. The emergence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation and unlimited transfers with immediate eligibility has not merely reformed college basketball; it has created an entirely new ecosystem. The NCAA’s old model of amateurism lies in ruins, dismantled by Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s blistering concurrence in NCAA v. Alston, which declared, “The NCAA is not above the law”.
The question now haunting Philadelphia’s basketball temples is no longer which team will win the city championship, but what constitutes success when the rules of competition have been fundamentally rewritten.
The Shattered Paradigm: Free Agency and Finances
The old paradigm of college athletics was built on stability—the “amateur ideal” where athletes were “student-athletes,” transfers were heavily restricted, and the NCAA maintained absolute control. This framework provided a predictable environment where programs could build through patient development of high school recruits and coaches could construct cultures that lasted decades.
Dasear Haskins, St. Joseph’s wing
The new paradigm operates with entirely different principles:
Year-Round Free Agency: The transfer portal has created a marketplace of immediate eligibility, where rosters turn over annually
Financial Competition: NIL collectives now determine recruiting outcomes as much as coaching reputations or facilities
Transactional Relationships: Concepts like “loyalty” and “program building” have been redefined in a world where players must be re-recruited each offseason
This violent rupture has created what Kuhn would call “incommensurable” worlds—the old and new systems are so fundamentally different that stakeholders literally “see different things when they look at the same object” . An “offer” from a school once meant an athletic scholarship; today, it represents a complex package of scholarship, NIL money, and branding opportunities.
Philadelphia’s Pain: Three Years in the Wilderness
The human cost of this revolution is nowhere more evident than in the Big 5’s unprecedented three-year NCAA tournament drought. For the first time in the rivalry’s storied history, no Philadelphia team has danced in March for three consecutive seasons—a stark indication of how dramatically the competitive landscape has shifted.
Joe Mihalich, La Salle Special Assistant to Head Coach
The following table illustrates the challenging preseason outlook for the Big 5 programs according to recent analyses:
The bleak projections reflect the harsh new reality: in a landscape dominated by programs that can leverage financial resources and transfer portal appeal, most of Philadelphia’s teams are fighting with one hand tied behind their backs.
Villanova’s Blueprint: Competing in the Power 6
Villanova stands alone as the only Big 5 program with reasonable aspirations of national relevance. The Wildcats benefit from competing in what analysts now call the “Power 6”—the six basketball conferences that consistently outperform others in NCAA tournament seeding and wins. The Big East has earned at least five NCAA tournament bids in three of the past five seasons, providing Villanova with multiple pathways to the Dance.
Bryce Lindsay, Villanova guard
Under first-year coach Kevin Willard, the Wildcats are attempting to leverage their substantial resources—including a robust NIL collective and national brand recognition—to compete in the new paradigm. The program has become a destination for transfers like Bryce Lindsay (James Madison) and Tyler Perkins (Penn), players who can provide immediate production.
Yet even Villanova faces headwinds. The team was picked 7th in the 11-team Big East preseason poll. As one analysis noted, the Wildcats are “relying on players who are stepping up in class, such as Lindsay… or first-year players who have talent but not experience”. In the new paradigm, success requires not just recruiting talent, but constantly rebuilding rosters in an increasingly transactional environment.
Temple’s Storied History Meets Hard New Reality
For Temple, the paradigm shift has been particularly brutal. This is a program with 33 NCAA tournament appearances, 5 Elite Eights, and 2 Final Fours—a legacy built over decades by coaching legends like Chaney, who took the Owls to 17 tournaments in 18 seasons.
Aiden Tobiason, Temple guard
That historical success now means little in the new ecosystem. Temple has made just two NCAA appearances in the past 12 seasons, and this year was picked 9th in the 13-team American Athletic Conference. The AAC typically receives only 1-2 NCAA tournament bids per season, creating a brutal competitive environment where even strong conference records may not be enough for at-large consideration.
