By Ashley Ye | October 30, 2024
Apex for Youth celebrated Brooklyn Nets’ AAPI Night by highlighting the journeys of Asian American athletes and professionals, exploring how heritage, identity, and resilience shape their experiences both within the game and in their communities.
Basketball is more than a game; it’s a global language that transcends borders, connecting people from all backgrounds. Yet, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation in professional sports remains limited, making events like the Brooklyn Nets’ AAPI Night especially powerful. With so few Asian American athletes in the NBA, each one serves as a source of inspiration.
BSE Global and Apex for Youth hosted a panel offering a front-row seat to the inspiring journeys of Asian American athletes and professionals, exploring how their culture, heritage, and identity shape their lives. The evening was filled with stories of resilience and community as these role models shared experiences, broke barriers, and empowered youth to pursue their own goals. By exploring diverse pathways—from professional play to mentorship and sports management—youth can explore their own unique journeys in sports.
The panel featured:
“Put your head up because if you give up, it’s done, but if you keep going and training hard, something will happen.”
– Jacky Cui, Brooklyn Nets 2-Way Player
The panelists shared inspiring insights from their personal journeys. Jacky Cui, a 21-year-old Chinese professional basketball forward, left home at just 12 years old to attend a basketball school. He emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication in both academics and athletics, highlighting that basketball isn’t a permanent path. He encouraged youth to remain humble and always be eager to learn, especially noting his own challenges in mastering English after just one year in New York.
Yu, who oversees Apex’s athletic programs and played Division 3 basketball at Hunter College, and Lau, an NBA agent who played Division 1 at Quinnipiac University, shared their experiences of growing up in NYC and the absence of Asian representation in sports. Through mentorship and determination, they created communities that offer youth the opportunity to engage in the sports they love while feeling included and supported, all while learning valuable life lessons both in and beyond the game.
“Playing in college, I didn’t see much Asian basketball players on any other teams, which led me to this where it’s like giving youth from our community a chance to play against youth from other communities. (We’re) just bridging communities together.”
– Ian Yu, Associate Director of Athletic Programs at Apex for Youth
“Believe in yourself, go out of your way, and find a way to get it done. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.”
– Eddie Lau, Coach and Mentor
“My difficulty is that I can’t talk the guy talk with sports but for business wise, I think for me it’s an advantage because people say hey why is a woman sitting on the table…they look at you differently, they respect you as a woman to make it this far.”
– Sunshine Rogers, VP of Global Partnerships at BSE Global
Sunshine Rogers, an expert in international corporate partnership development, shared her unique perspective, recalling her own journey of studying in China while not playing basketball. She spoke about how her experiences as a woman in the business world have empowered her, transforming what some may see as a disadvantage into a strength, as she commands respect in spaces traditionally dominated by men.
Alongside the panel, Apex for Youth was invited to the Brooklyn Nets vs. Denver Nuggets game, offering our youth an unforgettable experience. The evening kicked off with them stepping onto the primetime court in their own jerseys, meeting players from both teams, and watching a thrilling game that went into overtime!
Our youths got to play on the basketball court for 10 minutes, giving them hands-on experience and a glimpse into the life of professional athletes. In celebration of AAPI Night, the event featured vibrant Asian performances and diverse food vendors, and Apex for Youth was even spotlighted on the jumbotron!
A heartfelt thank you to BSE Global and the Brooklyn Nets for their incredible support and partnership, making this memorable AAPI event possible and providing our youth with invaluable opportunities to connect, learn, and grow!
Our Athletic Program goes beyond building sports skills; it builds confidence that translates into all aspects of life. By encouraging young athletes to strive for greatness on and off the court, the program strengthens bonds between coaches and youth, creating a supportive community rooted in shared goals. Through teamwork drills and practices, youth not only learn the value of collaboration but also experience a profound sense of community. Coaches serve as vital role mode;s, guiding youth to understand that there are many paths to success and they have a choice, each as unique and inspiring as the players themselves.
Learn more about how you can be part of this transformative journey in Apex for Youth’s Athletic Program here!
On Tuesday, October 8th, New York City’s AAPI community came together in an inspiring display of unity, culture, and generosity at Madison Square Park at Taste of Asia.
Held annually, Opening Day sets the tone for the year, bringing together both new and returning mentors and mentees for a day of fun, bonding, and shared experiences.
