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We are a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) and all donations are
tax-deductible.
About Us
- A help to those who need it
Each donation is an essential help which improves everyone's life
Vision:
Today M2 Squared produces world-class basketball talent from Nigeria while fostering personal growth along with education, life-skills, and spiritual growth.
Tomorrow M2 Squared will expand into other regions on the African continent for boys and girls.
Mission:
At M2 Squared Academic/Athletic Academy, we are committed to nurturing the holistic development of our young men and women. Our mission is to create a dynamic environment where athletic excellence, academic achievement, and spiritual growth go hand in hand. Through rigorous training, personalized education, and unwavering support, we aim to produce well-rounded individuals who excel both on the field and in the classroom.
Gary Clarke
USA Non-Profit President
SAMSON SOTUMINU
Director of Lagos Basketball Academy and Head Basketball Coach.
COACH
GARY CLARKE
Gary manages the USA based non-profit. He is a seasoned executive, marketing, social media and IT specialist. He works directly with founders and advisory board.
NON-PROFIT PRESIDENT
AMUWO OLAJIDE
( JIDE "GeDa" )
ASSISTANT COACH
Assistant Basketball Coach at our Lagos Academy.
CHRIS NOMIGO
Assistant Head Basketball Coach at our Lagos Academy.
ASSISTANT COACH
- Each drop creates the sea
What we do...
1
Educate
At M2 Squared Basketball Academy, education is at the core of our mission. We strive to ensure that our student-athletes excel academically, preparing them for success both on and off the court. Our comprehensive educational programs are designed to foster intellectual growth, critical thinking, and a love for learning.
- Customized Learning Plans: We develop individualized education plans that cater to each student-athlete's strengths and needs, ensuring they receive the support necessary to thrive academically.
- Holistic Curriculum: Our curriculum includes not only traditional subjects but also courses in life skills, financial literacy, and cultural awareness, equipping our students with a well-rounded education.
2
Provide Leadership
Leadership development is a fundamental aspect of our academy. We believe in nurturing leaders who can make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. Our programs focus on building character, integrity, and the ability to inspire others.
- Leadership Workshops: We offer workshops and seminars led by experienced leaders and mentors, covering topics such as effective communication, team building, and ethical decision-making.
- Community Engagement Projects: Our student-athletes participate in community service projects, allowing them to practice leadership skills in real-world settings and understand the importance of giving back.
3
Train
Our training programs are designed to maximize the athletic potential of each student-athlete. By providing top-tier coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and a rigorous training regimen, we ensure our athletes are well-prepared for competitive play.
- Expert Coaching: Our coaching staff consists of highly experienced professionals who provide personalized training plans, focusing on skill development, physical fitness, and mental toughness.
- Advanced Facilities: We offer access to modern training facilities equipped with the latest technology, allowing our athletes to train under the best possible conditions and track their progress effectively.
4
Placement
Placement is a critical component of our mission, aiming to connect our student-athletes with opportunities at prestigious high schools, colleges, and professional teams. We leverage our extensive network and partnerships to secure promising futures for our athletes.
- College Prep and Recruitment: We provide comprehensive support for college applications, including SAT/ACT preparation, essay writing, and navigating the recruitment process to ensure our athletes are well-prepared and competitive candidates.
- Professional Networking: Our strong relationships with US and international basketball programs enable us to facilitate introductions and placements, ensuring our athletes have access to top-tier opportunities in their athletic and academic careers.
Our Founder: Coach Marvin Menzies
M² Squared Academic Athletic Academy was founded by Marvin Menzies in 2020 with a passion for basketball and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of aspiring basketball players in Nigeria. Marvin aims to not only develop elite talent but also empower young athletes to excel both on and off the court.
Marvin Menzies, the visionary founder of M2 Squared Academic Athletic Academy, was shaped by the teachings of educators and philanthropists who instilled in him the profound belief that giving is not just an option but an intrinsic part of being human. He recognized that, akin to breathing, this principle of giving is essential to our existence as a society and as individuals.
Early Influences:
Marvin Menzies was fortunate to be surrounded by mentors and educators who exemplified the values of compassion, generosity, and community engagement. These individuals were living testaments to the idea that one’s success should be measured not just by personal achievements but by the positive impact one can have on others. Specifically, his Mother and Father -Eula and Edgar Menzies we’re living examples of what it is to be a “Giver and not a Taker.”
