Long Beach NJB
Mission Statement
To inspire our youth; regardless of race, color, creed or national origin. To practice the ideals of health, citizenship and character. To implant the game elements of safety, sanity, and intelligent supervision; and to keep the welfare of the player first, foremost, and entirely free of adult lust for glory. To emphasize teamwork for all participants.
Everyone is a winner at NJB!
ABOUT LBNJB
Chapter Director- Larry Cunningham
Raised in the city of Downey, Larry Cunningham attended local Downey High School. Excelling on the basketball court he accepted an athletic scholarship at the University of California at Riverside. After a prestige career in which he became the All – Time Leading Scorer in UC Riverside’s history he also received his BA in Education. Immediately following his collegiate career he played professionally for several years abroad in Europe and the United States.
Larry Cunningham began coaching in January, 2013 when he launched Team Nikos Long Beach, an AAU Certified Basketball Academy serving the local youth of Long Beach and surrounding cities. He is also the Chapter Director of the Academy. As of December, 2013 he reassembled Long Beach National Junior Basketball (NJB) League, serving the youth of Long Beach, California. Long Beach NJB’s home site is located on the campus of Long Beach State.
Jalonni Diggs
Born and raised in the city of Compton, Jalonni attended Verbum Dei High School in Watts, California. Jalonni accepted an athletic scholarship to UC Riverside.
Jalonni Diggs was named to the Big West All-Freshman Team in his debut with the UC Riverside highlanders. He also ranked seventh in the Big West and first on the team with 85 assists. After three years playing at UCR Jalonni decided to switch paths and became a student-assistant coach for UCR. After graduating with his BA degree in Political Science, Jalonni became a social worker and personal trainer.
In January 2013, Diggs teamed up with Larry Cunningham to assist him with his efforts of giving back to the community of Long Beach.
Coach Josh played high school basketball at Saddleback Valley Christian. He graduated with a total of 16 school records. He played college at Trinity International University in Chicago. Coach Josh is the Head Coach for Saddleback Valley Christian. This is his 3rd season coaching AAU under Rich Prospero. Coach Josh lives in Mission Viejo with his wife Dania.