On this episode of Blacklight On Sports, hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald sit down with Brian Sandifer, founder of Grassroots Basketball, one of the nation’s premier AAU basketball programs.
Building a pipeline to success
For more than 20 years, Sandifer has been transforming young athletes’ futures, helping over 400 student-athletes earn scholarships through Grassroots Basketball. His Grassroots Sizzle program has produced some of the biggest names in the game, including:
🏀 Jalen Suggs – Selected 5th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft
🏀 Chet Holmgren – Projected No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft
Sandifer’s journey started when he was just four years old, growing up in St. Paul. He became a standout football and basketball player at St. Agnes High School, later continuing his football career at Normandale Community College and the University of Northern Iowa. His experience as a student-athlete fueled his passion for developing the next generation of elite talent.
More than basketball
Grassroots is about more than just getting kids to the next level—it’s about mentorship, discipline, and opening doors for young athletes who may not otherwise have the opportunity. Through his program, Sandifer continues to shape the lives of countless players, making an undeniable impact on the basketball community.
Watch the full conversation
📺 Catch the full Blacklight On Sports episode above!
📩 Contact Brian Sandifer at tshoops@yahoo.com
From the AAU circuit to the NBA, Sandifer’s work is changing lives—one athlete at a time.