Coach Adam Fisher acknowledges the rebuilding challenge, noting that last season “things could go wrong… they did” with injuries, suspensions, and departures. In the new paradigm, “rebuilding” no longer means developing freshmen over four years, but aggressively working the transfer portal to replace departing talent—a challenge for programs without the NIL war chests of Power 6 competitors.
Saint Joseph’s: The Middle-Class Squeeze
Saint Joseph’s exemplifies the “middle-class” programs caught between historical success and current realities. The Hawks have 21 NCAA tournament appearances, an Elite Eight, and a Final Four in their history, with legends like Jack Ramsay and Phil Martelli accounting for two-thirds of those tournament trips.
Steve Donahue, St. Joseph’s Head Coach
Yet the program has zero NCAA appearances in the past decade, and despite winning 22 games and a second straight Big 5 title last season, home losses to teams like Central Connecticut and Princeton crushed at-large hopes. This season, the Hawks were picked 7th in the 14-team Atlantic 10, another conference that typically receives only 1-2 NCAA bids annually.
The September resignation of Billy Lange created additional instability, though successor Steve Donahue has talent to work with, including La Salle transfer and reigning A-10 Rookie of the Year Deuce Jones. Donahue believes this is “the most athletic team he’s ever coached”, but in the new paradigm, athleticism alone cannot overcome the structural disadvantages facing mid-major programs.
Penn’s Ivy League Transformation
The Quakers represent one of the most fascinating case studies in adaptation. Despite being picked 7th in the 8-team Ivy League, some analysts believe Penn has the best chance among the city’s programs (outside of Villanova) to make noise this season.
Fran McCaffery, Penn Head Coach
The reason? First-year coach Fran McCaffery—the winningest coach in Iowa history—and his ability to leverage the transfer portal, landing former five-star recruit T.J. Power from Virginia. The Quakers also return standout Ethan Roberts (16.8 points per game).
McCaffery’s hiring signals that even Ivy League programs, with their strict academic requirements and no athletic scholarships, must compete aggressively in the new marketplace. As one analysis noted, “If Roberts plays well and Power is healthy and Penn quickly adapts to McCaffery’s style, the Quakers could sneak into the No. 4 spot in the league” and then “anything is possible” in the Ivy League tournament.
La Salle and Drexel: The New Reality’s Hard Edge
For La Salle and Drexel, the new paradigm has created near-insurmountable barriers to national relevance.
Darris Nichols, La Salle Head Coach
La Salle, with its 12 NCAA tournaments, 2 Final Fours, and a National Championship, has played in just one NCAA tournament over the past 34 years. First-year coach Darris Nichols has brought “youthful enthusiasm and renewed energy” to the program, but the Explorers were picked 13th in the 14-team A-10. As one analysis bluntly stated: “It is a really long way to go from being picked one spot from the bottom of the A-10 to winning the conference title”.
Drexel faces similar challenges in the CAA, a one-bid league where the Dragons were projected 10th of 13 teams. The transfer portal has been particularly unkind to Drexel, with standouts like Yame Butler (Butler), Kobe Magee (Florida State), and Cole Hargrove (Providence) all departing for bigger programs—and presumably, bigger paydays. This talent drain from mid-majors to power conferences represents one of the most significant consequences of the new paradigm.
Redefining Success in the Athlete Empowerment Era
In this new world, the criteria for a “good season” must be recalibrated for all but the elite programs:
For Villanova: Success means NCAA tournament appearances and Sweet 16 runs—maintaining status as a national program capable of competing with college basketball’s financial elite
For Temple: Given conference constraints, an NCAA tournament appearance represents a major achievement, requiring either a conference tournament championship or a spectacular regular season
For Saint Joseph’s: Realistic success means NIT victories and consistent competitiveness in the A-10, with NCAA appearances representing extraordinary rather than expected outcomes
For Penn: An NIT appearance would signal remarkable progress, particularly given their preseason projection, and would validate their aggressive adaptation to the new landscape
For La Salle and Drexel: Simply reaching the NIT would represent significant achievement, indicating program momentum in an era where mid-majors struggle to retain talent
The tectonic plates of college sports have shifted, and Philadelphia basketball sits directly on the fault line. The Palestra still stands, but the games played within its hallowed halls are governed by new rules— both written and unwritten. The paradigm has shifted, and in this new world, survival itself constitutes a form of victory.
