LEADERSHIP

Kareem, the creator and founding partner of the ABL, comes from deep basketball roots. The middle brother of Kansas City’s 1st family of basketball, Big 12 Co-Freshman of the year, 2-time 1st team All Big 12, University of Missouri’s Men’s basketball player of the decade (2000-2010) and NBA 1st round pick in 2002 (L.A. Lakers, Charlotte Bobcats, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and L.A. Clippers). He is also an R&B recording artist and entrepreneur with a long track record of community activism. His charitable work in the areas of anti-bullying, youth sports, and healthy living has focused on underserved communities and culminated in two major altruistic endeavors: commitment to the healthy psychosocial development of young athletes and to the long-term financial viability of retire pro athletes through his Rush Forward Foundation.

Jake Jackson currently serves as Founder & Chairman of Card Sound Capital (“CSC”), Jackson Sports Enterprises (“JSE”) and CEO of a portfolio company, Tersus Solutions. Founded in 2013, CSC invests in privately held companies focused on sustainable and environmentally responsible business practices within the textile industry, commercial real estate, and most recently, via JSE, domestic and international sports teams, leagues, and sports focused tech companies. Included in JSE’s most recent investments is the New Zealand Breakers, a professional basketball team within the National Basketball League (“NBL”), Club Necaxa, a Mexican soccer team within LigaMX, Through the Lens, and the Alumni Basketball League (“ABL”). A proud alum of the University of Missouri, Jake is a former member of the Mizzou basketball team, including the 2001-2002 Elite Eight Missouri Tigers. Jake holds a B.S. in Political Science and Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri.

Ricky Goings, Co-Founder & President of Team Society Ventures Inc, has displayed his passion for basketball and helping the youth for the last 8 years. Mr. Goings is a D.C. Native who has also lived in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County Maryland. In 2010, he was named the Assistant General Manager of the Minor League Basketball franchise, the Maryland Greenhawks. Mr. Goings founded Everyone Deserves a Shot, to assist student-athletes with finding basketball scholarships. In seven years, the program has helped over 60 athletes find colleges to continue their education and sports careers. Mr. Goings was interviewed in the 2020 Showtime documentary Basketball County: In the Water.

In 2017, Mr. Goings founded the Legend Coalition. A 30+ basketball alumni summer league that has hosted over 60 different teams and countless former professional basketball players. He brings a wealth of experience in League and Team Operations as well as networking in the college basketball arenas