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Our FOUNDERS
Jerel McNeal and Maurice Acker's relationship first began in the early days of adolescence when they attended neighboring junior high schools.
McNeal and Acker played multiple sports in the same circles and eventually played as teammates on a local traveling team for basketball. This interaction would mark the first but not the last time the two played and competed together.
HOW MCNEAL
MET ACKER.
They both attended Hillcrest High School and played three years together as varsity starters for the Hawks.
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​Post College McNeal attended Marquette University while Acker chose Ball State as his landing spot to continue his education and career. Both had great success as freshmen at their respective schools; McNeal earned All-Big East Rookie Team Honors, while Acker brought home the MAC Conference Rookie of the Year Honors at Ball State. Soon after their freshmen season ended, Acker's head coach moved on from Ball State to another job opportunity. That sparked Acker's interest to look elsewhere to continue his education and finish out his remaining three years of eligibility on the court.
"Hillcrest's Jerel McNeal, one of the top Class of 2005 prospects in the state of illinois.....teams with maurice "lil Reese" acker to form one of the top backcourt duo's in the state of illinois"
together again
It seemed like fate, Acker would soon transfer to Marquette University and team up with his old childhood friend and teammate McNeal. They graduated from Marquette University with Degrees in Communication Studies, McNeal in 2009, and Acker in 2010. They would have long professional careers but not before teaming up one more time to create the McNeal/Acker Foundation in 2011. The Nonprofit organization would prove to be the lasting legacy of their passion for the game, youth, friendship, and commitment to giving back to their communities.
