Our Mission, Vision, and Legacy of Shaping the Future of Basketball
DEVELOPING LEADERS, INSPIRING SUCCESS
Cornerstone of CBA
CBA's mission was born in 2013 when founder Damond Williams recognized a critical gap in athlete development — a lack of preparation for success both on the court and in life after basketball. Motivated by the need to equip athletes with the skills to perform at their best while also preparing them for career opportunities beyond the game, CBA was created to offer a comprehensive approach to athlete growth, both professionally and personally.
Damond Williams is the visionary founder and Executive Officer of the Chicago Basketball Academy (CBA), a global organization dedicated to empowering athletes through world-class training and career development programs. With over a 12 years of experience as a pro athlete, and a decade of experience in the executive basketball industry, Damond recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to athlete development — blending both on-court performance with career readiness. His passion for basketball and commitment to supporting athletes led him to establish CBA in 2013, where he has been shaping the future of aspiring athletes by providing them with not only athletic training but also valuable life skills and professional opportunities. Under his leadership, CBA has partnered with top organizations like NBA personnel, USA Basketball, and UNICEF, making a significant impact on the global basketball community. Damond’s relentless pursuit of innovation and holistic athlete development continues to drive CBA’s success as a leader in both basketball and business education.
OUR TEAM
Our team of accomplished professionals have been instrumental in establishing CBA's success over the past decade. With their exceptional track record of accountability, unparalleled performance and radiant personalities, these dedicated individuals have left a lasting impact in both the sports and business worlds.
DAMOND WILLIAMS
FOUNDER
Damond L. Williams, a former American professional basketball player in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), enjoyed a 12-year career. Driven by his lifelong passion for the sport, Damond tirelessly pursued his dreams, both on and off the court. After earning his degree from MSU in 2003, he went on to play professional basketball in the US and abroad. Upon retiring, he founded the Chicago Basketball Academy and has spent the past decade leading the company to success.
AMRISHA KUDHAIL
SPORTS SCIENCE INSTRUCTOR / GLOBAL AMBASSADOR
Amrisha Kudhail is a world class sports science instructor, who grew up in the UK. Amrisha developed a passion for sports science through her early career as a professional dancer. Over the past five years, Amrisha has traveled the world as a sports science instructor, utilizing her expertise to enhance the performance of elite athletes in both the UK and US.
FILIP CEIPINSKI
GLOBAL BUSINESS ADVISOR
Filip Ciepinski, hailing from Poland with a deep-rooted passion for basketball. Over the past five years, Filip has carved out a notable career as a sports journalist, where his insightful commentary and thorough analysis have made a significant impact on the sports community. His profound knowledge of basketball, combined with his exceptional communication skills, has allowed him to connect with audiences and professionals alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for the sport. As our Global Business Advisor, Filip's experience and passion are invaluable assets, driving forward innovative strategies and fostering international collaborations within the basketball industry.
CHRISTIAN DROLETT
FOUNDING MEMBER / BASKETBALL ECONOMY PROGRAM
With a drive for excellence, Christian Drolett has effectively implemented his business development strategies, positioning the Chicago Basketball Academy for success. With over 7 years of experience leading programs for CBA, Christian draws on his corporate background and education from the University of Utah to bring a unique perspective to the intersection of business and basketball.
Learn More About CBA
CBA'S Driving Excellence Event Sponsored by LAMBORGHINI
Our Global Impact
Advancing the Sport of Basketball Worldwide
Provided Thousands of Athletes Worldwide with Elite Training and Skills Development Sessions, Empowering them to Excel Both on and off the Court
Expanded our Global Impact Across 8 Countries, Delivering World-Class Training and Skills Development Programs
Implemented 100's of Programs Globally, Empowering Athletes, Coaches, Teams, and Communities Through Innovative Training, Career Development, and Basketball-Driven Initiatives
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