The St. James Performance Academy, a New Prep Power Rises in Virginia
The St. James Performance Academy (St James) officially opened in August 2024, launching as a new college-prep sports academy for middle school, high school and post grad athletes. The multi-sport academy focuses on elite athletic development alongside academics. It is located in Springfield, VA, about 15 miles outside of Washington, DC.
They have brought in the renown veteran Emmanuel "Book" Richardson in to build a highest level basketball program. Book has coached and developed more than 100 D1 players and 52 professionals, including 23 NBA players. He's coached and developed six NBA lottery picks. The team has scheduled a very high level schedule, including competing in the Nike EYBL Scholastic League. The team's 2025-26 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here. Despite being a brand new program, St James has already cracked the Nation's Top 25 prep team computer rankings.
The team's roster is profiled below.
#0 Joe Nunez (2027) 6'4 guard - Nunez is an explosive and athletic wing from Queens, NY. He is sharpshooter from beyond the arc. As he forces defenses to challenge that weapon, Nunez then loves to blow by and slash to the rim. He is a reliable double-digit scorer and a playmaker for his teammates. He is also a great rebounder. Has been offered by Morehead State. RTB profile
#1 Jahda Swann (2026) 6'6 guard - Swann's uber athleticism, aggressiveness and skill have been likened to NBA star Ja Morant. He recently decommitted from Hofstra as higher level programs have leaned into recruiting him. He is clearly on a very steep climb to future stardom. RTB profile
#2 Malachi Terrell (2027) 6'2 guard - Terrell is a quick, athletic and strong combo guard that is capable of creating his own offense off the bounce. He is also a lob target. He is tenacious on the ball defensively, fights hard to get over screens, and he snatches steals. PH profile
#3 Luis Carrillo-Moss (2027) 6'8 forward - Carrillo-Moss is another New York City talent brought in by Coach Richardson. Coming from St. Raymond High in the Bronx, Carrillo-Moss has a smooth game and is able to be make plays on both ends of the court. He knows when to put the ball on the floor and muscle his way to the basket to finish efficiently. He also has soft hands, which has enabled him to add floaters to his scoring arsenal. Carrillo-Moss is a good rebounder, and he likes to run on the fast break. RTB profile
#11 Jacoby Briscoe (2027) 6'7 small forward - Briscoe has the ability to play both inside and out. He is a shooter with range and is able to finish around the bucket. He moves well without the ball and positions himself to score. He can guard different positions and challenges shots. He is effective in running the floor in transition. Briscoe's rebounding helps win the possessions battle. Has received multiple D1 offers, including Mississippi State, Tennessee State, Villanova and California. PH profile
#14 Jayden Betz (2028) 6'3 point guard - Betz is shifty with a good burst and the ability to get in the paint to finish or make plays for others. He can make shots from deep with a quick release, and he is a very good on ball defender. PH profile
#15 Diego Rojas-Joy (2026) 6'0 point guard - Rojas-Joy does an elite job of running a team and managing the game. He picks the right times when to attack the weaknesses in the defense. He cannot be kept out of the paint, where he punishes as both a scorer and a playmaker for teammates. PH profile
#21 David Massengo (2027) 6'10 forward - Massengo is an NBA Academy Africa alum who brings an impressive blend of size, physicality and mobility. He is developing into a D1 level rebounder and rim protector. with the tools to do both at a D1 level in time. He is a rim-runner but is also comfortable on the perimeter, whether stretching the floor as a shooter or driving to the rim.
#23 Joel Kabugi (2027) 6'4 guard - Kabugi is another NBA Academy Africa alum that Coach Richardson has brought to St James. He has game-changing defensive abilities. He is agile, athletic, hard-playing and very hard to stay in front of. Has received multiple D1 offers, including Alcorn State, Rider University and LaSalle. RTB profile
#35 Emmanuel Kamara (2026) 6'8 forward - Kamara has a blend of strength, athleticism, and skillset that makes him a versatile mismatch. He has a strong frame and is explosive to finish and rebound in the paint against bigger players. He is good in face ups where he can put it on the deck and get to spots and does a good job playing off of two feet. Defensively, he's a solid rim protector and is able to switch defensively, and his high motor allows him to be productive on both ends of the floor. PH profile