Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy alumnus Mikel Brown Jr. brought home an illustrious award today (Jan. 6), when he was named the 2025 USA Basketball 5-on-5 Male Athlete of the Year, one of the highest individual honors awarded by USA Basketball. The award caps off a remarkable year of international success and continued excellence at the collegiate level.
Success has followed Brown Jr. every time he has taken the court in a USA Basketball uniform. In the summer of 2025, he served as the floor general for the USA Men’s U19 National Team, leading the program to a gold medal at the FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup in Lausanne, Switzerland. The Americans finished the tournament with a flawless 7–0 record, highlighted by a dominant 109–76 victory over Germany in the gold medal game, where Brown Jr. recorded 12 points and four assists.
Brown Jr. was named to the tournament’s All-Star Five, averaging 14.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.1 rebounds in just 23.2 minutes per game. He delivered three performances of 20 points or more, beginning with a 24-point outing against France, followed by another 24-point performance against Cameroon, where he added eight assists. His final 20-point game came in a thrilling 108–102 quarterfinal win over Canada, as the U.S. rallied in the fourth quarter behind his scoring and playmaking.
Throughout the tournament, Brown Jr. showcased elite efficiency, shooting 46.7 percent from the field, 47.6 percent from three-point range, and 82.4 percent from the free-throw line. Against France and Cameroon, he combined to shoot 17-of-23 from the field, demonstrating his ability to impact games without forcing shots.
Earlier in 2025, Brown Jr. also starred at the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon, helping the USA defeat the World Select Team 124–114 in overtime. He finished that contest with 17 points, three assists, three steals, and 15 made free throws, tying the USA record for the event.
The 2025 gold medal marked Brown Jr.’s second international title, following his championship run at the 2024 FIBA U18 Men’s AmeriCup in Buenos Aires. His sustained success at the international level earned him this year’s USA Basketball honor after being nominated in both 2024 and 2025.
A former standout at DME Academy, Brown Jr. was a five-star recruit, the No. 7 overall player in the Class of 2025, and the No. 2 point guard nationally according to 247Sports. He averaged 29.6 points per game during his senior season at DME and was a McDonald’s All-American, winning the 3-point contest while also being named a semifinalist for the Naismith Trophy Boys High School Player of the Year.
Now a freshman starter at the University of Louisville men’s basketball, Brown Jr. continues to build on his momentum and looks poised to carry his success into 2026 and beyond.
Brown Jr.’s selection as the 2025 USA Basketball 5-on-5 Male Athlete of the Year further reinforces DME Academy’s mission of preparing student-athletes for excellence at the collegiate, professional, and international levels.
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 awards keep coming for DME Academy alumnus Yan Diomandém, who was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Month for December 2025, an honor that recognizes his exceptional impact during a breakthrough stretch with RB Leipzig.
Diomandé earned the award after fending off strong competition from teammate Conrad Harder and Werder Bremen goalkeeper Mio Backhaus. The 19-year-old winger made two starts in December before departing to represent the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving a lasting impression across the league.
His standout performance came on Matchday 13, when Diomandé delivered one of the season’s most electric individual displays, scoring a sensational hat-trick in a 6–0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. At just 19 years and 22 days, he became the second-youngest player in Bundesliga history to score three goals in a single match, a milestone previously reached only once before in 1965.
Beyond his scoring output, Diomandé impressed in all phases of play, registering 88 passes and winning 57 percent of his challenges, numbers that underscored his maturity and two-way influence on the wing.
With his rise in Germany and international duties continuing, Diomandé’s trajectory reinforces DME Academy’s commitment to preparing student-athletes for success at the highest levels of the global game.
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 proudly celebrates alumnus Yan Diomandé as he and the Ivory Coast National Team advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after an undefeated run through group play.
Ivory Coast opened the tournament with a 1–0 victory over Mozambique, followed by a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Cameroon. The Elephants then capped off group play with a thrilling 3–2 win over Gabon on December 31, securing their place in the knockout rounds and finishing unbeaten.
Diomandé, one of the tournament’s rising young talents, continues to represent both country and club with confidence and maturity on one of Africa’s biggest stages. His progression at AFCON reflects a rapid ascent that began during his development years at DME Academy and has continued at the professional and international levels.
Ivory Coast will now face Burkina Faso in the Round of 16 on January 6, with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.
