New Jersey Youth Basketball Program Secures Over $2 Million In Scholarships

Manalapan-based Pro Dev Unlimited celebrates nearly 100 championships while helping young athletes reach elite schools

A New Jersey youth basketball organization has transformed the lives of hundreds of young athletes, securing more than $2 million in scholarships and sponsorships while capturing nearly 100 championships since 2023.

The organization, founded by former Division I athlete Khalil Brown, has grown to over 100 teams across seven New Jersey locations in just over two years. The program’s latest success story involves 14-year-old eighth-grader MJ Postell, who recently received a Division I scholarship offer from LaSalle University.

Postell, who has been with the program since spring 2023, now faces the enviable challenge of choosing between elite high school programs nationwide. The young athlete credits the organization with preparing him for success both on and off the court.

“The coaching, the competition, and the support in seeking out scholarships have been amazing. I feel prepared for the next level, both academically and athletically.”

Postell joins a growing list of scholarship recipients that includes Peter Mauro, Krish Patel, Luke Ashelwitz, and Anthony Mauro. He and Dominic Mauro were recently invited to the prestigious Nike Top 100 Jr. Camp, where Postell impressed NBA scouts at the event held at Houston University.

The organization’s competitive record speaks to its effectiveness. The program has captured multiple MADE Hoops Championships, Hoop Group titles, and over 1,000 tournament victories from its locations spanning Toms River, East Brunswick, Manalapan, Marlboro, Monroe, East Hanover, and Newark. The program has achieved notable milestones including playing at Madison Square Garden before 20,000 fans and receiving a full program invitation to a New York Knicks game.

Brown, who co-founded Johnson Brown Academy, a top-five online private school, emphasizes that his program’s mission extends beyond basketball success. The organization takes a holistic approach, combining professional-caliber coaching from former collegiate and professional athletes with academic support through partnerships with elite institutions.

“Our vision has always been to create an unparalleled platform for young athletes to realize their full potential, not just in basketball, but in life,” Brown said. “Every championship we win and every scholarship we secure represents a young person whose life trajectory has been positively transformed.”

Players have been recruited to prestigious schools including Sierra Canyon, Montverde Academy, IMG Academy, and St. Benedict’s Prep, while earning invitations to elite camps such as Pangos All-American, Nike Top 100 Jr. Camp and CP3 National Camp.

Krish Patel, a 1,000-plus point scorer and Rutgers-Newark University commit, highlighted the organization’s comprehensive approach to development.

“The program gave me the platform to showcase my abilities and connect with coaches who believed in my potential,” Patel said. “It doesn’t just teach basketball fundamentals – it teaches life skills and opens doors to educational opportunities that extend far beyond high school.”

Brown’s personal journey adds credibility to the program’s mission. After starting organized basketball at age 16, he went on to compete nationally and professionally across multiple continents, demonstrating the transformative power of dedicated mentorship and opportunity.

“When young people see tangible results – scholarships, championships, college opportunities – it changes their entire perspective on what’s possible,” Brown said. “We’re proving that with the right support system, any dream is achievable.”

The program continues to expand through partnerships with major sponsors including Adidas and HoopCulture, while maintaining its core mission of developing championship-caliber athletes and scholars.

Pro Dev Unlimited’s connection to Johnson Brown Academy provides student-athletes with flexible academic schedules, allowing them to pursue their athletic dreams without compromising educational excellence.

As the organization looks toward the future, Brown remains focused on creating opportunities for young athletes to reach their full potential, both in basketball and in life.