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Explore our elite basketball academy basketball partnership between these two prestigious institutions, and "Ignite the Dream" today.

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What is DME at SJN?

The St. John's Northwestern: DME Basketball Academy is a dynamic collaboration between DME Academy and SJN. DME Academy has solidified its position as one of the leading basketball training academies in the nation, with a remarkable record of over 35 Division I signees in the past three years and a history of cultivating future NBA talent. This program offers a distinctive opportunity for qualified high school student-athletes to leverage the outstanding academic offerings of SJN alongside a formidable basketball program, empowering them to achieve heightened levels of success.

Where Our Alums Have Played

Pathway to the Pros

New in 2023-24, St. John's Northwestern: DME Basketball Academy is your pathway to the pros, and the 2023 NBA Draft on June 22 held in Brooklyn, New York was a seminal night for the new partnership.

With two draft picks in quick succession and the top-five pick of Keegan Murray in 2022, the partnership announced itself as a hub for top talent and laid a clear pathway to the highest levels of the game for the next generation of DME at SJN student-athletes.

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Brandin Podziemski

SJN '21 | Round 1 Pick 19 | Golden State Warriors

the Murray Twins - DME '20

Keegan | 2022 Round 1 Pick 4 | Sacramento Kings

Kris | 2023 Round 1 Pick 23 | Portland Trailblazers

The Foundation for Success

Dan Panaggio

Dan Panaggio

Dan is the Co-Founder of DME Academy and head of all basketball operations. He has coached three NBA teams as well as a trio of the most prestigious NCAA Division I programs including Oklahoma, Indiana, and Marquette

Dan is the Co-Founder of DME Academy and head of all basketball operations. He has coached three NBA teams as well as a trio of the most prestigious NCAA Division I programs including Oklahoma, Indiana, and Marquette.

A student of the game, Dan was a standout player for a State University of New York at Brockport team to an NCAA Final Four berth as a sophomore. He is a member of their Hall of Fame and is still the leading scorer in school history.

Panaggio went on to a successful coaching career as well at all levels. He served as head coach of the Quad City Thunder for nine seasons, and owns a career record of 313-191, winning Continental Basketball Association championships in 1994 and 1998.

Dan was an assistant coach to Maurice Cheeks with the Portland Trailblazers from 2001 to 2005. Considered one of the top experts in the NBA game when it comes to the triangle offense made popular by Phil Jackson. He was brought on as an assistant in the Laker organization for four years and has two NBA Championship rings to show for his efforts there.

Dan was named the Chinese NBA coach of the year in 2012 as head coach of Yao Ming’s Shanghai Sharks. After four years, he went on as a special assistant with the Phoenix Sun’s organization.

Dan understands the game and has assembled a coaching staff that believes in DME Academy. A leader of boys & girls, Dan sets the tone for a DME Academy program that is already considered elite, but still growing!

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Head Shot St. John's

Ben Wisniewski

Ben Wisniewski was named the Director and Head Coach of the program in 2024. He most recently coached at Get Better Academy in the Czech Republic and was the head post grad coach at Montverde Academy, but is no stranger to Wisconsin.

Wisniewski, most recently coached at Get Better Academy in the Czech Republic, is no stranger to Wisconsin. Having grown up in New Berlin, Wisconsin, just 20 minutes from SJNA, and playing his high school basketball at New Berlin West, Wisniewski’s local knowledge and connections make him a perfect fit for the program. Wisniewski also played collegiately at Edgewood College where he is the second all-time leading scorer in the school’s history. Wisniewski also played professionally for the Saigon Heat in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, before starting his coaching career.

Wisniewski also boasts a strong coaching resume, having served as an assistant coach at Montverde Academy and a graduate assistant at the University of Washington. His list of players coached during that time features a long list of current NBA and NCAA Division I players like Matisse Thybulle (Portland Trail Blazers), Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors) and Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons).

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The DME Difference

Committed Coaching

With decades of NBA experience, our hand selected staff is aggregated by legendary coach Dan Panaggio. With years of professional experience our team brings out the best in student-athletes as we continually compete with the best of the best.

Elite Training

Training every day with motivated athletes prepares us for the tough competition that we face on the court. We offer advanced strength and conditioning programs, an elite sports performance facility, mental training sessions & video technology to give an edge to our aspiring student- athletes.

Mindful Methodology

We believe that a positive & nurturing environment brings out the best in all athletes. Positive words have an encouraging impact on a person's confidence and are vital for healthy development. Our mindfulness methodology is engrained in our program.

Family Oriented

We recognize the importance of a strong work-life balance. The flexibility the DME Academy provides is unmatched. We take pride in how we work with our athlete's families regarding scheduling conflicts. Our commitment to training is unwavering yet flexible.

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Make a Difference

The Joseph Bostic Memorial Scholarship Fund is a need-based financial-aid program designed to support student-athletes participating in the DME + SJN basketball program, with the intent to elevate the program’s prominence and attract high level student-athletes who embody high standards of athletics, character, leadership, academic achievement, and leadership.

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The Campus

Established in 1884, the academy has a breathtaking campus with historical buildings throughout, featuring modern renovations, conveniently located in the thriving and charming town of Delafield, Wisconsin.

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Ignite the Dream Today!