New World Basketball was originally created to support and develop elite boys AAU basketball competition in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. However, over the years, New World Basketball immediately noticed a need beyond basketball. New World Basketball has expanded its reach to incorporate additional services geared towards creating well-rounded student-athletes that are prepared for life after basketball.
The organization’s mission is to identify top basketball talent among boys ages 8-17, in the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area, and provide them with the opportunity to develop their basketball talents while fostering sportsmanship, leadership and academic excellence.
Born in Washington D.C., New World Basketball founder, Taj Hawkins, began his passion for basketball and giving back at a very young age. In 2013, Taj took his passion for basketball and youth and created New World Basketball Academy (NWBA), one of the first after school programs that combined education with elite basketball training. Through New World Basketball Academy, Taj went on to service hundreds of elementary and middle school kids looking to foster their education while learning the game of basketball.
Prior to starting NWBA, Taj was an Assistant Coach at Huntington Preparatory School. During his time and Huntington Prep, their men’s team was the number one team in the Nation. Along with coaching at Huntington Prep, Taj coached for D.C. Assault Inc. which is one of the nations leading grassroots basketball organizations to date.
Taj Hawkins attended high school and played basketball at Oak Hill Academy followed by earning a degree in Marketing and Marketing Distribution Management from IUPUI.