DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The DME Academy at St. John’s Northwestern Academies partnership took center stage at the 2023 NBA Draft as two former standout products of each academy were selected in the first round of the draft.
On Thursday, June 22, 2023, Brandin Podziemski, a 2021 graduate of SJNA, was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 19th pick. Soon after, the Portland Trail Blazers utilized the 23rd pick to add DME Academy post-graduate basketball alumnus, Kris Murray, to their roster.
Launched less than a month prior to the draft, the 2023 NBA Draft was a banner night for the DME at SJNA program. With two draft picks in quick succession, the partnership announced itself under the bright lights of the Barclays Center as a hub for top talent, and laid a clear pathway to the highest levels of the game for the next generation of DME at SJNA student-athletes.
With 11-year NBA veteran Wesley Persons set to coach the newly established DME at SJNA teams in the upcoming season, and DME co-founder Dan Panaggio’s wealth of NBA coaching experience, the new partnership is set to take flight and offer its students next level experience and guidance that is solely found through the DME at SJNA program.
Before they heard NBA commissioner Adam Silver call their names out on Thursday (June 22) night, both Brandin and Kris put in the work and shined on their respective campuses.
At St. John’s Northwestern, Podziemski accumulated more than 2,000 career points, was recognized as a three-time All-State honoree, and in 2021, he was awarded the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association’s Mr. Basketball and the Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year. After graduating from SJNA, he continued his basketball career at Santa Clara University.
Murray, too, was very successful at the academy level. At DME, he averaged 17.1 points per game, 10.1 rebounds per game, and shot 48 percent from the field. Wesam Al-Sous, former DME Academy head basketball coach, said, “Kris was our glue guy. He was the guy that could do it all.” Murray went on to have a stellar career at the University of Iowa, where both his twin brother and father also played basketball.
Catch Brandin and Kris getting geared up for the NBA season next week (July 3-6) at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada. With a strong preseason, DME at SJNA fans can expect to see more of their favorite stars on the NBA stage come October and the start of the 2023-24 season.
The partnership between DME and SJNA aims to continue to produce elite student-athletes, like Brandin Podziemski and Kris Murray. To learn more or apply to be a part of the DME at SJNA partnership in Delafield, Wisconsin click here: DME at SJNA
To follow along with Kris Murray’s journey from DME Academy to the big leagues, click here.
About DME Academy
DME Academy is a premier sports and education facility located in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Academy provides a range of sports programs for athletes of all ages and skill levels, as well as top-notch educational opportunities. DME Sports Academy’s mission is to empower young athletes to reach their full potential on and off the field. To learn more, visit www.dmeacademy.com.
About St. John’s Northwestern Academies
Founded in 1884, St. John’s Northwestern Academies develops young men and women inspired to become responsible citizens and moral and ethical leaders for the global community through excellence in Academics, Leadership Skills, Spiritual and Character Development, and well-being through Athletic Activities and Healthy Life Habits. For more information, visit sjnacademies.org.
Kris Murray, DME Academy Post-Graduate Basketball alumnus (2019-2020), was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2023 NBA Draft on Thursday, June 22. Portland selected the 6’8” forward with the 23rd pick in the first round.
The Blazers’ selection made Murray the second first-round pick in DME Academy history, following his brother Keegan who was drafted in 2022 as the fourth overall pick by the Sacramento Kings.
Murray’s draft achievement comes as a result of an impressive basketball career built on hard work, drive, and always staying humble. Since his post-graduate year at DME, which put him on the map as a top forward in the nation, Murray has gained the respect of his teammates and coaches as someone you always wanted on the court and as a part of your team. Dan Panaggio, DME Academy founder, said, “Kris Murray had a huge impact on DME Academy. He personified all the best qualities we look for in our student-athletes. He was intelligent, hard-working, unselfish, and humble. His teammates not only respected him but loved him. He is a product of the best in parenting. His family is the perfect model for the American Student-athlete, and Kris is the perfect role model.”
