When you talk to coaches, players, parents, or anyone associated with grassroots basketball, the sentiments are the same. Everyone is ready for grassroots basketball to get back up and going. While the world still deals with an unprecedented global pandemic,…
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When you talk to coaches, players, parents, or anyone associated with grassroots basketball, the sentiments are the same. Everyone is ready for grassroots basketball to get back up and going. While the world still deals with an unprecedented global pandemic, the grassroots basketball community works together to get the ball back bouncing in gyms across America.
The premier of the Prep Hoops Next Circuit is one of many opportunities that teams from across the country are going to have to participate in this spring and summer. Many teams have already begun to sign up for the inaugural basketball circuit that will be one of the most competitive grassroots basketball circuits for middle school programs. G-Force Ryders out of Largo, Florida, has decided to test the strength of their program in the Prep Hoops Next Circuit, and they are excited for the upcoming Rumble Under the Palms in Winter Haven, FL.
For more information on the Prep Hoops Next Circuit, click here
The G-Force Ryders 2025 team is coached by Delvan Gibson, who has a passion for the game and a heart for kids. For the past five years, Coach Gibson has been working with kids and developing their skills. He started in youth basketball working as a skills trainer, then was asked to start coaching, and as they say, the rest is history.
Before the 2018 grassroots season, Coach Gibson started his own program after seeing so many kids who wanted to play left behind because they couldn’t afford the fees. So, working hard in the community, Coach Gibson funded the program primarily through donations and fundraisers, giving opportunities to kids who may not have the resources to participate.
Since 2018, Gibson has expanded his program to include three teams (5th, 8th and 9th grade), playing out of of the Clearwater/Largo area. Not only has he built and continues to develop his program, but he is also producing players thriving at the HS level. Those former players are Cameron Halloran (Starting PG at East Lake HS), DeJean Evans (Starting SF at Lakewood HS), and Adrian Moore (Starting SF at Largo HS).
Those three players are making their mark at their respective schools, but Gibson feels as though he has three on his 2025 squad that has a chance to blaze their path like his three former players. So, who are these three youngsters that will be vital to the success of the G-Force Ryders on the Prep Hoops Next Circuit?
The G-Force Ryders will be led in action by:
DJ Gibson / 6’0 / Small Forward / St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School (Clearwater FL)
From the Coaches Desk:
Coach says that DJ is a multi-faceted player on both ends of the court. He is an attacking guard that is tough off the bounce and can facilitate the offense when needed. He is a good defender that can defend multiple positions.
Strengths: Dribble Penetration, Constantly in Attack Mode
Areas for Growth: Perimeter Shooting, Being a Vocal Leader
Peter Jackson / 5’8 / Guard / Dunedin Highland Middle School (Clearwater FL) /
From the Coaches Desk:
Coach says that Peter is an excellent finisher around the rim. He runs the floor well and is developing his long-range shot from beyond the arc. He is an excellent on-ball defender as well.
Strengths: Thrives in the open court.
Areas for Growth: More assertive and riskier on D., Becoming a better passer.
Mitchell Sarigumba / 5’9 / Shooting Guard / Skycrest Christian School (Clearwater FL)
From the Coaches Desk:
Coach says that Mitchell is an excellent spot-up shooter and can attack off the bounce. On the defensive end, he is developing into a good on-ball defender.
Strengths: 3-Point Shooting
Areas for Growth: Being more aggressive on O.
As with any team, you have players that naturally emerge as leaders on the teams, and as with any team, you have your glue guys that keep things together on the team. So, who are the glue guys for the G-Force Ryders 2025?
Jordy Canada / 5’9 / Shooting Guard/Small Forward / Oak Grove Middle School (Clearwater FL) / Instagram: D1__jordy
From the Coaches Desk:
Jordy is a player with a high ceiling. He is starting to come into the understanding of his potential and how good he can be. He is an underrated player on his team from those on the outside, but his value to the G-Force Ryders is immeasurable.
Saul Rodriguez / 6’0 / Center /Safety Harbor Middle School (Safety Harbor, FL) / Instagram: saul_rod21
From the Coaches Desk:
Saul is a player that makes the G-Force Ryders defense special. He is the team’s heart and soul on the defensive end and is a terrific post defender. Saul is the glue for the G-Force Ryders on D in every aspect of being a glue guy.
We’re looking forward to watching the G-Force Ryders in action on the Prep Hoops Next Circuit. They’re sure to be a competitive team that will bring it every game. I asked Coach Gibson what is the ONE THING that he wanted to accomplish with his program this year.
“This year, I want our team to learn how to overcome obstacles and to step up and be comfortable being uncomfortable.”
Coach Gibson will not have to wait very long to see how his players will respond because The Rumble Under the Palms is right around the corner.
