What Is the I.C. Change Basketball Showcase & why is it important to let the basketball community know about it?

Photo via Ian Cunningham

What Is the I.C. Change Basketball Showcase? & Why is it important to let the basketball community know about it? We are just over 1 month away from accepting nominations for 2026. 

• A free, mission-driven event: I. C. Change Showcase is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Its focus is providing free exposure and opportunities for under-the-radar high school and junior college players.
• Leveling the playing field: The event targets athletes aiming for collegiate play at levels such as DIII, NAIA, USCAA, NCCAA, and JUCO.
• Wide participation and support: The showcase consistently sees around 72 athletes selected globally to compete in 3–4 games and skill-based competitions (e.g., shooting challenges, “King of the Court”). College coaches from multiple divisions attend with free access to scouting packets.
• More than just basketball: It offers mentorship, recruiting guidance, networking—and even training for future referees—all wrapped in an environment of community and hope.
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The 2025 Showcase Highlights

• Marking Year 7: The seventh annual free event hosted by Cunningham and friends took place on June 14at the Blossom Hill Field House in Brecksville, Ohio—a move motivated by affordability and mission alignment.
• Wide-reaching impact: This year’s event featured 64 athletes from not only Ohio but also from across the U.S., Canada, and the Bahamas.
• Engaging format: Athletes played a minimum of three games and had opportunities in skill challenges like the 2-Man Shooting and 1v1 King of the Court, and the atmosphere was amplified by music from DJ Velle.

• Double digit college coaches in attendance.
• Special guests that elevated the experience:
  • Smush Parker, former NBA point guard, served as the keynote speaker, delivering a powerful 40-minute motivational talk and spending quality time with participants.
  • Gilbert Williams(father of NBA player Grant Williams) also shared words of encouragement.
• Scholarships awarded: For the first time, the event distributed $3,000 in scholarships via the Mary E. Case Scholarship Fund. Recipients included:
  • Allen Mallory(Miami Hamilton, USCAA): $1,250
  • Damairus Logan(Wright St Lake, USCAA): $500
  • Cameron Mahone(Kent State Tuscarawas, USCAA): $1,250
• Recognizing excellence on the court: Awards went to standout players in categories like MVP, Defensive Stopper, Playmaker, Hustle, and shooting challenges.

• Additional support services:
  • College coaches accessed detailed scouting packets.
  • Noel Roman provided each athlete with a recruiting guide.
  • Donation-driven contributions: Grip Spritz supplied performance gear, Deacon John Travis was honored, and athletic training was handled by CVCC’s Mr. Fahey and the organizer’s daughter.
  • Local & National media in attendance
• A sustained mission: Beyond game-day action, the showcase emphasizes long-term impact and community support. As organizer Ian Cunningham puts it, “As long as one student earns an offer, it’s all worth it.”

About Smush Parker

• From undrafted to NBA starter: Smush Parker went undrafted in 2002 but carved out a solid NBA career—landing with teams like the Cavaliers, Pistons, Lakers, and more. Notably, he started for the Lakers (2005–2007), playing alongside Kobe Bryant. He was even part of the legendary 81-point Lakers game, contributing significantly.
• Global journey and giving back: After his NBA stint, Parker played professionally across the world—in China, Greece, Iran, and beyond—winning championships internationally. Today, he’s focused on giving back through motivational outreach and refereeing while climbing ranks in officiating.
• A true motivator: His role at the I.C. Change Showcase speaks to his commitment to inspiring the next generation—not just through basketball knowledge but through resilience and heart.

Why This Matters

• Zero cost, maximum opportunity: Everything—from admission to recruitment materials—is free for athletes, thanks to sponsorships and donations.
• Small-school athletes amplified: The Showcase fills a critical gap by spotlighting players who might otherwise be overlooked—true to its motto, “The Big Showcase for the Small Schools.”
• Community-driven success: From volunteers and sponsors to families and past participants, this event thrives on collective effort and shared vision.

Ready to Get Involved?

Let us know if you’d like details on registration, coach attendance, sponsorship, or how to experience the showcase firsthand— we are happy to help bring more people into this incredible movement. The Showcase website is icchangeshowcase.com, Instagram –  icchangeshowcase – X account – iancle1

In short: The I.C. Change Basketball Showcase is a powerful, uplifting, and completely free platform where overlooked talent meets opportunity—and Smush Parker’s presence as keynote speaker truly elevates it.