For those who have followed Kanye West‘s career over the years, it comes as no surprise that the rapper, entrepreneur, producer, fashion designer, and so on, would be venturing into sports — more specifically, basketball.
With his new project, Donda Academy, Ye is building a school that is apparently built on “finding the intersection between faith and the innovation of the future.” Located in California, the school is also described as being focused on “equipping students with an education that will last in the ever-changing world.”
While that mission statement doesn’t come as a surprise, considering Kanye’s recent pivot to religion, it’s another aspect of the prep school that is hogging all the headlines. Top-rated high-school basketball players Jalen Hooks, Robert Dillingham, and 2024 top-5 prospect Jahki Howard have all committed to transferring to Donda Academy.
Howard took to Instagram to make the transfer official, writing: “I will be moving to California and I will be transferring to Donda academy, I want to THANK YOU NORCROSS and the whole BLUE DEVIL FAMILY STILL WILL BE MY FAMILY.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUqC4YoFP0X/
Most interesting is Kanye’s recruitment strategy, which, according to two of the players, is handled by the rapper himself. Ye reportedly reached out via direct message and personally recruited them through Instagram. Imagine being a teenager and getting a DM from Kanye, asking you to play for his team. Currently, it seems as if he’s still got his hands full with the recruitment process, as there’s no coach attached to the team just yet.
With so many great young players already signed on, it only makes sense that the squad will get apparel fit for a Kanye West-led basketball team. According to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, adidas has partnered with its longtime collaborator to supply the academy with uniforms, as well as shoes and apparel.
There’s little to no official information available when it comes to the academy itself, but on its website, there’s an application form that can be filled in and submitted.
Kanye’s venture into basketball with Donda Academy marks a huge opportunity for players all over the United States. Early conversations surrounding a game between the academy and Sierra Canyon, where LeBron James‘ son plays, have already started. As of now, it seems as if it will take place at the Staples Center sometime in February.
Stay tuned as more information will be revealed, and while you’re at it, browse the website.