2024 Wiz Kids 17u Player Profiles
In 1990, following a successful professional and collegiate basketball career, Clarence, “Mugsy” Leggett began his journey to being a community leader. His desire to make a positive impact on children is inspired by his years spent growing up in the education system and playgrounds of New York City. He quickly developed an appreciation for the benefits provided to him through a combination of academics and skills he learned on the basketball court. Understanding the importance of a supportive village and how basketball affects the self-esteem of the inner city youth, Mugsy knew he wanted to be a part of change.
Wiz Kids started as a small basketball recreation program in the Bronx with only volunteers and family members. Being embraced by the local boys and girls, the program expanded to various gymnasiums and courts throughout the Bronx. In 2001, Books B4 Ball Organization/Wiz kids Basketball Program settled in the Northeast part of the Bronx, serving over 550 children annually, focused on ages 5-18, but even extending the reach to adults age from the New York City metro area. In the years to follow, the program has proudly worked with over 1300 students.
All Wiz Kids student athletes are required to meet scholastic and behavioral requirements in school before they can play ball. Study hall, tutoring, mentoring and college and high school tours are a part of the Wiz Kids curriculum. Report cards and progress reports are checked regularly.
The 2024 Wiz Kids 17u team is coached by Mugsy Leggett and the highly regarded skills trainer Jamal Brown, and the roster is as follows:
#3 Jake Sussberg (2025) 6’5 guard, Scarsdale High - A sharp shooter who includes transition pull up jumpers and stepback 3-pointers in his arsenal. He is also a very good rebounder for a guard, making him a constant double-double stat man. High academic
#13 Caleb Andigue (2025) 6’8 forward, Mount Saint Michael Academy - Andigue has good touch as a back-to-the-basket scorer. He can also step out and shoot the 3. His long and athletic frame makes him a solid defender. Rim protection and rebounding are his major strengths. Good free throw shooter.
#4 Darren Mcfarlane (2024) 6’4 small forward, Monsignor Scanlan High - He is a strong and physical post player, where he imposes his will. He has post moves and can finish with either hand. He also runs the floor and finishes above the rim.
#15 Marcel Henry (2024) 6’7 forward, Iona Prep - Henry is a strong and tough rebounder who can get out and run the floor.Good in transition can start the break and then get down the floor and finish. He also body-ups well to score inside.
#2 Kaleb Popotte (2025) 6’2 guard, Monsignor Scanlan High - Popotte is an extremely quick guard with the ball, and he has an excellent handle and court vision. He is hard to stay in front of as he changes speed and direction really well. He gets into the lane and scores with his floaters.
#23 Dimiere Brunson (2025) 6’7 forward, All Hallows High - Brunson has a soft touch around the rim and can finish with either hand. He draws fouls, and makes the free throws. He also has a good mid-range shot.
#24 Aaron Mitchell (2025) 6’5 small forward, Mount Saint Michael Academy -Mitchell is a big physical player and a rebounding machine. His strong and athletic upper body makes him a tough match up on the block. He runs the floor well.
#1 Josh Powell (2026) 6’5 guard, Archbishop Bishop Molloy High - Powell is making a name for himself as a top New York talent. He has an outstanding basketball body. He gets great lift on his jumper, and is a strong driver and finisher to the rim. He is a strong and tough rebounder, who can lead and/or finish a fast break. He is also a really good on-ball defender.
#22 Dior Anderson (2026) 6’2 guard, Monsignor Scanlan High - A skilled and powerful three level scorer. He is lights out from the perimeter and has a mid range game that rivals those of the 80s. He even has a nice back to the basket game when he’s not slashing to the rim. Anderson is an elite level defender who is capable of guarding multiple positions due to his size and speed.
#0 Taj Walters (2025) 6’5 guard, Greenwich Country Day School - Walters is an elite 3 level scorer. He is a lights out shooter from deep and finishes very well through contact. He is a good rebounder and can guard 1-5. He holds multiple D1 offers, including Hofstra and Northern Illinois.
#11 Diabe Bathily (2025) 6’8 guard, BFL Prep (WA) - Bathily is a long guard who can really defend. His length and mobility enable him to swallow up players on the perimeter. He also has the bounce and instincts to block shots and protect the rim. Offensively, he is developing a jumper and has the ability to finish at the rim.
#5 Maurice Henderson (2025) 6’3 guard, Victory Rock Prep (FL) - This Bronx native is a creative floor general with excellent court vision and feel for the game. He brings a nice balance of scoring and playmaking on full display. He is an good rim finisher, using skill, body control and touch.