Our founder, Akeem Springs.
Akeem was born in Waukegan Illinois. Throughout his life, Akeem has been passionate about giving back. Sports have been a large part of his life, allowing him the opportunity to reach youth from different areas. Akeem Graduated from Waukegan HS with a 4.3 GPA. Education has been another area where Akeem took the “NBWerk” mentality. Graduating in the Top 10% of his class, Akeem received scholarship offers from over 20 D1 universities. Including top Ivy League universities. Akeem attended 4 D1 Colleges, each university allowed him to develop his passion for working with youth. Studying Youth Development Leadership at The University of Minnesota, Akeem learned effective ways to empower youth. While refining his basketball skills and recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury, Akeem has focused on ways to be a resource to those in need. The formation of The NBWERK Organization started as Akeem’s family prepared to launch the Springs Preparatory Academy. As president and a mentor for the academy, Akeem is excited to prepare youth to be leaders. A man of faith, Akeem acknowledges God for helping him through the many hardships, injuries, and changes in location. “All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me” AINT NUN BUT SOME WERK! #NBWerk
Akeem Basketball Career.
High School/ AAU
Waukegan High School: 4.3 GPA. 08-12 4-year varsity basketball. Starting Varsity Qb as a 10th grader.
(Down State 2x, Conference Champs 3x, Most wins in school History)
AAU- Illinois Blazers (3rd-7th grade), Rising Stars (Joy of The Game), NLP (One season)
20+ D1 offers, 2x All-State, 3x all-conference, 4x all-county. Top10 percentile academically, Athlete of the Year.
College
University Of Minnesota 16’-17’ (Big Ten): Captain, Starter, Top 10% 3 point shooting, 10 ppg, Biggest turn around in NCAA history (8 wins in 2016— 24 wins and 5 seed in NCAA Tournament 2017) Ruptured Achilles in Big-10 tournament.
Wisconsin Milwaukee 13’-16’(Horizon): Ncaa tournament 2014, Starter, Captin, Win at Wisconsin (Big 10) Minnesota (Big 10) 2016, 2x 20+ wins 13 ppg, 6rbds,
Northern Illinois University 12’ (MAC): True freshman Starter, 11ppg over first 9 games. (Transferred at the break.)
Pro
Canton Charge (NBA G-Leauge): Recovered from Achillies Rupture 8 months post-surgery. Still had success. Posting 21, 18 2x, 16, 12, 11 2x In limited action.
Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G-Leauge): 14 months post-surgery. 8.8 ppg
Akeem Took time to get fully healthy and is currently preparing for an NBA Contract.
Akeem waited for a opportunity to play without the covid restrictions.
TIJUANA ZONKEYS (CIBACOPA 2022)
In 18 mins of playing time, Akeem averaged 8.5 ppg.
15 points in his only game as a starter.
Per 40 in 8 games = 18.61 ppg
Cape Town Tigers (BNL 2023)
HIGHLIGHTS:
2x Game MVP
League Leading Scorer
2023 BNL Finals Champions
STATS:
23 PPG
60.3% 2P
43.3% 3P
85% FT’S
5.3 REB PG
3.3 AST PG
This was a great opportunity after nearly two years away from the game. Akeem showed an expanded arsenal of moves and ways to score.