In The Studio With J Haleem

In Studio with J Haleem - Featuring Allan Purnell

What happens when the dream of playing professional basketball pivots into building opportunities for the next generation? In this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, we sit down with Alan Parnell, a former professional basketball player, entrepreneur, and founder of Hooper, a basketball training and community app.

Alan shares his unconventional journey from the JUCO grind to international pro ball, and how those lessons of discipline, resilience, and adaptability laid the foundation for success as a Black entrepreneur in tech. Together, he and J Haleem dive into the realities of AAU basketball, the business side of the sport, and the opportunities that exist beyond the NBA dream.

This episode is equal parts real talk, locker room vibes, and entrepreneurial insight — perfect for athletes, parents, and anyone looking to turn passion into purpose.