More Than Basketball Will Be Just That At Northwestern January 9th

Dec. 21, 2009 - PRLog -- Doubt, uncertainties, apprehension, fear, all things that went through the young businessman's mind as he made the decision in August of 2009 to leave the comfortable and family-like umbrella that Curtis Symonds and Hoop Magic provided as he built his reputation from young college graduate to prominent figure in the grassroots basketball demographic.

Arize Ifejika came to Hoop Magic after a brief stint as Assistant Tournament Director with grassroots basketball juggernaut Hoop Group in June of 2007. At the time he was a 23 year old FAMU graduate who was young and a gamble to trust in an executive position. But Curtis Symonds, a former BET executive, saw something that no one else did and took a chance on Ifejika giving him full reigns of the grassroots basketball event operation in his seven-court, multimillion dollar, state of the art sports facility located in Chantilly.

"He did so much for me that stems far beyond the realm of basketball, he gave me confidence " recants Ifejika "He believed in me more than I believed in myself at the time."

Under the tutelage of Symonds Ifejika delivered. Elite level tournaments, leagues, camps, anything that could be associated with high level basketball at the grassroots level was being held at Hoop Magic.

"It was crazy, the first time I ever went out there I had never even heard of Chantilly, I didnt even know how to get back home" said Ifejika. "But as time went on we became a household name," he added.

With the new-found buzz and success things began to change for Ifejika. Especially in a time where grassroots basketball was receiving so much negative attention and was being associated with all that is bad in the college game as well.

"It was like I became the poster child for all the good things associated with the game, parents and coaches wanted their kids to be around me because I was a positive influence, kids looked up to me like a big brother because I was so young with so much authority and responsibility, the local AAU powers all supported and the facility was second to none so everything came together so well," said Ifejika.

But with all success and spotlight comes responsibility and obligation.

"I became a role model overnight, I would walk into a basketball game and people would shake my hand who I didn't recognize, it was like I was a basketball celebrity to some extent. Everything I said or did was being watched. People started coming up to me saying they saw me somewhere or heard this and that  about who I am and what I did away from Hoop Magic," Ifejika remembers. "Some stuff was was off but some stuff was right on. It made me realize that these people who come to these events were still regular people who lived in my area and went to the same places I did, it was crazy," Ifejika concluded.

That is when Ifejika realized that his mission in basketball stemmed far beyond what happens on the court. With manifesting difference in the long term vision of Hoop Magic, the want to bring events closer to the metropolitan and a desire to give more attention to his rising gogo band (New Impressionz) and upstart fashion line (Swagger and Substance) Ifejika realized he couldn't continue to give his everything to Symonds and Hoop Magic. Because it was about "More Than Basketball" all pun intended.

"Leaving Hoop Magic was the hardest thing I ever had to do. Mainly because of the comfort and prestige I was leaving behind and I was still so young. I am still just 25 years old and won't be 26 until the middle of next year," says Ifejika

Ifejika's message is a simple one: Don't put all your marbles in one basket. Use basketball for ALL its worth not just a scholarship or a professional career. Know that you can still obtain a good lifestyle without actually playing in the NBA.

"Thats what More Than Basketball is all about. I feel I can use my basketball influences and relationships to take my band and clothing line to a mainstream level," says Ifejika. " I can walk through certain doors and can take them with me because of basketball. I can show people first hand the things that I constantly preach."

January 9th at Northwestern High School will be the first step in Ifejika's efforts. Six games with not only New Impressionz, but two other rising bands performing between games. There will be a promotional table with brochures for other events he will be operating during the calendar year including a college tour to Florida in April. He also offers creative design and multimedia services as well.

"The event will be something to remember for years to come, it is going to open alot of doors," states Ifejika "I even invited Miles Rawls (commissioner of the Goodman League ran at the outdoor courts in Barry Farms) to be the events announcer."

The event matchups and details are as follows...

GAME SCHEDULE


TIME                                HOME TEAM                                AWAY TEAM

NOON (girls)                 Riverdale Baptist(MD)               Stonewall Jackson(VA)
1:40pm                           Cesar Chavez (DC)                    Blueridge School(VA)
3:20pm                           National Christian(MD)             Miller School (VA)
5pm                                Calvin Coolidge(DC)                  Riverdale Baptist(MD)
6:40pm                           KIMA School (DC)                       Montrose Christian(MD)
8:20pm                           Friendship Collegiate(DC)       Progressive Christian(MD)

The event is $10 for adults and $5 for students with student ID and should be a classic for many reasons.

"I don't have any sponsorships for the event and it is independently funded so all the support and attendance would be greatly appreciated."

"I'm looking forward to a great event and a great year as well. We are set to release "Intro to More Than Basketball" the movie at the event."

Ifejika couldn't have picked a more appropriate name for his new company. And as for his relationship with Symonds and Hoop Magic Ifejika says they are family and nothing will change that because their relationship is based on More Than Basketball!!!

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Management company whose foundation is operating elite grassroots basketball leagues, tournaments and showcases but uses that audience to market and promote various opportunities and services.