Murray is coming off an impressive career at the University of Iowa, having scored over 20 points 17 times, double figures 43 times, and seven career double-doubles. After his junior season, he received third-team All-America and first-team All-Big Ten honors and was named a semifinalist for both the John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith Player of the Year trophy.
Murray joins the Blazers who are coming off a 33-49 overall record, and 13th place in the NBA Western Conference. He’s expected to make an immediate impact for Portland as an NBA-ready combo forward.
To follow along with Murray’s journey to the big leagues, click here.
Have dreams to one day #BallLikeMurray? Click here to learn more about our elite basketball program.
Kris Murray, DME Academy Post-Graduate basketball alumnus (‘20), is gearing up for the 2023 NBA Draft – and analysts anticipate he’ll be a hot pick.
The 6’8” forward for the University of Iowa has had an incredible basketball career so far, and will undoubtedly continue to dominate at the professional level. However, Murray wasn’t always a top prospect.
Kris Murray came to DME Academy as a 3-star recruit, knowing that he had potential that hadn’t yet been reached. Although he was initially unsure about attending a prep school program in Florida, visiting and experiencing the campus culture made him realize he had made the right decision. Kris said, “I was nervous coming to DME because it was the first time I had really been away from home, but when I arrived here, it felt like home. It’s ultimately a family environment and it put me at ease, and I’ve been enjoying it ever since.”
He spent his post-graduate year in Daytona Beach training alongside DME’s elite coaches and trainers, developing his game on and off the court, and competing in one of the country’s most competitive basketball conferences. A 247 Sports reporter described Kris and twin brother Keegan’s impressive development, stating, “They went to DME Academy and it became one of the best decisions they ever made.”
In October 2019, DME Academy hosted top competition like IMG Academy and MontVerde Academy at the DME Jamboree. Murray put on a show for fans and spectators, and gave top SEC, ACC, and Big Ten basketball coaches a new name to add to their watch lists. It was then that the offers started rolling in, and the Murray brothers chose to head back to their home state of Iowa to don the black and gold.
DME Academy retired Murray’s number (#25) in July 2022, after his impressive performance at the academy, and then at the college level. DME Academy Founder, Dan Panaggio, described it as an easy decision, stating, “Character, drive and dedication are all characteristics we demand of current and future DME student-athletes, and the Murray brothers are a perfect example of that.”
Analysts expect Murray to be picked up in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft, which will air on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 8pm ET on ABC and ESPN. To keep up with Murray’s draft status, follow along here.
To learn how you too can make your dreams a reality, check out DME Academy’s basketball program.
The 14-1 and 15-1 aged DME Academy Club Volleyball teams have shown exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the season, earning them spots in the 2023 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship. These teams have consistently displayed a high level of play, winning crucial matches and dominating their opponents with their precise serves, powerful spikes, and exceptional defense. Their coaches and fans are immensely proud of their achievements and eagerly await their performance on the National stage.
The 14-1 and 15-1 teams have faced stiff competition throughout the season, but their determination and hard work have paid off. They have focused on improving their skills and techniques, as well as their mental and physical conditioning, allowing them to perform at their best in every game. Their dedication and discipline have not gone unnoticed, as they have inspired their teammates and coaches to work harder and strive for excellence.
The 14-1 DME Academy Club volleyball team, coached by Brooke VanBrocklin and Rodrigo Saunders, consists of Emma Cronje, Nailah Cullom, Jade Gunter, Mollie Hale, Sofia Mackin, Keri Petro, Arden Reynolds, Sarah Stegall, Grace Taylor, Sadie VanBrocklin, and Lillian VanDeusen.
The 15-1 DME Academy Club volleyball team, coached by Alvaro Sanchez and Rodrigo Saunders consists of Riley Bennet, Isabella Bosinki, Taylor Fonseca, Annabelle Gentry, Emma Jandrew, Teagun Lux, Jasmine Mahoney, Logan Milan, Syramil Quinones, Ava Scott, Tori Stoltzfus, and Paige Taylor.
