Author: Huw Hopkins

Meet Ian Dangleben York, a two-way guard that takes pride in playing defence and can heat it up from behind the three-point line with regularity. He will be joining Layton Christian Academy this year.

Ian is a product of Ballers Heaven partners in Sint Maarten in the Caribbean. He is an electric player that is blessed with amazing balance and speed.

Ballers Heaven owner and Coach Roger Payne said: “Omar Beauperthuy, who is a partner and former player with Ballers Heaven, has done an amazing job setting up the Academy in Sint Maarten and is developing some hungry talented young players.”

Ian is sure to be a great asset to coach Bobby Porter as he is set to arrive at LCA the 15th August 2021.

6’2 Power Forward Caiyesha Bailey from Aston Manor is set to follow in the footsteps of her brother Kemari Bailey, who gained a full ride scholarship to Idaho NCAA Division 1 college.

Ballers Heaven made another lifetime dream come true for Caiyesha, who is set to leave for the United States of America in August 2021.

Over the last few months Caiyesha has worked diligently with Coach Zavier and Coach Payne of Ballers Heaven as they prepare her for the opportunity.

Caiyesha said: “I still can’t believe I’m off to the States. I can’t thank you enough for making this happen for me and given myself the opportunity to follow in my brother Kemari’s footsteps.”

Congratulations to our female standout guard as she embarks on her amazing journey from Spain to the United States.

Ballers Heaven female phenom Grace Edogiawerie is set to take her talents to the States. It’s well deserved and couldn’t happen to a more humble person.

We at Ballers Heaven are super proud of you as you embark on this amazing new chapter of your life. Stay on your grind, give it your all and you could be the next female star.

Layton Christian here she comes. Grace will be leaving on 14 August 2021 and will be sorely missed.

“Work in silence and let success be your noise” is a phrase you will hear from Ballers Heaven coach Roger Payne, and it rings true when it comes to Kurtis Dearn.

Kurtis is a dynamic scorer and has unlimited range that will no doubt hold him a good stead as he embarks on a scholarship in Utah. 

Shooting guard Kurtis will leave for the USA on 14 August 2021 where, he will be coached  by the experienced watchful eye of coach Mark Burton.

Kurtis will be a post-grad in Utah. He is a great young athletic player that can hit from range consistently.

We at Ballers Heaven expect great things from Kurtis and wish him every success.

Ballers Heaven has made Tyrese Lacey’s dreams come true, as the British standout guard heads to the United States of America.

Birmingham Elite point guard Tyrese is set to embark on this new amazing chapter of his young career as he will be leaving next month to the great state of Utah to play for state champions Layton Christian and charismatic coach Bobby Porter.

Congratulations Ty. Stay blessed and continue the hard work.

Ballers Heaven has opened another door for a young prospect: a dynamic multi-faceted combo-guard from Macedonia, Mirche Rabrovaliev.

Over the last year Mirche has been put through the fire with Coach Roger and Bryce Payne.

As a young talented player, Mirche honed his skills in Macedonia and moved to the UK only a few years ago. His ability to go off the dribble left or right and aggressive style of play will hold him in great stead, but what really sets him apart is his ability to score the ball with ease and he plays defense with a solid European hard-nosed grit.

Ballers Heaven wishes him all the best as he leaves to pursue his dreams for Coach Martin in Utah.

It has been a hard year, but is some great news out of Utah from the Ballers Heaven brothers Timmy and Tommy Olubisi.

Less than eight months ago, the brothers were not sure of their futures in the United States but at the 11th hour the US government decided to grant them their visas so they could chase their basketball dreams. 

The Olubisis have worked extremely hard on and off the court. They are straight-A students at LCA in Utah under the watchful eye of Coach Porter. This season has seen them fight through health issues as many of the squad went down with Covid-19 and Tommy has done amazingly well to come back from a serious injury.

Ballers Heaven is extremely proud to have players in the United States but both of them have been pivotal players and they became State Champions on Wednesday 24 February, 2021.

On a team that is very deep it is great to see young British players not just making up the numbers but to be in the starting line-up is an amazing feat.

This is a prime example of staying focused and continuing to push yourself. Stay humble and work hard and amazing things can happen.

The Warwickshire Warriors franchise has launched three high anticipated teams to enter National Basketball League and Youth Basketball League competitions. Tryouts for the teams launched on 4 July and have seen more than 50 players register interest in playing. The first phase was so successful, an additional phase was set up due to the amount of players that registered.

One of these is an Under-17 premier youth programme that will see them play in the YBL. There will be an Under-18 NBL programme and a Senior Men’s NBL team.

Several Great Britain team and England national prospects showing up at Pingles Stadium in Nuneaton. This included Pharrell Wallace-Steele, a 6’7, 17-year-old power forward, who has played in Bundesliga and represented Britain.

Team founder Roger Payne said: “There is an abundance of talent in the Midlands looking to play NBL basketball, and we have already seen many at our first tryouts.

“The Warwickshire Warriors are offering a great opportunity to talented players looking to develop, excel and build their reputation, and we have big ambitions to become the best competitive franchise in the country.”

The Warriors are part of the Ballers Heaven family run by former player and coach Roger Payne, and his son Bryce, who have helped British talent earn Division 1 college scholarships in the USA and play internationally and the in the BBL. The team has also established links with the globally renowned Wasatch Academy, which is ranked second in the USA.

Ballers Heavens intentions to have a franchise plan in place to get in to the BBL in the next three years. It is one franchise that is sure to gain alot of notoriety.