CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Cavaliers and city of Cleveland, once again partnering up for Hoops After Dark, now in its fourth year.
The history of this event spans back to the 90’s, where it served as an outlet for young men, providing a safe space away from the violence and into the gym.
Since relaunching in 2022 by Mayor Justin Bibb, the purpose of the program remains, but now it has evolved into a life-changing experience for prospective ballers.
Sports bring people together in the most unique ways. Case in point, Cleveland’s “Hoops After Dark” program, that showcases untapped and unseen talent in the city.
Joseph Wise is a coach with the program. He also works with the City of Cleveland. He’s amazed by the number of talent that comes in from around the city.
“It’s an interesting thing to get people from different walks of life and you may play that grew up in the suburbs. You may play downtown and all these different brands of basketball.”
Alex Perez has been a part of the program for three years and played on last season’s championship team. He says, “This is an opportunity not only basketball, but outside of basketball.”
But this program is more than just slam dunks or dropping dimes. It goes deeper. Some of these young men, 18 to 26 are also gaining real-life knowledge off the court from financial literacy, mental health services, even gaining new employment.
“They give job opportunities. You got, you got a lot of opportunities that come with it. You meet new people.” says Alex Perez.
Wise says, “They also had just a direct conduit towards getting any type of aid that they might need. They might need help paying bills or maybe even food for that matter, or anything of that line. So it’s a lot of different areas that they go into and the job search is the biggest one.”
Selassie Wilson joined the program as a player in 2022. Three years later, he parlayed that moment into a coaching role in the Cavs organization and as a coach within the “Hoops After Dark” program.
Wilson says, “It was a major opportunity that I never expected.” He goes on to say, “I am a prime example that this is a life changer. Like I said, I never expected to be a coach. Funny thing is, I kind of like joked on a high school paper in my senior year about being a basketball coach but never thought it would be real.”
Transformative on and off the court. And for some of these hoopers, it’s an opportunity they’re not passing up.
“It’s a great thing that the word is actually getting out now, but also now you got to bring some talent, which you’re going, you have to bring your game with you.” says Coach Wise.
Alex Perez says, “Just be you. You can’t just be yourself. Have fun. It’s all about competition. You’re gonna want to play hard, but be you at the end of the day, you only could represent yourself so.”
For more on the Hoops After Dark program, click HERE.
Copyright 2025 WOIO. All rights reserved.