Brian Kortovich, aka Smokin' Aces, the 2012 Rucker Park Scoring Champion, has decided to join the fight against cancer by launching a charity called Aces in Action.
The concept of Aces In Action came during an injury that kept Brian bedridden for more than three months.
Having played professionally in Kuwait, France, Israel, Dominican Republic and was drafted into the NBA D-League and preseason workout/camps with the New York Knicks and Nets, Brian knew that he had the contacts and platform to raise awareness, money and provide support to families fighting against cancer.
Brian lost his father to cancer at the age of 9, so launching Aces in Action is very close to his heart.
His father is the driving force behind everything that he does.
In a fashion centric city like New York, Brian wanted his clothing line to be trendy and urban. He wanted people to confidently wear his apparel wherever they went, to continue to raise awareness and to symbolically declare that cancer will be beaten.
Aces has already received support from people in the NBA circuit and entertainment industry who are wearing the Aces clothing line.
Proceeds from the sales of the Aces clothing line benefit the Jimmy V Foundation and cancer research for the patients and their families who are directly effected by the disease.
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has funded more than $115 million in cancer research grants nationwide.
Aces in action doesn't just have a clothing line. Aces also runs basketball camps; free to kids in overlooked and underprivileged areas in New York.
Although the charity was only launched four weeks ago, Aces has already created such an impact. Max Saidam, who overcame cancer at the age of 15 reached out to Brian asking how he can get involved as he said Aces has had a direct affect on his life.
For more information go to AcesGivesBack.com and you can follow the journey on Instagram @acesinaction
Photo by Ben Draper Photography