Wiz Kids Class of 2028/16u 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 Wiz Kids Class of 2028/16u team is head coached by Rob Arana and assistant coached by Brandon Brown. Their roster is as follows.
#0 Jamel Jordan (2028) 6’3 guard, Monsignor Scanlan High -
#1 Suleyman Kone (2028) 6’1 point guard, Cardinal Hayes High -
#2 Akeem Mclaren (2028) 6’0 point guard, Monsignor Scanlan High -
#3 Ashton Pierre-Charles (2028) 6’0 guard, Calhoun School
#5 Shane Lopez (2028) 5’11 point guard, Mount St Michaels Academy -
#13 Brandon Bird (2028) 6’4 small forward, Cardinal Hayes High -
#15 Brandon Hunter (2028) 6’2 guard, St John the Baptist High -
#22 Taiyo Nathan (2028) 6’8 forward, Earl Monroe Renaissance School -
#23 Josiah Smith (2028) 6’6 forward, Bishop Loughlin High -
#30 Archer O’Connor (2028) 6’6 forward, Notre Dame Prep at Sacred Heart (CT)
#32 Kingston Lee (2028) 6’4 guard, Iona Prep
#33 Samuel Lartey (2028) 6’5 forward, Cardinal Spellman High -
#35 Lameen Adam (2028) 6’6 forward, Cardinal Hayes High -