Elite Playmakers has made a significant splash into the Georgia basketball scene, especially with their 7th grade group.

Coach Fly has these guys playing with passion, taking pride in defending, correcting errors in game and sharing the basketball.

Here's a conversation we had about the state of his team and how they're trending in the right direction. What the Next Gen Circuit does for them and more. Enjoy!

Q. What has NGS done for your team/program and what is the biggest advantage of being on the Next Gen Circuit?

A. The greatest advantage of being part of the NGS circuit is the opportunity it provides to compete against top-tier talent on a national stage. The exposure it has brought to our independent program has been undeniable and invaluable.

Q. How do you keep such a stellar backcourt like Juelz Butler and Antwon Davis Jr so grounded and unselfish, but still allow them to unleash the dog when needed?

A. It takes a great deal of time, patience, and hard work from our staff. We give our players the freedom to be themselves, but we also hold them accountable--not just for their actions, but for their team's as well, because they are the leaders. Trusting them in that role comes naturally, because they consistently put in the work--on the court, in film sessions, at school and during games.

Q. How would you say your coaching style is preparing this team for high school and beyond?

A. Our coaching philosophy centers on preparing young men for life, using basketball as the vehicle for teaching. Each practice includes daily skill work led by AKG Training, along with conditioning, weight training, and a deep dive into the nuances of the game. My goal is that when our players move on to high school and college, they exemplify true leadership--both on and off the court.

Q. What are your biggest goals this summer for this team?

A. This group has been together for about 4-5 years, and I remember telling them early on that 2025 would be the year everyone takes notice--if we stayed focused. With that in mind, our goal is to compete in tournaments featuring the best talent in the nation and show what hard work and dedication truly look like. We aim to win every tournament we enter--whether that means bringing home the trophy or gaining valuable lessons from a loss, but we gotta stay focused!

Q. Who would you say is the biggest x-factor and sleeper on your squad?

A. Hands down, the biggest sleeper on my team is Tyeer Sheely--period. He's been flying under the radar for the past couple years, but this kid is all motor, all the time. Averaging 10-18 points and 8-10 boards a game, he shows up every night and does the dirty work without needing the spotlight.

Notable mentions go to Zion Cook, Demetrius McClinton, and Harry Dennis III--gritty, dependable, and steadily rising.