About IGT

Our History

I'm Anthony Parker, and in 2016, God placed a calling on my life that would become Illinois Game Time Basketball. What started as coaching my own children became something far bigger than basketball.
After retiring from the NFL, my family and I relocated from the Bay Area to Naperville, Illinois. Like many parents, my wife and I simply wanted our children, Jaden and Jordyn, to enjoy the game they loved. I stepped in to coach their YMCA teams while they were in 4th and 6th grade, expecting nothing more than quality time with my kids and a chance to cheer from the stands.
But God had different plans.
As I coached, something reignited inside me...not the love for competition, but the passion to lead, mentor, teach, and pour into young athletes. What began with simple practices quickly turned into championships in 2014 and 2015, but more importantly, it revealed a deeper purpose.
As our children transitioned into AAU basketball, we experienced firsthand the disappointment many families face: disorganization, lack of communication, coaches showing up late, and an environment that lacked true leadership and development. Sitting in the stands, I could see the frustration on the faces of parents and the discouragement in the eyes of players.
One particular moment changed everything...
Before a game, while the opposing team was already warming up, our coach still had not arrived. I stepped onto the court, organized the players, and addressed the situation respectfully but directly. In that moment, I realized something powerful: Our youth deserve better.
One particular moment changed everything...
Before a game, while the opposing team was already warming up, our coach still had not arrived. I stepped onto the court, organized the players, and addressed the situation respectfully but directly. In that moment, I realized something powerful: Our youth deserve better.
They deserve leadership.
They deserve structure.
They deserve accountability.
They deserve someone who truly cares about their development on and off the court.
That night, over dinner with friends at Uncle Julio's, I shared a vision God had placed on my heart to build a basketball program centered on purpose, discipline, development, family, and faith. A program focused not on collecting teams, but on genuinely investing in student-athletes.
That conversation became the beginning of Illinois Game Time Basketball.
The name "Game Time" was inspired by the legendary Chicago Bulls introduction made famous during the Michael Jordan era: "What time is it? GAME TIME!"
But for us, Game Time means more than basketball.
It means showing up with purpose.
It means being prepared when opportunity comes.
It means competing with passion, discipline, and character.
It means becoming the best version of yourself on the court, in the classroom, and in life.
Since 2016, Illinois Game Time has grown into one of the premier basketball programs in the western Chicagoland area. Our athletes have gone on to play high school and college basketball across the country while competing and winning championships at some of the highest levels, including Nike Tournament of Champions, Prep Hoops, Chicago Classic, All-Star Classic, and many
more.
But trophies were never the mission.
The mission has always been developing leaders, building confidence, creating opportunities, and helping young athletes discover who they are beyond the game.
Today, Illinois Game Time continues to stand on the same foundation it was built on:
Faith. Purpose. Discipline. Accountability. Family.
We are committed to developing complete student-athletes who understand that greatness is earned daily through hard work, humility, sacrifice, and consistency.
Looking ahead, my vision is not only to continue developing athletes, but also to inspire and mentor future coaches and leaders who carry the same passion for impacting youth. I believe leadership is legacy, and true success is measured by how many lives you help change along the journey.
This path was never part of my original plan.
But when God calls you to serve, you listen.
Illinois Game Time Basketball is more than an AAU program. It is a community, a family, and a movement dedicated to helping young athletes become stronger in mind, body, spirit, and purpose... we are not just building basketball players. We are building future leaders.