Daytona Beach, Fla. – He is not going anywhere! DME alumnus Mamadou Billo Diop was selected sixth overall by the Colorado Rapids in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, a milestone moment that caps off a standout professional season and solidifies his future at the MLS level.
Diop, who has become a fan favorite in Colorado, remains with the Rapids organization after an impressive 2025 season with Rapids 2, where he recorded 15 goals and 2 assists in 30 appearances. His production, consistency, and attacking presence made him one of the most dangerous forwards in MLS NEXT Pro and a clear top selection in this year’s draft.
The Rapids’ decision to select Diop at Pick No. 6 reflects the club’s belief in his long-term impact and continued development, locking in one of the organization’s brightest young talents as he takes the next step in his professional career.
Diop’s rise from DME Academy to MLS SuperDraft selection underscores the Academy’s growing global footprint and proven ability to develop players ready to perform at the highest levels of the game.
DME Academy congratulates Mamadou Billo Diop and looks forward to following his continued success with the Colorado Rapids.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy is calling on its global community to show support for three of its distinguished alumni by participating in NBA All-Star Voting.
Former DME standouts Keegan Murray (Sacramento Kings), Kris Murray (Portland Trail Blazers), and Moussa Diabaté (Charlotte Hornets) are all continuing to make their mark at the highest level of professional basketball, and DME Academy is proud to celebrate their success.
Keegan Murray, a 2020 DME Academy alumnus and rising star with the Kings, is currently averaging 14.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 43.0 percent from the field. Known for his consistency, versatility, and two-way impact, Murray remains one of the league’s most reliable young forwards.
His twin brother, Kris Murray, now with the Trail Blazers, is contributing 5.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 44.1 percent from the field. Kris continues to develop his role at the NBA level, providing energy, defense, and toughness in the frontcourt.
Moussa Diabaté, a former DME Academy standout and current member of the Hornets, has been highly effective this season, averaging 8.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 63.4 percent from the field. His rebounding presence and interior efficiency have made him a key contributor.
NBA All-Star Voting is now open, and fans can help elevate DME Academy alumni on the league’s biggest stage and send them to Los Angeles by Clicking Here.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy wrapped up another successful Beach & Ball Classic, hosting elite programs from across the region and delivering a dominant weekend of basketball on its home courts. With several undefeated teams, marquee wins, and standout individual performances, DME once again demonstrated why it remains one of the premier basketball academies in the country.
Across all divisions, DME teams combined for an impressive showing:
One of the weekend’s signature moments came from the DME Prep Team, which defeated IMG Prep 82–81 at the buzzer. Az’Juan Matthews, who was named Player of the Game, capped off a brilliant performance with the game-winning basket, finishing with 27 points.
Matthews’ heroics earned him a place on the All-Tournament First Team, highlighting his exceptional play throughout the event.
The HS Regional Team turned in a perfect 3–0 performance, powered by a breakout weekend from James Jenkins, who was named Regional Division MVP after averaging 21 points per game.
Six additional DME athletes were also recognized on the Regional Division All-Tournament Team, reflecting the depth and strength of the program:
Multiple other DME athletes also received major recognition for their outstanding individual performances:
The 8th annual Beach & Ball Classic once again highlighted DME Academy’s commitment to hosting competitive, professionally run basketball events that bring together top talent from across the country. With strong performances at every level, the Classic served as another reminder of the Academy’s player development excellence and national relevance.
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy is proud to congratulate Juanita Hernandez on earning a bronze medal with the Colombian National Team at the 2025 Bolivarian Games, marking a significant milestone in her volleyball career and an inspiring achievement on the international stage.
Hernandez, a standout for DME Academy and one of the top rising talents in the program, represented Colombia with exceptional poise, and her contribution helped secure Colombia’s place on the podium at one of South America’s most culturally significant sporting events.
The Bolivarian Games are a historic and prestigious multi-sport event honoring Simón Bolívar, known as El Libertador, the revolutionary hero who led the fight for independence across much of Latin America. The Games feature athletes from the six nations liberated or born from Bolívar’s movements — Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia — and serve as a celebration of athletic excellence and cultural unity.
Hernandez’s success represents not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the world-class training environment at DME Academy, where student-athletes are supported in pursuing opportunities at the collegiate, professional, and international levels.
DME Academy extends its warmest congratulations to Juanita Hernandez and looks forward to her continued accomplishments on the court and beyond.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – Today (Dec. 5), the final draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was held in Washington, D.C., and DME alumnus Yan Diomandé officially learned that he and the Ivory Coast National Team have been drawn into Group E. The Elephants will face a diverse and competitive group that includes Curaçao, Ecuador, and Germany.