As they prepare for the national tournament, the 14-1 and 15-1 teams are determined to give their best and leave everything on the court. They know that the competition will be tough, but they are ready for the challenge. Their goal is not only to win but to showcase their skills and sportsmanship, representing their team and community with pride. They are confident in their abilities, and their fans are confident in them. We wish them the best of luck at the GJNC National tournament At McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago Illinois, June 28th-July 6th! We are wishing them the best of luck!
Back for another year, DME Academy is hosting its annual sleepaway Summer Prep Volleyball Camp from July 16th to July 29th. The camp is designed to help volleyball players of all levels develop and refine their skills in a high-intensity training environment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the camp will provide a challenging and rewarding experience that will help you take your game to the next level.
The camp will be led by a team of experienced and qualified coaches who have a proven track record of success in developing players. They will provide individualized instruction and feedback to each player, focusing on all aspects of the game, including passing, serving, hitting, blocking, and defense. The training will be structured around a combination of drills, team play, and game situations (some on the beach!) giving players the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in a competitive setting.
In addition to the intense training, the camp will also provide players with the opportunity to develop mental toughness and resilience, which are essential skills for success on and off the court. The camp will be held in a supportive and encouraging environment, where players will be challenged to push themselves to their limits while receiving the guidance and support they need to succeed. If you’re looking to take your volleyball skills to the next level and prepare for the upcoming season, the intense Summer Prep Volleyball Camp is the perfect opportunity for you!
Keegan, a rookie forward for the Sacramento Kings, recently broke the record for most 3-pointers made by a rookie in a single season in a single season with 188 and is on pace for over 200. He was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. His impressive shooting skills have been a major factor in the King’s success this season, helping them compete with some of the top teams in the league and clinching a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2006, 17 years ago. Keegan’s countless hours shooting on the court at DME Academy helped him develop his skills and prepare for the challenges of playing at the highest level of basketball.
Kris Murray, a junior guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes, has also been making headlines this season. In 2023, he was named a consensus All-American by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, the United States Basketball Writers Association, and other major organizations. Kris has been averaging 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2 assists per game this year. Kris’s time at DME Academy helped him develop his skills and prepared him to excel at the college level. His impressive performances helped lead the Hawkeyes to a successful season as they earned a No. 8 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
Both Murray brothers’ jerseys were retired by DME Academy at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year.
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is known for its elite basketball program and has produced many successful players over the years. The program focuses on developing the skills and abilities of young players, preparing them for the challenges of playing at the highest level of basketball. Keegan and Kris Murray are just two examples of the many talented players to come out of the DME Academy program. Their success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the coaches and staff at DME Academy, and the impact they have on the lives of young basketball players.
Interested in training at DME Academy? Check out our Summer Prep basketball camp here!
DME Academy is set to host an intense sleepaway baseball Summer Prep camp July 16th-29th, providing players with the perfect opportunity to improve their skills and take their game to the next level. The camp will run for several weeks and is aimed at serious players looking to hone their skills during the off-season.
DME Academy is renowned for its high-quality training programs and state-of-the-art facilities, and this camp will be no different. The camp will feature top-level coaches and trainers who will work with players to improve their hitting, pitching, fielding, and overall game strategy. In addition to the technical training, players will also benefit from strength and conditioning sessions led by Alex Richard, DME Academy’s licensed personal trainer, to help them build the physical stamina required for peak performance on the field.
One of the standout features of the DME Academy Summer Prep camp is the emphasis on personalized instruction. Coaches will work with players individually to identify areas for improvement, and tailor their training to address specific weaknesses. This personalized approach ensures that each player receives the attention they need to reach their full potential.
The camp is open to players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players, and is designed to challenge players to push beyond their limits. In addition to the rigorous training, players also will also compete in live games and scrimmages.
DME Academy Summer Prep camp is an excellent opportunity for baseball players to elevate their skills, and take their game to the next level. With top-level coaching, personalized instruction, and a focus on developing both technical skills and physical stamina, players can expect to see significant improvements in their game.
If you’re serious about baseball and want to take your skills to the next level, be sure to sign up for the DME Academy Summer Prep camp in July.
