ABOUT US
North Alabama “LAKERS” Basketball Academy is a 501 (C)3, Non-Profit organization under the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) as a Level 3 program.
The North Alabama “LAKERS” Basketball Academy was founded in 2021 by Dr. Edwan O’Neal and Mr. Leviticus Billups. The organization is based upon core values and firm leadership principles that help guide the programs day to day. The board of directors, leadership team, coaching staff, sponsors, and support personnel have a vested interest in the overall development of young men. The North Alabama “LAKERS” Basketball is a premier AAU program in the Huntsville/Madison Alabama area.
Without the Love & Support of Bill Huston, there would “NOT” be a North Alabama LAKERS Basketball Academy
Bill Huston, long time educator, dear friend, and father-figure for Dr. Edwan O’Neal, provided the First Significant Sponsorship to get the program started in 2021. Dr. Edwan O’Neal, President, for the North Alabama LAKERS stated that Bill told him “I will sponsor the LAKERS every year, just take care of those young men, and I don’t want any recognition for my contributions.” Therefore, after Bill declined being on the original Board of Directors, Dr. O’Neal will always recognize Bill Huston as a “Honorary” Board Member!
ACADEMICS
Our number one priority is “ACADEMICS.” Therefore, it is required for each player to submit reports every nine weeks. It is highly encouraged for our players to maintain a 3.0 GPA or better to remain active in the program.
We were very proud of our guys from this season for their commitment to their academics and our program standards from all 10 teams.
2033 (4th Grade) 3.72 GPA Team Benefield
2032 (5th Grade) 3.91 GPA Team Daniel
2031 (6th Grade) 3.86 GPA Team Brooks
2030 (7th Grade) 3.59 GPA Team Causey
2030 (7th Grade) 3.89 GPA Team O’Neal
2029(8th Grade) 3.27 GPA Team Benefield
2029 (8th Grade) 3.52 GPA Team O’Neal
2028 (9th Grade) 3.46 GPA Team Wrights
2027 (10th Grade) 2.96 GPA Team Rice
2026 (11th Grade) 2.86 GPA Team Sanders
2026 (11th Grade) 3.29 GPA Team Williams
TEAM CHURCH
Thank You Pastor Troy Garner and the Fellowship of Faith Church.
Our program is led by God, which we begin and end everything with prayer. Throughout the season, we visit churches all over the community as a team and family. It is imperative for our players to understand the importance of putting God First in everything you do! “Without God, Nothing Is Possible, But With God, Everything Is Possible…Matthew 19:26
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Community service is one of our main pillars within the organization. Therefore, it is mandatory for all players to conduct a certain number of community service hours. We were blessed by Mr. George Sapp, Owner of NuGeneration Inc. to introduce us to Mr. Joe Makenzie and Team SERVE this past season. Team SERVE is a non-profit organization, which feeds over 1200 families in the Northwood Housing Community, three times a month with the help of sponsors and volunteers.
A FEW THINGS WE TAKE PRIDE IN…
Basketball is the platform for which all of our other programs and activities are provided to our players!
Leadership Development
“Coaching young men isn’t just about building skills—it’s about shaping character, teaching accountability, and showing them who they can become when they lead with purpose.”
Mental Skills Training
Our mental skills training helps our players develop a high performance mindset to help them build the confidence, focus and determination to train and compete at a high level.
Life Skills & Mentoring
All of our players will learn basic life skills which can be applied outside of the classroom. These skills will help to prepare them for leadership opportunities and networking.
PROGRAM STATISTICS
We take pride in the player development and leadership development activities offered through the program.
total players in the program
98
successfully made their middle or high school team
99%
starters on middle or high school teams
83%
all-tournament or all-county selections
71%
WHY CHOOSE US?
Our program consistently develops young men on and off the court with the support of community partners.
Speaker Series
Each month, we have leaders from the the community to come and speak to our players. The guest speakers come from an array of backgrounds such as city councilman, high school coaches, business executives, bankers, lawyers, health specialists, entrepreneurs, authors, clothing designers and many others.
Overall Development
It is so important to us for the development of each and every player. Whether it be the mental fortitude, physical discipline, work ethic, academic demands, leadership challenges or just becoming a man; we want all of our young men to understand that this is program is serious about our players overall well-being and development as young men.
The Brotherhood
The “BROTHERHOOD” is our coined notion of the program because once you become a member of the program; we challenge our players to act and carry themselves as a true brotherhood regardless of which school or community they live in. The LAKERS is a true family and the players have another level of respect, which exudes that notion of brotherhood!
ADIDAS JR.3SSB
ALL-AMERICANS
In just our first year on the Adidas Jr.3SSB Circuit, we had three (3) players selected as Adidas All-Americans!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Board of Directors provide leadership and guidance for the organization. Additionally, they ensure we are meeting the needs of our players and families based upon our mission and core values.
Rydell Gordon
Vice President
Mr. Gordon has coached youth majority of his life and always looking for opportunities to give back and support.
Gerald Lane
President
Mr. Lane is a pillar in our community and just gives so much to everyone, especially young people.
Dawson Vincent
Community Liaison
Mr. Vincent is a born athlete and lifetime coach. His passion for young people and knowledge of sports particularly baseball and basketball are God’s gift.
OUR TEAMS
We had a very talented group of young men competing on the Adidas Jr.3SSB National Circuit, HoopSeen, MADE Hoops, and other national tournaments all over the Southeast, Midwest, East and beyond.
OUR WORK IN NUMBERS
The key to success is hard work and consistency. Our players deserve all the recognition they have received over the past few months for putting in the work and trusting our coaching staff. Special Thanks to our dedicated coaches and parents for their support.
teams
10
players
98
“a” Honor Roll
32
“a & B”
honor roll
56
Adidas
all-americans (2 teams -jr3ssb)
3
all- tournament team
47
player of the game
21
impact player
13
player to watch list
34
community service hours
1200+
mental skills training hours
100+
Speakers
25+
number of schools represented in our program
25+
number of Counties represented in our program
5
coaches, Trainers, & support personnel
25
overall Record
Summber 2025
202 W 89 L
4
TESTIMONIALS
We appreciate honest feedback, so we can improve our services and enhance all aspects of the program.
We played the North AL Lakers 2030 Team in Kentucky and this was the best AAU team I had seen all summer!
Jennifer Maxine,
Louisville, KY
The NA LAKERS 2026 Team needs to be on a major circuit. They have several guys that can play D1 basketball and the team was well coached.
Jackson Bartlett
Kansas City, MO
We are from Indiana, but we watch the North Alabama LAKERS play in Florida and they were really good. Our team wanted to stay and watch them play every game.
Michelle Wilks
Gary, IN
The LAKERS have some tough players. We watched their high school team play in HoopSeen in Atlanta.
Jasmine Quinnery
Knoxville, TN
I think the LAKERS have a good organization. Their coaches are very professional and the players are disciplined on the court.
Brad Streling
Atlanta, GA
The NA LAKERS have some good young players. They were very competitive in the Pan Handle tournament this summer.
David Redd
Tampa, FL
Are you ready to play on the Adidas 3SSB Circuit?
We are looking for elite players to compete on the Adidas 3SSB Gold for high school players and Adidas Jr.3SSB for middle and elementary school players.
OUR LEADERSHIP
We work diligently to enhance our program and services each and every year!
Dr. Edwan
O’Neal
President
Mr. Leviticus Billups
dir. of basketball operations
Mr. Tremaine
Edwards
director of Player
Personnel
Mr. Miguel Williams
director of high school Teams
Sponsors & Partners
CONTACT US
Feel free to contact us anytime!