Diomandé has quickly emerged as one of Africa’s most exciting young talents, scoring in each of his first two international appearances and helping lead the Ivory Coast to its first World Cup berth since 2014. The former DME standout now prepares to represent his country at the sport’s most prestigious event, running from June 11 through July 19, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ivory Coast Drawn Into Group E
The Elephants will compete in Group E, facing:
This group presents a compelling blend of global football cultures, including the four-time World Cup champions Germany, offering the Ivory Coast both challenge and opportunity as they look to advance to the knockout stages.
Match Schedule to Be Released December 6
The official match dates, times, and host city assignments for Group E will be announced on December 6 at 12:00 p.m. EST. These details will determine the Ivory Coast’s travel path across North America and set the stage for Diomandé’s first World Cup appearances.
DME Academy Celebrates a Historic Moment
Diomandé’s rise from DME Academy to the FIFA World Cup is a landmark achievement for both the player and the program. His journey reflects DME Academy’s growing global footprint and its commitment to preparing athletes for elite performance on the world stage. DME Academy will provide complete coverage of the Ivory Coast’s World Cup schedule and Diomandé’s performance throughout the tournament.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy is proud to announce the return of the 8th Annual Beach & Ball Classic, one of Florida’s premier winter basketball events, taking place December 4–7, 2025, on the DME campus.
This year’s tournament will feature teams across three divisions — Post Grad, High School National, and High School Regional — with each program guaranteed three competitive games over the four-day showcase. Returning programs, college coaches, and fans can expect another year of high-level basketball in one of the most exciting and scenic sports environments in the country.
All participating teams will receive the official 2025 Beach & Ball Classic Tournament T-shirt, provided that the traveling party books accommodations at one of DME’s approved Tournament Hotels.
Known for its competitive matchups, player exposure, and signature Daytona atmosphere, the Beach & Ball Classic has grown into a staple winter event drawing programs from across the Southeast and beyond. This year’s edition is expected to be the biggest yet.
A full event schedule, game times, brackets, and more are available at: dmeacademy.com/beach-and-ball-classic
DME Academy looks forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, and fans for another unforgettable weekend of basketball at the 2025 Beach & Ball Classic.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – DME Academy’s National Girls Basketball Team delivered a statement performance at Grind Session Stop #2, defeating No. 11 nationally ranked Legion Prep (TX) by a commanding 66–46 margin.
GiGi Battle was unstoppable, earning Player of the Game honors after posting a dominant 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 assist, setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Sara Okeke added a powerful double-double, finishing with 15 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.
It was a complete team win, with Timani Harris providing a major spark off the bench, adding 11 points.
The victory further solidifies DME Academy’s standing as one of the premier national programs in girls’ basketball and highlights the depth, talent, and competitive fire within the roster.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy is proud to announce that Sther Ubaka, a standout 6’1” forward in the Class of 2026, has officially signed with Vanderbilt University, securing her future at one of the nation’s premier academic and athletic institutions.
Originally from Brazil, Ubaka has emerged as a dynamic presence for DME Academy, pairing size, mobility, and skill with an elite motor that consistently makes her one of the most impactful players on the floor. Her ability to defend multiple positions, finish through contact, and stretch the floor made her one of the most sought-after forwards in her class.
Ubaka’s signing with Vanderbilt, a program competing in the prestigious Southeastern Conference (SEC), marks another major milestone for DME’s thriving girls basketball program and continues the academy’s track record of sending student-athletes to top NCAA Division I programs.
DME Academy congratulates Sther Ubaka and her family on this tremendous achievement and looks forward to watching her continue her academic and athletic success as a Commodore.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – DME Academy is proud to host Grind Session Stop #2 beginning today (Nov. 24) and running through Wednesday (Nov. 26), bringing some of the nation’s top girls basketball programs to campus for three days of elite competition.
DME’s National Girls Team will headline the event, with the Regional and Prep Girls Teams also competing on Court 2 throughout the showcase.
Grind Session is the first-ever winter circuit dedicated to elite high school basketball, featuring more than 400 action-packed games from November through March across top venues in the U.S., Canada, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. The circuit provides athletes with premier competition, national exposure, and a powerful platform to prepare for the next chapter of their basketball careers.
DME Academy is excited to welcome teams, coaches, and fans to Daytona Beach for an event that continues to elevate girls’ basketball on the national stage.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – The DME Academy National Boys Basketball Team delivered another strong showing on the national stage, finishing 1–1 at Grind Session Stop #2 in a highly competitive weekend that featured late-game drama and standout individual performances.
In the opening matchup, DME fell in a heartbreaking one-point loss, where a last-second game-winner was waved off, ending a back-and-forth battle that showcased the team’s toughness and ability to execute under pressure.
The group responded with authority in Game Two, sailing past Hamilton Heights in a dominant performance fueled by high-level scoring, defensive intensity, and impressive ball movement. Nate Kirk delivered a breakout game and was named Player of the Game, continuing his upward trajectory this season.
Through two Grind Session stops, DME’s National Team has continued to prove why it remains one of the top prep programs in the country, competing against elite national talent, demonstrating depth across the roster, and establishing a foundation for another high-impact season.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.