PHILADELPHIA, PA —Girard College announced on October 9, 2025 that it has hired Mark Bass, a Mercer County basketball legend with deep ties to the Philadelphia region and a storied history as both a player and coach, as the new head coach of its boys’ basketball team. Long-time St. Joseph’s University coach Phil Martelli introduced Bass to his Girard College team in an emotional and intimate gathering. The appointment signals an ambitious new direction for the program, entrusting it to a figure renowned for his tactical acumen and a proven record of rapid turnaround.
Phil Martelli and Mark Bass
Bass brings over 24 years of coaching experience to the role, most recently serving as an Assistant Coach for Prep and Development Basketball at the South Kent School, a Connecticut-based incubator for elite talent. His hiring is seen as a coup for Girard College, securing a leader with a demonstrated ability to elevate teams to championship contention.
“We are thrilled to welcome a leader of Mark Bass’s caliber and character to Girard College,” said Tumar Alexander, Girard College Vice-President of Operations. “His philosophy extends far beyond the basketball court, emphasizing the development of student-athletes as scholars and citizens. His record of success, both immediate and sustained, makes him the ideal person to build a proud and successful future for our boys’ basketball program.”
Tumar Alexander and Mark Bass
Bass is not merely a coach; he is a part of the area’s basketball fabric. A member of both the Mercer County Sports Hall of Fame and the St. Joseph’s University Basketball Hall of Fame, he remains the all-time leading scorer for Trenton Catholic Academy (formerly McCorristin), where he led the team to back-to-back state championship games.
His legacy continued at St. Joseph’s University, where he starred as one of the deadliest shooters in the program’s history and a key part of its 1996 NIT finals team. After a professional stint in China, Bass returned to his alma mater, embarking on a 20-year tenure as an assistant coach—the longest in St. Joseph’s history—where he was instrumental in developing NBA players such as Jameer Nelson, Delonte West, and DeAndre Bembry. He also helped lead the Hawks to another NIT final as a coach in 2005.
It is his most recent high school head coaching performance, however, that provides the clearest blueprint for what Girard College can expect. In 2021, Bass was hired to resurrect the Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy program, a decision hailed at the time as an “absolute no-brainer.”
The results were instantaneous and profound. In his first season at the helm, Bass engineered a dramatic resurgence, leading the Iron Mikes to a Mercer County Championship and, for the first time in 12 years, a South Jersey, Non-Public B title. His team finished the season ranked No. 4 in the state by NJ.com.
“In the program’s first year under coach Mark Bass, Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy plays with a toughness on the defensive end that figures to make these Iron Mikes a lethal threat,” wrote Greg Johnson of The Trentonian in a mid-season assessment.
Mark Bass and Guy Moore, Girard College Director of Athletics
John Castaldo, Bass’s own high school coach at McCorristin, praised the hire at the time, noting, “He returns to his alma mater with a wealth of basketball knowledge… His skills in developing and nurturing relationships are outstanding. He has always been an individual of high character and moral integrity.”
Bass’s expertise is further honed by his role as a Head Coach for the prestigious WeR1 Basketball Club on the Under Armour Association circuit, where he has continued to develop top-tier amateur talent.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to join the Girard College community,” said Bass. “This is a special institution with tremendous potential. I look forward to building a program that the entire Girard family can be proud of—one that competes for championships while upholding the highest standards of excellence, discipline, and sportsmanship. The work begins now.”
Bass holds a Bachelors degree in Marketing from St. Joseph’s University and Master’s degree from Rider University. He officially assumes his duties on October 20, 2025.
About Girard College
Girard College is a landmark independent boarding school in Philadelphia, providing a full-scholarship, holistic education for academically capable students from families with limited financial resources, serving grades 1 through 12.
