Founding Members

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

★ Venice Beach OG★ Venice Beach OG★ Venice Beach OG★ Venice Beach OG★ Venice Beach OG★ Venice Beach OG★ Venice Beach OG★ Venice Beach OG★ Venice Beach OG★ Venice Beach OG

16

Venice OG · OG Legend

Dallas Montgomery

"Unc" / "Dads"

Washington, DC native who landed in Venice in '93 and never left the run. A court legend who witnessed the greats become who they are, and now pays it forward. Mentor, big brother, and father figure to the next generation — locals on the court call him "Unc" or "Dads."

17

Shooting Guard · 5'11 · 3v3 Champion

Mike Costanza

A true Venice regular, Mike has been showing up every weekend — rain or shine — since 1996. For 30 years, he's been a staple on the courts, known for his deadly, perfectly timed bank shot, polished to precision. Current reigning 2025 3v3 Champion. Still outside. 🏀

18

Point Guard · Director · Razzle Dazzle

Kevin Benjamin

Director, producer, and writer. Played point guard at Pomona College. From Queens, NY — been coming to Venice since 1994. Has the best style on the court and a fashion channel coming out soon. Razzle Dazzle. 🏀

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