“B.A.C.E. Basketball Continues Its Legacy With 23rd Annual College Showcase in Queens”

For 23 years, B.A.C.E. Basketball has remained committed to creating opportunities for the youth in our community by providing a platform for young men to showcase their talents in front of college coaches and scouts. That legacy continued this weekend inside the Roy Wilkins Recreation Center as B.A.C.E. hosted its 23rd Annual College Showcase — another powerful reminder of what real community work looks like.

More than 50 colleges and prep programs were represented at this year’s event, giving student-athletes an opportunity to compete, gain exposure, and potentially change the direction of their future through basketball and education. Schools and programs in attendance included Dominican University, Queensborough Community College, Brooklyn College, Westchester Community College, Nassau Community College, Hudson County Community College, Believe Prep, 238 Academy, Farmingdale State College, and St. Albans Prep, along with many others.

From the opening whistle to the final game, the gym was filled with energy, determination, and purpose. Young men from across the community gave maximum effort while competing in front of coaches and scouts hoping to earn an opportunity at the next level. Every hustle play, defensive stop, rebound, and jump shot represented more than basketball — it represented hope, discipline, and the pursuit of a better future.

For four decades, B.A.C.E. has continued to stand on the frontlines for the youth of the community. While many organizations talk about solutions, B.A.C.E. has consistently provided them. For 40 years the organization has offered programs, mentorship, exposure, structure, and safe spaces for young people ABSOLUTELY FREE.

Special recognition must be given to Charles “Charlie” Coleman, President of B.A.C.E., whose vision, leadership, and relentless dedication have helped transform countless lives through basketball and community service. His commitment to creating opportunities for young people has helped B.A.C.E. become one of the most respected grassroots basketball organizations in New York City.

Credit must also be given to Coach Doe, Vice President of B.A.C.E., whose passion for uplifting the youth continues to inspire the community. Coach Doe has long stood by the message: “See Something, Do Something,” a philosophy that reflects the organization’s commitment to protecting and guiding the next generation before they become victims of the streets.

Despite the importance and impact of the event, local politicians and major news outlets were noticeably absent. Unfortunately, too often officials and media outlets only appear after tragedy strikes — offering “thoughts and prayers” after another young life is lost to senseless gun violence. Rarely do they show up to support the organizations doing preventative work every single day to keep children safe, focused, and productive.

B.A.C.E. Basketball continues to prove that real change does not begin with speeches or publicity. Real change begins inside gyms, classrooms, parks, and community spaces where people are willing to invest their time and energy into saving the lives of young people before tragedy happens.

The community, however, did show up. Parents, coaches, volunteers, scouts, and supporters packed the gym to support the youth and witness firsthand the impact B.A.C.E. continues to make after 40 years of service. The event served as another example that when communities come together with a shared purpose, opportunities can be created without waiting for outside help or recognition.

For B.A.C.E., the mission remains the same:

Keep the kids off the streets. Provide opportunities. Build leaders. Save lives. And after 40 years, the work continues.

Written By: Deeky