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Est. 2026

Founding Members

The people building Venice Hoops from the ground up. Players, coaches, and community leaders invested in the future of Venice Beach basketball.

Brooks Hurst
01
Small Forward · 6'2 · OG Legend
Brooks Hurst
"Coach"
Playing in Venice since 1955. Former coach at Crenshaw High (1970–82) and longtime Special Education Adapted PE teacher in South Central LA. Also a former minor league baseball player in the Cardinals system. Basketball lifer. Venice staple.
Larney Dapper Johnson
02
Shooting Guard · 5'10
Larney Johnson
"Dapper"
An R&B/Soul artist and true Venice OG since 1973, Dapper is the all-time leading scorer at the Venice courts — a testament to both skill and longevity. Still competing in the 70+ league, he represents the living history of Venice Beach basketball.
Norm Cohen
03
Guard · 5'10 · Venice Legend
Norm Cohen
Born and raised in Venice. Norm was here when the courts were built. A retired real estate developer and lifelong hooper, he's still running weekends at 88 years young. A living piece of Venice basketball history.
James Brewer
04
Guard · 5'11 · OG Legend
James Brewer
"Big James"
Born and raised in North Carolina, James came to Venice Beach in 1980 and never left the run. Known as "Big James," he's been hooping weekends with the same Venice crew for decades. Deep love for the game. Deep love for the community.
Richard Jackson
05
Point Guard · 5'8
Richard Jackson
OG since the late 1970s. A Venice Beach regular for decades — from basketball runs to roller skating — Richard lives and breathes the culture. The courts and boardwalk have been a constant part of his life and community.
Alex Arcia
06
Point Guard · 5'6 · Commissioner
Alex Arcia
"Commissioner"
A Venice regular for over 20 years, Alex now serves as Commissioner, organizing tournaments and elevating the experience for players on and off the court. Focused on structure, fairness, and growth, he's helping guide the next chapter of Venice Beach basketball.
Gary Thunder Rodgers
07
Point Guard · 6'3
Gary Rodgers
"Thunder"
Venice regular since the 1990s and recruited to Santa Monica College to play. Now a respected skills coach and actor, recently appearing on Netflix's Running Point, Thunder continues to mentor players and stay active in the Venice basketball community.
Noah Sheer
08
Shooting Guard · 6'0
Noah Sheer
Business developer and former business manager to professional athletes, Noah brings strategic vision and long-term community focus to Venice Hoops. His goal is to build sustainable programming that honors the court's legacy while expanding its reach.
George Gerace
09
Point Guard · 5'7
George Gerace
Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, George brings precision on and off the court. An aerospace engineer at Boeing and Kennedy High alum, he's a graduate of the Magic Johnson Basketball Camp (1986). A true student of the game with a sharp basketball mind.
Artis McKinley
10
Shooting Guard · 6'2
Artis McKinley
"TruArtis"
Artist, performer, and longtime Venice Beach creative. Known professionally as TruArtis, his work spans music, comedy, and public performance rooted in the Venice boardwalk scene and community storytelling. Artis brings cultural perspective and creative voice to Venice Hoops.
David Arroyo
11
Combo Guard · 5'6
David Arroyo
Born in NYC and in California since 2000, David is a behavioral aide supporting students with autism at University Prep Value High School. A true pickup player at heart — he runs games in every city he visits and has competed in five Hoop-It-Up tournaments.
VH
12
Small Forward · 6'0
Will Hunter
Venice native, former U.S. Navy veteran, and civil engineer with a background in extreme sports and real estate investment. Will brings discipline, grit, and deep local roots to Venice Hoops, representing both service and street-level authenticity.
Murat Tartan
13
Small Forward · 6'5
Murat Tartan
Originally from Turkey, Murat graduated UCLA and remains an active competitor across LA's 3v3 circuit, with multiple tournament wins. A real estate investor and athlete at heart, he's also a fourth-generation member of TARTAN Industrial Platforms.
Kinzo Beachem
14
Small Forward · 5'11
Kinzo Beachem
Venice Beach Basketball OG, entrepreneur, and longtime supporter of local youth basketball. Founder of Girls Love Basketball apparel and an advocate for growing the game and representation through the Venice community.
VH
15
Power Forward · 5'8
Joe
"The Roofer"
Southern California native and Venice local. Entrepreneur and owner of MexicanRoofer.com. Deputy Commissioner of Venice Hoops and organizer of the 2025 3v3 Tournament.
By Invitation

Become a Founding Member

Founding Members receive early access, a voting voice on key decisions, and recognition for helping build and guide the organization from its earliest chapter.

We're selectively growing our founding class. If you're committed to supporting and shaping the future of Venice Beach basketball, we want to hear from you.

Request Invitation →
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