Patience Pays Off
Shots With Patience Prep (SWP) is a sports-specific preparatory program on Long Island, New York, built to give young men a quality education and an elite-level basketball experience at an affordable cost. Founded in 2021, the program has its roots in the Team Underrated Basketball Academy and is now entering its sixth season, with an identity built on discipline, player development, academic accountability, mentorship and college exposure.
The program is led by founder, director and head coach Andre “Coach Dre” Edwards, the director of Team Underrated and a staple of Long Island AAU basketball. Over the years, Edwards has given countless student-athletes a platform to showcase their talents and earn college scholarships, keeping his players focused on what he calls the finish line: landing a spot on a college roster. He doesn’t stop at getting his players looks from college coaches; he has been known to drive them to campus visits in his own car to make sure those visits go well. Edwards is assisted by associate head coach Payton Johnson.
The results off the court matter just as much. Four former SWP student-athletes have earned college degrees, and seven more are expected to graduate within the next two years.
This season, SWP joins the newly formed Empire State League. The program is coming off its best season to date. In 2025-26, SWP went 23-10 overall and 7-2 in Empire 8 play, reaching the league championship game. The team went a combined 8-0 at the IS8 Showcase and on the MADE Hoops circuit, competed at Big Shots Prep Nationals, climbed as high as No. 56 in the national prep team computer rankings during the season, and finished No. 79 in the final 2025-26 national prep team computer rankings.
The 2026-27 roster features a deep group of guards and athletic wings, as profiled below.
Muhammad “Mo” Barry (2027) 6’1 guard - From Norman Thomas High School (NY), Barry is a confident competitor who embraces challenges and attacks the game on both ends of the floor. He defends with purpose, makes plays in a variety of ways, and has shown steady growth in his skill set. His energy, competitiveness and willingness to learn make him a prospect with room to keep climbing against top regional prep competition.
Jonathan Conley (2027) 6’2 point guard - From Broome Street Academy (NY), Conley is a versatile, team-first point guard who handles the ball, creates for teammates, attacks the basket and defends multiple positions. He is coachable, unselfish and competitive, and his approach to the game stands out as much as his skills. He is focused this season on expanding his leadership, basketball IQ and confidence as he prepares for the next level.
Gabriel Judah (2027) 6’4 wing - From Martin Van Buren High School (NY), Judah is a long, athletic wing who can score and defend at a high level. His length lets him challenge shooters and disrupt opponents defensively, while his athleticism helps him create scoring opportunities on the offensive end. He brings versatility and defensive toughness, and he and his twin brother Uriel give SWP a pair of athletic wings who contribute in different ways.
Uriel Judah (2027) 6’4 wing - From Martin Van Buren High School (NY), Judah is a left-handed, athletic two-way wing whose calling card is his perimeter shooting. He knocks down threes at a high percentage, giving the offense a reliable floor spacer, and competes hard defensively using his athleticism. His blend of shooting, size and defense makes him an intriguing college prospect alongside his twin, Gabriel.
Nasiem Martis (2027) 6’0 point guard - From South Shore High School (NY), Martis is a gritty, athletic point guard who takes pride in pressuring ball handlers for all 94 feet. Despite his size, he is an exceptional rebounder, using athleticism, instincts and effort to impact both ends. His defensive intensity and willingness to do the dirty work make him a valuable piece. Martis is completing his high school coursework while with SWP and is expected to graduate in January 2027.
Luke Riccio-McAniff (2027) 6’0 point guard - From William T. Clarke High School (NY), Riccio-McAniff is a true floor general with the vision, leadership and basketball IQ to put teammates in position to succeed. He controls tempo, values every possession, and plays with poise beyond his years, whether he is creating offense, knocking down shots or making the extra pass.
Jayden Spellman (2027) 6’3 wing - From Broome Street Academy (NY), Spellman plays much bigger than his listed height, using his athleticism, length and toughness to impact games like a 6’5 wing. He runs the floor, attacks the glass and makes plays at both ends. His help defense is a particular strength: he understands rotations and covers a lot of ground, and his impact often goes beyond the box score.
Rodney Taylor (2027) 6’4 guard - From Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School (NY), Taylor is a big, versatile guard who can play all three backcourt spots and defend four positions. He uses his size, athleticism and activity to create problems for opponents, rebounds well for his position and plays with a high motor, giving SWP lineup flexibility at both ends.
James Ward (2027) 6’3 guard - From Comsewogue High School (NY), Ward is a high-energy three-level scorer who can attack the rim with authority, create in the midrange and stretch defenses from beyond the arc. He brings toughness, athleticism and a relentless motor, can change the pace of a game with his energy, and embraces big moments.
The team’s 2026-27 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here.