Where a Modell’s once stood is now home to the new Brooklyn Basketball Training Center, allowing kids to have access to a place where community, culture, and basketball meet.
Sept. 25 was the grand opening of Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment’s (BSE) new basketball training facility located across the street from the Barclays Center. In partnership with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and WNBA’s New York Liberty basketball teams, the BSE mission is to give kids in the Brooklyn community a safe space to turn their sports dreams into a reality.
“Brooklyn Basketball reflects who we are; it’s about access, it’s about equity, it’s about showing kids they belong in this game,” said Sam Zussman, Chief Executive Officer of the BSE. Under Zussman’s leadership, one of BSE’s goals is to combat the lack of equity and resources that prohibits deserving kids from playing basketball at a high level.
According to an American Health Ranking’s study, 38% of children ages 0-17 have access to a park or playground; a recreation center, community center or boys’ and girls’ club. Despite this inequality, Zussman wants every kid to have a sense of belonging and purpose regardless of personal circumstance.
“We were lucky enough to place this right here across the street from Barclay Center where the pros play,” He said. “To inspire kids and show them in a very tangible way that they should dream big and that anything is possible.”
The facility features state-of-the-art courts, strength and conditioning rooms, and technology designed to elevate players’ skills. Kids have access to two full courts, a shooting lab, and multipurpose flooring. In addition, kids have access to the facility’s Shoot 360 technology-focused basketball training software that utilizes interactive digital tools paired with coaching and drills to help players improve their shooting, ball-handling, and passing skills.
The facility also offers additional programs such as; after school clubs, private training, camps and community clinics for kids, athletes and community members alike. Zussman is proud of the positive change that the BSE has made in providing recreational opportunities to New York City communities. According to him, over the past few years in collaboration with New York City’s Department Of Education (DOE) they were able to host free clinics in more than 200 schools across the world.
Jamarl Lake 29, marketing manager for BSE feels like this is a major win for Brooklynites. “Right now there aren’t that many places in Brooklyn to really hoop,” he said. [This facility] invites them in and gives them top of the line coaching and gets their game to the next level while teaching them a new way of basketball.”
Sean Marks, the General Manager of the Brooklyn Nets believes this training facility will impact the community beyond basketball. “The greatest thing about this place though is it’s not just about the hoops, ” he said. “Its about the people who are going to be in here and the community we’re giving back to.”
According to Marks, this facility offers a place for players to practice while also connecting with younger athletes and reflecting on their own early days in the game. It provides a unique opportunity for fans, professionals, and aspiring players to all come together.
“This is another way for us to connect with the community,” said Breanna Stewart, three-time WNBA champion and two-time league MVP. “To think about what it would be like for a young kid to come in here and dream to be it and literally look across the street and see Barclay’s Center and to know that’s their goal. I think this is going to be something everybody wants to be a part of.”
Parents in Brooklyn are also happy with the facility’s impact. Taisha Austin, a 30-year-old mother of two, said it provides a safe and inspiring space for children to develop their skills. She thinks this center is exactly what the youth needs.
“I hope [this facility] inspires the youth and lets them know there is access and they can do anything,” she said. “The fact that our Black and Brown youth have access to this is game changing.”
Charles Lee, 45, a Brooklyn native, attended the grand opening and said the facility will be a great resource for his son.
“My son plays in a lot of basketball clinics so it’s really nice to get one right next to the Nets. He’s been aspiring to be a part of them and it’s nice to see that it’s right across the street where we can watch games and then train right afterwards.”
Beyond giving kids a place to play, the training center embodies the message that nothing is impossible—showing that dedication and effort can help them reach any goal. With a strong vision these kids are fulfilling their dreams one basket at a time.
