ERIC JONES

CO. FOUNDER

THE SUCCESS STORY BEGAN HERE

A native of the Bronx, New York, Eric Jones has been around the game of basketball since the age of 5. He was taught the game from his father Sam Jones, a renowned coach of youth basketball in New York City. Developing a love for the game he would learn the discipline, dedication and focus it would take to be successful on and off the court. His first taste of elite level basketball would come with the famed New York City Gauchos where he would play alongside future NBA stars like Jamal Mashburn and Felipe Lopez. Eric captured over 100 titles in his 6 years with the team, locally, regionally, and nationally.

Eric’s professional career would begin in the Eastern Basketball Alliance with The Scranton/Wilkes Barre Barons and then a two-year run with the Harlem Globetrotters. A born leader, Eric would eventually find a role with the world-famous Harlem Wizards as a player coach and director of Player Development. After 21 years of traveling the world and impacting communities he still maintains those titles to date. His work across the world has included entertaining fans in 30 different countries and every state in the Union.

A passion for the game has always burned inside of Eric, and he sought to share some of his knowledge and experience of the game with the young people of New York City. This led him and his older brother Darryl Jones to form the New York Dragons AAU program. During the program’s 13 years of service they have helped over 100 student athletes earn academic scholarships.

Forever the entrepreneur at spirit, Eric has been at the forefront of creating many brands and companies. In 1996, his first endeavor started in college when he and his brother formed their own apparel line called Black Butta. The athletic leisure line took NYC by storm. In 2011, after much success, Eric was approached by longtime friend and CEO of the City Legendz Sports apparel line, Jerry McCullough, to become a partner in the business. The two would pick up where they left off as teens when they were teammates with the Gauchos, creating a cutting-edge apparel line and event planning company that continues to have tremendous success today.

After achieving much success in the business world, Eric and Jerry would also partner to facilitate their collective passion to give back. They partner on the Sports Education Arts Foundation which is a NYC based 501c3 that fosters youth development. With an emphasis on cultural exposure, academic excellence and athletic development, the program continues to be a community staple that is empowering the youth they service.

As a community leader and teacher Eric continues to give back to the youth through his many initiatives and services. His newest project is the EJ5 Skills Development and Training Program. EJ5 teaches the fundamentals of the game while building confidence, reinforcing self-discipline and sharing life lessons that will translate to success in every facet of life.