AKRON, Ohio — The guys have the skills on the court and for at least one more season they'll be able to show them off.
"I'm the best, best in the league, I might be MVP," said Jared Puryear.
It's what Akron calls 'Late Night Basketball.'
It's a league geared towards young men to keep them off the streets and out of trouble.
"Doing the midnight league that something that helps us to come together so we are out the streets," said Fransohn Bigley.
The league was so popular in the summer, Akron mayor Dan Horrigan brought it back for the fall.
Eighty guys all hit the hardwood week after week.
"The guys just couldn't wait, they're calling me night and day," said safety coordinator for the city of Akron Kenneth Little John.
It's part of the city's youth violence prevention strategic plan and it's not just about basketball.
"We're giving them job opportunities, we have our HR from our city of Akron come out and talk to the guys," said John. "Stark College comes out and talk to the guys about education."
Puryear is already in school.
"It gives me something to do especially during the week, I know I go to school at Kent State so after classes I can just come back home and play basketball with my friends," said Puryear.
He says while he may not need the extra resources, he knows they are helping his friends realize a brighter future.
"Late night basketball helps them give them the resources to do that," he said.
The fall season is just starting so if you want in hurry up and get your spot.
Late Night Basketball happens every Monday and Wednesday from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. at the Helen Arnold Learning Center in Akron.
