Mike Scott, the visionary founder of Hoop Dreams, has been the driving force behind its evolution since 2007. With an extensive background in basketball at all levels, Mike's passion for player development is unparalleled. His commitment to individual improvement, team dynamics, and character growth has transformed Hoop Dreams into a thriving hub for aspiring athletes. Mike's journey through basketball is one of dedication, connections, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence.

Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, John Say made a significant impact in basketball from the get-go. As a freshman, he secured a spot in the Adidas top 150 rankings. His high school career saw impressive averages of 17.5 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds per game, playing under the guidance of coach Chris Chaney at DME Academy.

Transitioning to junior college at Western Wyoming, Say led the team to its best-ever finish and earned NJCAA Academic All-American first-team honors. Despite a coaching change at Niagara University, he continued his pursuit of excellence.

Say has since pursued a successful professional career, playing in various countries, with his most recent stint in Valencia, Spain. His journey is a testament to his talent, resilience, and passion for the game.

A’Darius "AD" Pegues has built an impressive basketball career at every level, from high school dominance to international competition. A former McDonald's All-American nominee, Pegues was ranked the No. 1 junior in Kentucky by Rivals.com, the No. 10 center in the nation, and a top-100 player overall. His success earned him a full athletic scholarship to Western Kentucky University, where he helped lead the Hilltoppers to a Sun Belt Conference Championship and an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance. He later played at Tarleton State University, winning a Lone Star Conference Championship.

Pegues' professional career took him to the international stage, where he served as a four-year co-captain of the Ugandan National Team. As a FIBA gold and silver medalist, he competed in AfroBasket, World Cup Qualifiers, and the inaugural NBA Africa (B.A.L) Qualifier Championships.

Now transitioning his passion into coaching, Pegues has worked with great programs, including Rondo Elite, Dana Evans Elite, and Derby City Distillers. He currently serves as the Head Freshman Coach and Varsity Assistant at Louisville Ballard High School, as well as the U16 Assistant Coach and Skill Development Coach for the Ugandan National Team.

Ismaila "Iso" Kane, a distinguished former professional basketball player, graced the courts of both the NBA and the NBA G-League. His stellar career includes notable achievements such as winning the McDonald's All Team Tournament at the McDonald Classic in El Paso, TX, and earning the MVP title at the Sprite Ball Tournament in Senegal. Ismaila's impact extends to international competition, having been selected for both the U16 and U18 national teams of his home country, Senegal.

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