Brandon Smith

Brandon Smith is a proud East Orange native and former East Orange High School basketball standout. He brings a strong background in community outreach, brand marketing, and event production, with more than 20 years of experience building high-impact experiences rooted in culture, sports, and giving back.

Throughout his career, Brandon has collaborated with major brands and organizations including Nike, NBPA, HOT 97, Brooklyn Nets, EA Sports, and Red Bull. He is also the founder of Hoopsville, one of New Jersey’s respected basketball pro-am leagues, known for its strong community foundation and competitive talent.

Through Ballin’ by Nature, Brandon helps lead the vision, partnerships, and community programming that connect youth, families, athletes, and local leaders through basketball.

Marcus Toney-El

Marcus Toney-El brings decades of basketball experience as a former professional player, coach, trainer, and youth mentor. He played professionally overseas in the Dominican Republic, Japan, and Australia, then transitioned into coaching and player development.

Marcus formerly served as Associate Head Coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University and has spent more than 10 years coaching high school basketball. He also founded El-ite Experience, offering basketball training, camps, and clinics for young athletes.

With experience coaching programs such as the New Jersey Playaz and Five Star Basketball Camp, Marcus uses his playing and coaching background to develop young talent while teaching discipline, leadership, and confidence on and off the court.

Together, Brandon Smith and Marcus Toney-El lead Ballin’ by Nature with a shared mission: to create meaningful opportunities for youth through basketball, mentorship, culture, and community impact.