Philanthropic Philosophy:
Marvin’s formative years were marked by an education that transcended the classroom. His influencers emphasized that wealth and knowledge should be shared to uplift those less privileged. They conveyed the message that success and affluence carry an implicit responsibility to give back to the community.
Basis of Existence:
For Marvin Menzies, the notion of giving was not an isolated act but rather the very essence of human existence. It was the recognition that our lives are interconnected and that by extending a helping hand, we contribute to the collective betterment of society.
The Birth of M2 Squared Academic Athletic Academy:
Inspired by these foundational principles, Marvin Menzies founded M2 Squared Academic Athletic Academy with a profound sense of purpose. He envisioned a platform where aspiring basketball players would not only develop their athletic potential but also be equipped with the tools to lead meaningful lives.
M2 Square Academic Athletic Academy is a testament to Marvin’s unwavering belief in the power of giving and the notion that success is not measured in isolation but in how it transforms and elevates the lives of others. The academy’s commitment to spiritual/holistic athlete development, academic support, mentoring, and community engagement is a direct reflection of this philosophy, where giving is not an afterthought but a core guiding principle that shapes its existence. Through the academy, Marvin Menzies strives to instill in the next generation of young men & women the same fundamental truth he learned from his mentors: that giving is not just a choice but an integral part of our shared human experience.
Advisory Board Members
Len Jessup
Speaker. Coach. Consultant. Investor.
Dr. Leonard M. (Len) Jessup is a two-time university president, two-time business school dean, long-time business school professor, and a startup investor and pioneer. Len is also a visionary leader in higher education, known as a consensus builder with a deep interest in innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and organizational change. He was most recently president of Claremont Graduate University, a member of the prestigious Claremont College consortium in southern California. He has also served as president of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as well as dean of the business schools at both the University of Arizona and Washington State University, among other senior leadership roles. In addition to his academic achievements, he has received numerous awards, including the prestigious CEO Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VII.
Carra Wallace
Founder and CEO at Optimized Diversity Solutions
Carra Wallace is the founder of Optimized Diversity Solutions, a strategic advisory firm delivering disruptive solutions that increase the utilization of Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses (MWBEs) and drive transparency and accountability through diversity and inclusion. Ms. Wallace was the first ever Chief Diversity Officer appointed by New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, responsible for increasing contract opportunities for MWBEs across NYC’s agencies and the private sector. She released the first Making the Grade Report Card – a letter grading program evaluating City Agencies’ MWBE utilization.
Humberto Gray
Attorney, & Consultant: Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Businesses.
Humberto R. Gray (GRAYLAW) is a renowned Immigration Attorney specializing in the unique areas of Art, Entertainment (including motion picture film, television and sports) and Business within Immigration and Nationality Law. He is recongnized worldwide as one of the leaders within the specialty area of Immigration Law.
Leo Hill
Business Owner | Baldwin Hills Tax Service
This website exists to provide clients and potential clients with information concerning our firm and our unique, low-pressure approach to personal and professional services. We have an excellent client-retention rate, and we are extremely proud of the high-quality services that our firm provides.
Crystal Johnson
Digital Media Specialist
Led paid media advertising efforts for leading brands: Takeda, Genesis, Gilead Sciences, T-Mobile, Proactiv, Mercury Insurance, Kia Motors, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cedars Sinai, Trader Joe's, Spin Master, Covered CA, California Lottery, TaylorMade, Nexon and more.
Yvette Duncan
Director Of Design And Development at SUMMER B. COLLECTION
Creative director for seasonal line direction, brand/label strategy, line assortment and merchandiser of trends. Creative leader who can manage a brand and flawlessly execute to the strategic vision while remaining focused on sales and margins.
Charles McLurkin
Partner - Channel Law Group, LLP
Channel Law Group, LLP is a practice with broad expertise in telecommunications and media law, litigation, mediation, utility regulation, land use and real estate, franchising, rights-of-way, municipal law, environmental law, business formation and contract law. Our current focus is on providing legal support for telecommunications infrastructure deployment and management, in addition to providing legal services to media companies and cable television affiliates.
Each donation is an essential help which improves everyone's life
At M2 Squared Academic / Athletic Academy, we’re not just shaping athletes but molding future leaders. We invite partners and investors to join us on a unique journey combining athletic excellence and life-changing impact.
Athletic Experience: Nigeria holds incredible, untapped athletic potential. We are ready to unearth and nurture the next generation of elite athletes.
Comprehensive Development: We’re committed to holistic athlete development beyond the court. Our programs emphasize education, life skills, and community engagement.