PHILADELPHIA — In an era defined by the seismic influence of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) advisors, sports agents, and the directors of national basketball academies, a new initiative is aiming to return the focus of youth basketball to its foundational element: teaching the game.
The Philly Coaching Academy, a venture from P and J Enterprises founded by former Saint Joseph’s University and former Michigan associate head coach Phil Martelli, has been named an official sponsor of the upcoming Black Cager Fall Classic. The partnership signals a concerted effort to address a growing void in the development of basketball coaches at the grassroots level.
Phil Martelli
The announcement comes amid what many insiders describe as a paradigm shift in youth and scholastic basketball. The insertion of substantial student-athlete compensation has fundamentally altered the player development process, creating an ecosystem where financially motivated “handlers” and the allure of national programs often overshadow the core mission of instruction and mentorship. Consequently, less time, energy, and resources are being devoted to cultivating the next generation of skilled coaches.
“In today’s environment, the term ‘coach’ can be diluted. A true coach is a person who trains, instructs, and guides a team to improve their skills and performance, with winning as a byproduct of that process,” said Martelli, a Hall of Fame inductee of the Philadelphia Big 5 and one of the most respected figures in the sport. “We are determined to identify and develop good, ethical, and effective youth and scholastic coaches who embody that definition.”
To that end, the Philadelphia Coaching Academy has been created specifically for coaches operating at the CYO, middle school, recreational, and travel team levels. The academy’s goal is to equip these coaches with the tools to plan and execute efficient, effective practices. The curriculum will be delivered through four standalone sessions, each featuring on-court demonstrations of drills presented by Martelli and other prominent high school coaches.
Delgreco Wilson, founder of Black Cager Sports, expressed strong support for the partnership, drawing from his long-standing observation of Martelli’s career.
“I’ve been fortunate to witness Martelli’s entire coaching journey. More than any other coach I’ve encountered, Martelli has been an open book. His practices were always accessible,” Wilson said. “He is the right guy to teach young Philly men and women how to be professional youth and scholastic basketball coaches.”
As part of the sponsorship, a coach from every high school participating in the Black Cager Fall Classic will be invited to a exclusive Zoom webinar with Martelli. Furthermore, the head coach of two participating Fall Classic teams will receive full certificates to attend a session of the Philadelphia Coaching Academy.
Wilson emphasized the critical timing of this initiative, stating, “Martelli is absolutely the right guy, and this is definitely the right time to focus on actually teaching and coaching the game of basketball. We’ve seen the business side expand rapidly; now it’s time to reinvest in the craft of coaching itself.”
The collaboration between the Philadelphia Coaching Academy and the Black Cager Fall Classic represents a significant step toward reinforcing the instructional backbone of the sport, ensuring that the coaches guiding young athletes are as developed and dedicated as the players they mentor.
About the Philadelphia Coaching Academy: Founded by Phil Martelli through P and J Enterprises, the Philadelphia Coaching Academy is dedicated to the education and development of basketball coaches at the youth and scholastic levels. Through a series of intensive, practical sessions, the academy provides coaches with the fundamental principles of practice planning, skill development, and team instruction.
About the Black Cager Fall Classic: The Black Cager Fall Classic is a premier showcase event presented by Black Cager Sports, featuring top high school basketball talent from the Philadelphia region and beyond. It serves as a critical platform for player exposure and development at the onset of the school year.
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Media Contact: Delgreco Wilson Managing Editor, Black Cager Sports blackcager@gmail.com
*Premier Pre-Season Basketball Tournament Set to Light Up Allentown on October 11*
Allentown, PA – July 28, 2025 – Black Cager Sports is thrilled to announce the return of the Black Cager Fall Classic to the Executive Education Fieldhouse in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Celebrating a decade of elite competition, the Fall Classic has solidified its reputation as one of the East Coast’s premier pre-season basketball showcases, drawing top high school talent, college scouts, and passionate fans from across the region.