DME Academy congratulates Yan Diomandé and the Ivory Coast National Team on a strong group-stage performance and looks forward to following their continued AFCON campaign.
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 proudly recognizes Timani Harris, a member of its Girls National Basketball Team, for leading a meaningful community initiative through a free basketball clinic and holiday toy drive held on Saturday (Dec. 20) at her local Boys & Girls Club in Richmond, Virginia.
The event brought together local youth for an afternoon focused on skill development, mentorship, and giving back during the holiday season. Participants had the opportunity to sharpen their basketball fundamentals while receiving holiday toys donated by sponsors, vendors, and volunteers, reinforcing the spirit of generosity and community support.
“Timani is an extraordinary basketball player with the complete package of athleticism and skill,” said Dan Panaggio, DME Academy Co-Founder. “She is headed for greatness, and her future in the game is incredibly bright. Yet what sets her apart is not only her talent, but her intangibles, humility, unselfishness, and now, her kindness in giving back to her community. Timani embodies the values we cherish at DME Academy: excellence on the court and character off it. She is truly a wonderful young lady, and we are proud to support her journey.”
Harris, a 5’9” point guard in the Class of 2027, is ranked No. 7 in the state of Florida by Prep Girls Hoops and No. 54 nationally by ESPN. While she continues to stand out as one of the top young guards in the country, Harris’s efforts off the court reflect her leadership, character, and commitment to service.
“Timani is a special young lady,” said DME Director of Girls Basketball Michael Panaggio. “Obviously, she’s extremely talented on the court, but she’s just as impressive as a young lady. Her parents, Tiffany and Manny, are great parents who have raised her right and encouraged her to serve others in the Richmond, Virginia, community. I’m very thankful to her parents and Timani for the opportunity to coach her. She’s a joy to coach every single day.”
DME Academy places a strong emphasis on developing student-athletes who are prepared for life beyond competition.DME Academy commends Timani Harris for representing the program with pride while making a positive impact during the holiday 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.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy is proud to announce that alumnus Mikel Brown Jr. has been nominated for the 2025 USA Basketball 5-on-5 Male Athlete of the Year Award, placing him among an elite group of the nation’s top basketball talents. Brown Jr. is one of four nominees, alongside Nasir Anderson, AJ Dybantsa, and Javonte Smart.
This marks the second consecutive year Brown Jr. has earned a nomination for the prestigious award. He was also nominated in 2024 following his standout performances with the USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team, where he helped lead the program to a gold medal at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup.
A five-star recruit and the No. 7 overall player in the Class of 2025 at the time of his signing with Louisville, Brown Jr. was also ranked as the No. 2 point guard nationally according to 247Sports. During his prep career at DME Academy, he established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in the state of Florida, finishing among the top three scorers statewide after averaging 29.6 points per game in his senior season.
Brown Jr.’s accolades include being named a McDonald’s All-American, where he captured the 3-point contest title, and earning recognition as a semifinalist for the Naismith Trophy Boys High School Player of the Year.
Internationally, Brown Jr. made a major impact with USA Basketball during the summer of 2024. He started all six games at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup, averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, and earning his first USA Basketball 5-on-5 Male Athlete of the Year nomination alongside NBA stars Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James.
Brown Jr.’s 2025 nomination further solidifies his place among the nation’s elite players and underscores DME Academy’s proven pathway from prep basketball to collegiate, professional, and international success.
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 athletes continue to shine on the international stage! On Thursday (Dec. 18), alumnus Dalph Panopio won the gold medal with Team Philippines at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), held this December in Thailand.
The Southeast Asian Games are one of the region’s premier multi-sport events, featuring 11 Southeast Asian nations competing across Olympic and regional sports. Panopio’s achievement places him at the top of one of the most competitive international stages in the region and marks a significant milestone in his athletic career.
Panopio’s gold medal performance reflects not only his dedication and talent but also his ability to compete and succeed under pressure at the highest levels of international competition. Representing his country with pride, he delivered when it mattered most and helped Team Philippines secure the top spot on the podium as they defeated Thailand, 70-64.
Panopio’s continued success adds to DME Academy’s growing list of alumni competing and excelling globally, reinforcing the Academy’s commitment to preparing student-athletes for opportunities far beyond the classroom and competition floor.
DME Academy congratulates Dalph Panopio on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to following his continued journey representing both Team Philippines and the DME family with distinction.
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. – 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.