Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Basketball Development in South Jersey
Founded in 2000, the Basketball Development Group (BDG) is a 501-C3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering amateur basketball talent across the tri-state region of New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Our mission centers on developing athletes through structured programs that emphasize skill mastery, leadership, and academic success. With decades of collective coaching experience, our staff has guided over 185 student-athletes to college basketball opportunities while addressing critical life skills like teamwork, discipline, and conflict resolution. We operate AAU-affiliated travel teams, including the renowned South Jersey Jazz Basketball Club, and utilize cutting-edge training technology like The Shooting Gun (6000) to refine shooting mechanics.Our seasonal clinics, tournaments, and community outreach initiatives serve players aged 8 to adulthood, combining physical development with character-building principles. As a leader in regional basketball development, BDG maintains partnerships with educational institutions and athletic organizations to create pathways for both athletic and personal growth. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our track record of producing nationally ranked teams and preparing athletes for competitive high school and collegiate environments.
Services
Basketball Clinics
Tournaments
Travel Teams
Shooting Sessions
AAU Programs
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of professional basketball coaching experience with proven college placement success
- Our staff includes NCAA-certified agents and former collegiate athletes with tournament-winning track records
- We utilize professional-grade training equipment like The Shooting Gun (6000) for skill development
- Our programs have produced over 185 college basketball players since 2000
- We provide structured development pathways from beginner youth programs to elite AAU competition
Associations and certifications
- 501-C3
- Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)
Services
Basketball Clinics
Our clinics focus on fundamental skill development for players aged 8 to adulthood. Sessions emphasize proper shooting form, ball handling, and game-speed decision making using professional training methodologies. With experienced coaches and structured curricula, these programs build both athletic ability and personal discipline.
AAU Tournaments
We organize regional AAU tournaments that showcase talent across multiple age divisions. Events like the Philly Summer Heat and May Madness provide competitive platforms for skill development and college scouting opportunities. All tournaments follow standardized rules and scheduling protocols.
Travel Teams
The South Jersey Jazz Basketball Club offers elite travel programs competing nationally. These teams receive specialized coaching and participate in high-profile tournaments from Orlando to Las Vegas, with a proven track record of college player development.
Shooting Sessions
Professional-grade shooting clinics use The Shooting Gun (6000) machine to develop muscle memory and proper form. Sessions combine cardiovascular conditioning with technical drills for game-speed shooting improvement, available seasonally from September to January.
Leadership Programs
Our programs integrate leadership training with athletic development, focusing on teamwork, discipline, and conflict resolution. These initiatives help student-athletes build character while improving basketball skills through structured, values-based coaching methods.
People
Jim Gulla
Founder & Director
Founder of BDG and South Jersey Jazz with 30+ years coaching experience. Former standout player and AAU coach who has developed 185+ college athletes. Holds business and criminal justice degrees from SUNY Orange.
Chris Gulla
Director of Player Development
12-year BDG veteran and former Rutgers-Camden coach. Licensed attorney and certified NBA/WNBA agent with 3.8 GPA academic honors. Combines legal expertise with basketball development through his Athletic Career Development Agency.
Ed Bond
Assistant Director
20+ years coaching experience with YBOA championship teams. Business marketing graduate from Rowan University and former Acme Markets store director. Focuses on player mentorship and community engagement initiatives.
Steve Horsley
Assistant Director
19-year organizational veteran with 23 total coaching years. Handles social media and event scheduling while serving as Hammonton High School assistant coach. Holds business degree from Morgan State University.
Questions
What age groups do your programs serve?
We offer programs for athletes aged 8 through adulthood, with specialized curricula for elementary/middle school players and advanced training for high school and college prospects.
How do you help with college basketball opportunities?
Our South Jersey Jazz program has produced 185+ college players. We provide exposure through AAU tournaments, personalized player development, and connections with collegiate coaches nationwide.
What makes your shooting sessions unique?
We use The Shooting Gun (6000) professional training machine, also used by major universities, to develop proper shooting form and muscle memory through high-volume, game-speed repetitions.
Are your coaches qualified?
Our staff includes former collegiate athletes, NCAA-certified agents, and experienced coaches with tournament-winning records at national levels of competition.
Where are your facilities located?
Programs operate primarily in Southern New Jersey with key locations including Laurel Hill Bible Gym in Clementon and Riverwinds Community Center in West Deptford.
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