Since its inception in 2015, the Black Cager Fall Classic has become a must-attend event for players, coaches, and basketball enthusiasts alike. The tournament has played a pivotal role in elevating mid-Atlantic scholastic basketball, providing unmatched exposure through live streaming, social media coverage, and high-level competition. Each year, the event delivers a significant economic boost to Allentown as teams and fans travel in to witness the action.
“The Executive Education Fieldhouse is the perfect home for the Fall Classic,” said Delgreco Wilson, founder of Black Cager Sports. “When we moved the event here, we knew we had found something special—a world-class facility with four courts, ample parking, and an incredible fan experience. This is where the Fall Classic belongs, and we’re proud to make it our permanent home.”
With over 2,300 college players entering the transfer portal in 2025, roster management has never been more critical. The Fall Classic offers high school coaches a unique opportunity to evaluate their teams in competitive game settings before the official season tips off. For college coaches, the event serves as a key scouting platform, allowing them to identify rising stars early in the year.
Robert Lysek, Chief Executive Officer of Executive Education Academy Charter School, echoed the excitement: “The Black Cager Fall Classic has become a beloved tradition in Allentown, bringing elite basketball talent to our city and introducing new visitors to the Executive Education Fieldhouse each year. We’re honored to partner with Black Cager Sports to host such a prestigious event.”
The tournament’s legacy speaks for itself. NBA standouts like Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans), Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons), Bub Carrington (Washington Wizards), Jamir Watkins (Washington Wizards), and Collin Gillespie (Phoenix Suns) all showcased their skills at past Fall Classics. The event has also been a launching pad for college stars such as Derek Simpson (Saint Joseph’s), DJ Wagner (Arkansas), and Zion Stanford (Villanova). Even Hall of Fame coaches like Bill Self (Kansas), John Calipari (Arkansas), and Danny Hurley (UConn) follow the action closely, using livestreams and game footage to evaluate talent.
Don’t miss the 2025 Black Cager Fall Classic—where the next generation of basketball stars takes center stage!
For media inquiries, contact: Delgreco Wilson Founder, Black Cager Sports Email: blackcager@gmail.com Instagram: @BlackCagerPress X: @DelgrecoWilson Facebook: Delgreco Wilson
Black Cager Sports is dedicated to promoting and elevating basketball talent through premier showcases, scouting reports, and media coverage. The Fall Classic remains one of its flagship events, providing unparalleled exposure for high school athletes and a must-see experience for basketball fans.
RADNOR, PA – In Philadelphia, the head coaching job for Villanova men’s basketball isn’t just another position—it’s a crown. As a lifelong Philadelphian, I’d argue that only the Eagles’ and Phillies’ top jobs command more universal respect than leading the Wildcats. The Sixers, Flyers, and Union coaches have their admirers, but none occupy the same pedestal as the man steering Villanova.
That reverence is largely the legacy of Jay Wright, who transformed the program into a national powerhouse. Wright didn’t just surpass Big 5 legends like John Chaney and Jack Ramsay—he redefined what success looked like in Philadelphia basketball. Six Big East titles, four Final Fours, and two national championships in 21 seasons set a standard that seemed almost impossible to maintain.
When Wright stepped down in 2022, Villanova turned to his protégé, Kyle Neptune. But after three underwhelming seasons—no NCAA Tournament appearances, no deep Big East runs—the school moved on. Now, the Wildcats have handed the keys to Kevin Willard, a seasoned Big East hand with a track record of player development and program-building.
Kevin Willard, Villanova
Willard, 50, arrives after a three-year stint at Maryland, but his roots run deep in the Big East. He spent six years as Rick Pitino’s assistant at Louisville and 12 as Seton Hall’s head coach, where he turned the Pirates into consistent contenders. At his introductory press conference, flanked by a strong staff—David Cox, Kevin Norris, Ashley Howard, Greg Manning Jr.—Willard sounded like a man ready to plant his flag.
Delgreco Wilson, Black Cager Sports (l) and Greg Manning, Villanova Assistant Coach (r)
“I’m in the prime of my coaching career,” he said. “This is where I want to be.”
