Join the Blessed Hoops family
Founded in 2017, Blessed Hoops camps began its journey on the vibrant courts of New York City. From the iconic Dyckman, Rucker Park and Gauchos courts to the Nike New York headquarters, our players showcased their skills and determination on the hardwood.
What started as a small project soon blossomed into something remarkable. As players earned scholarships to prestigious prep schools and colleges across the USA, the camp gained momentum.
The allure of Blessed Hoops grew stronger as NBA/WNBA and euroleague players began attending our games, adding to the excitement and energy of our community.
Today, Blessed Hoops has expanded its reach far beyond New York City. With camps in Gland, Switzerland, London, United Kingdom, Dakar Sénégal, Pétion Ville Haiti and Santo Domingo Dominican Republic.
We welcome between 50 to 100 players per camp. Our mission remains unwavering : to provide aspiring basketball talents with the platform and opportunities they need to succeed.
Through our camps, more than 30 scholarships have been awarded to talented players, both boys and girls, enabling them to pursue their dreams in Spain, Portugal, and the USA. We take pride in celebrating the achievements of our graduates, such as Matthew Allman, the first Blessed Hoops alum to graduate from Minnesota Crookston (Division 2)
The Launch of Blessed Hoops USA
In 2018, we organized the first-ever Blessed Hoops USA Tour in New York City, visiting all five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. That year, two players earned full scholarships, marking a major milestone in our journey.
In 2019, our second tour expanded the experience further, bringing 16 players from the UK and Switzerland. We were honored to welcome our first official ambassador, Michael Kessens, a professional player who has represented clubs such as Telekom Baskets Bonn and Paris Basket winning both EuroCup and Champions League.
Playing at legendary venues like Dyckman Park, Rucker Park, and Gunhill, we drew passionate crowds and even a few famous faces such as NBA players, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Hamidou Diallo, and Lamar Odom and artists, Pop Smoke and Dave East among them. The energy was electric, and playing in front of 2,000 fans at Dyckman remains an unforgettable experience. That same year, three more players received scholarships through our platform.
Overcoming Challenges
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic paused travel and closed borders. Despite the global challenges, Blessed Hoops stayed active and resilient by launching our first ever Blessed Hoops Camp in Switzerland, in which we welcomed 115 players from Switzerland, the UK, Italy, France, and Germany.
The momentum continued in 2021, even with limited travel, as our Swiss camp remained a hub of learning and inspiration.
With borders reopening in 2022, Blessed Hoops regained momentum. Players from across Europe and even Lebanon joined our growing network, reigniting the spirit of international basketball development.
Reigniting the U.S. Dream
In 2023, we proudly re-launched the Blessed Hoops USA Tour in New York City with 24 players. The return was nothing short of extraordinary. The games drew large crowds, and we were honored to collaborate with Kevin Punter, star of FC Barcelona, who joined as an ambassador, recognizing and supporting our mission of global basketball development.
Meanwhile, our Swiss camp continued to flourish, attracting players from all parts of Europe and beyond.
Milestones: 2024 & 2025
The 2024 New York Tour reached new heights with 45 players, showcasing exceptional talent and unity.
In 2025, we expanded west with our first-ever Blessed Tour on the U.S. West Coast. Highlights included sessions at Kevin Punter’s private facility in Los Angeles, training with McDonald’s All-American coach Derrick Taylor, and a visit to the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
The tour concluded at the Las Vegas Classic AAU Tournament, where 75 players competed including our first-ever female team and a U14 category.
Our Impact
To date, Blessed Hoops has helped more than 30 players earn opportunities abroad in the U.S., Spain, Portugal, and France. Our dedicated network of coaches, trainers, and mentors, many from elite basketball programs across Europe, the U.S., and Africa continue to inspire and guide the next generation of athletes.
Camp Goals
At our basketball camp, our goal is to help players of all skill levels (boys and girls) improve their game. Through expert coaching, focused drills, and teamwork, we aim to develop fundamental skills, boost confidence, and foster a love for the game. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, our camp is designed to enhance your abilities, challenge you to grow, and make the game more enjoyable!
From Blessed Hoops camp to
Elyjah Rebetez
Movistar Estudiantes Madrid – The Skill Factory
Malyk Rebetez
Augustana University (NCAA D2) – BBC Nyon
Yassine Zlitni
Bethel University NAIA
Malia Mpondo
Wagner College NCAA 1
Lorenzo Renou
AS Monaco Academy
Matthew Allman
Glenville State College – NCAA 2
Sanae Agune
Movistar Estudiantes Madrid
Testimonials
Our Team
Simon Amunugama : Founder – Camp director
Duke – Jermaine Forbes : Camp director United Kingdom
Jackie Knowles : Camp director USA
Our Coaches
Ravi Amunugama (Switzerland)
Keira Robinson (USA)
Igor Banalowski (Switzerland)
Kyle Oliveira (Switzerland)
Matthew Allman (United Kingdom)
Beat Juegling (Switzerland)
Peter Olumese (Switzerland)
Malcom Amsler (Switzerland)
Yassine Zlitni (Switzerland)
Caroline Turin (Switzerland)
Malyk Rebetez (Switzerland)
Our Ambassadors
Kevin Punter : FC Barcelona (Spain)
Michael Kessens : Telekom Bonn (Germany)
Malyk Rebetez (Switzerland)
About the Blessed Hoops association
Through basketball, we help young players achieve their dreams of becoming student-athletes. Our mission is to support these young talents, especially those facing challenges, by providing the necessary assistance to succeed both on the court and in the classroom. We believe that sports can be a powerful tool for the future, opening doors to academic and athletic opportunities.
