Hackensack native and rising high school basketball star Michai White is already making moves that set him apart from his peers — both on and off the court.
At just 15 years old, White has partnered with Jersey Sports Group (JSG) as his NIL representation, helping him begin to build his brand, create intellectual property such as his academy logo, and launch community-driven events that can serve as a foundation for future partnerships.
White, a Class of 2028 point guard, is transferring from St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark to Brewster Academy in New Hampshire — a powerhouse program that has sent more than 170 players to Division I basketball since 2001, with 24 alumni reaching the NBA. His recruitment is already heating up, with major programs including Auburn, Louisville, Villanova, Syracuse, San Diego, Alcorn State, Rider, and Hampton showing strong interest and several offers on the table.
The decision to align with an agency came after recent NIL rule changes opened the door for high school athletes in certain states to profit from endorsements and sponsorships. After meeting with JSG Founder & CEO Eddie Nicastro and his team, the White family decided JSG was the right partner to help guide Michai’s next steps.
“They aligned with the goals I had and had the connections to help me reach them,” White said. “When we talked about things like my camp coming up, it was clear we were all on the same page.”
White described the relationship as collaborative, with regular calls and meetings to map out opportunities. “Whatever goals I have — NIL deals, events, my camp — they’ll work with me to figure out how to make it happen,” he said.
That vision is already taking shape with his first major project, the Michai White Point Guard Skills Academy. The full-day basketball camp hosted 70+ participants on Aug. 16 at the Hackensack Recreation Center, offering a mix of on-court skills and off-court mentorship.
“You’re not born a great athlete,” White said. “I had to build my way up. I want kids to walk away knowing that if you work hard and keep the right mindset, the skills will come.”
For Nicastro, representing White reflects both the changing NIL landscape and Michai’s rare maturity at such a young age.
“It’s been incredibly collaborative working with Michai and his family,” said Eddie Nicastro, Founder & CEO of Jersey Sports Group. “Strategizing together on NIL and building his brand early puts him ahead of his peers. Michai is well beyond his years when it comes to business and branding, which is exactly why we felt strongly about working with him this early in the process.”
While high school athletes hiring agencies are still relatively uncommon, it is quickly becoming more accepted as NIL opportunities grow. White is determined to keep the focus on growth and balance.
“I just try to stay as humble and level-headed as possible,” White said. “Too much pressure can make you lose focus. Staying calm helps me always be ready to perform.”
The Academy was supported by a robust list of corporate sponsors and regional partners, including Salad House, Playa Bowls, Drip Drop, Stop & Shop, Power X Ball, CrispyNYC, UBS, Baynes, Chris Rivers Rapp, Student Athlete Academy, Shanay Howard, International Grind, Coyote Promotions, and Stretch+.