But beyond the résumé, what makes Willard the right hire? Because he’s a player’s coach—a term often overused but perfectly fitting here. He doesn’t just develop talent; he invests in his players as people.
Take Donta Scott, the former Imhotep Charter star. Willard recruited him to Seton Hall, then coached him at Maryland, pushing him to embrace a more aggressive offensive role. Scott, now in the G League, credits Willard’s guidance for his growth. Or Julian Reese, who became just the second Terp ever to reach 1,000 rebounds under Willard’s watch. And then there’s freshman phenom Derek Queen, whose buzzer-beater in this year’s NCAA Tournament announced him as a future star.
Perhaps the most telling story is that of Michael Nzei, a Seton Hall role player under Willard. When asked if Nzei could play professionally overseas, Willard didn’t hesitate: “He’ll make more money on Wall Street.” Two weeks after his final game, Nzei landed a job at Goldman Sachs.
Eric Watkins, VU Sports (l) and Ashley Howard, Villanova Assistant Coach (r)
That’s the kind of coach Villanova is getting—one who sees the bigger picture. In a Big East loaded with heavyweights like Rick Pitino, Shaka Smart, and Dan Hurley, Willard has the presence, the pedigree, and the player-first approach to restore Villanova to its rightful place among college basketball’s elite.
The Main Line is ready. The Big East should be too.
CAMDEN, NJ – In an era when college basketball players often chase the brightest spotlight or the most lucrative NIL deals, Jerome Brewer’s decision to return home stands as a rare act of introspection and social responsibility. The 6’8” forward, who has navigated a winding collegiate journey from Texas A&M Commerce to McNeese State, could have followed his former coach to North Carolina State or sought a bigger stage elsewhere. Instead, he chose La Salle University—not just for basketball, but to fulfill a deeper mission.
Brewer’s choice reflects a maturity beyond his years. At a time when young athletes are frequently pressured to prioritize immediate success, he considered something more enduring: his ability to influence the next generation. His insistence that La Salle facilitate access for Camden City Public School students to games and practices isn’t a mere publicity gesture; it’s an intentional effort to reinforce the values that shaped him.
“Sports act as an agent of socialization,” Brewer said, articulating a perspective more common among seasoned coaches than 22-year-old players. “They teach values, behaviors, and skills—teamwork, communication, resilience.” His words underscore an awareness of basketball’s broader role, one that extends far beyond the box score.
This understanding didn’t emerge in a vacuum. Brewer’s formative years were spent in Camden’s gyms, where the game was both an escape and an education. After a brief stint in the Philadelphia Catholic League, he returned to Camden High, helping restore its basketball prominence alongside future Division I standouts. When college offers didn’t meet his expectations, he bet on himself—first at prep school, then in the Southland Conference, where he blossomed into an All-League performer before injury intervened.
His resilience was tested again last year when he redshirted at McNeese State, biding his time for the right opportunity. When it arrived, he weighed his options with the discernment of someone who recognizes that a career is more than stats or conference prestige. He thought of his younger brother, Domani, a budding seventh-grade phenom who now has a front-row seat to his brother’s final collegiate chapters. He thought of Camden’s kids, who will see in him a path forward.
Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen, a former Temple standout under John Chaney, praised Brewer’s character, calling him “one of the finest student-athletes to come through Camden in recent years.” City Councilman Arthur Barclay, who played for John Calipari at Memphis, highlighted Brewer’s potential as a role model: “He was one of them not long ago. Now, he’s showing them what’s possible.”
La Salle, under new coach Darris Nichols, gains not just a versatile forward who can stretch defenses and guard multiple positions, but a leader who grasps the weight of his platform. In return, Brewer gets a chance to cement his legacy where it matters most—at home.
In an age of fleeting allegiances and transactional relationships, Brewer’s decision is a reminder that some choices are about more than basketball. They’re about purpose. And in that regard, his homecoming is already a victory.
The Black Cager 