Broome County businessman Adam Weitsman hopes to establish an elite basketball academy at the former Davis College campus in Johnson City.

Weitsman said his vision for the property off Riverside Drive includes a year-round program for those in grades 9 through 12. Participants would receive instruction from "some of the best players in the country" along with a private school education.

In addition to the basketball program, Weitsman said he would like to create an "esports" academy at the site to provide training to those who wish to compete in the growing video gaming field.

Weitsman said he is working to develop the basketball academy with a well-known former NBA player who recently retired. He declined to identify the player but he said the academy would be known by that player's name.

Weitsman expects some of the existing structures on the campus will be maintained. He noted there already is a large gymnasium at the site. But several old structures could be torn down. New construction would be needed for practice courts and other academy facilities.

The former gymnasium and activity center on the Davis College campus. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
The former gymnasium and activity center on the Davis College campus.
(Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Weitsman said he would hope to start the academy in 2022 with about 100 participants.

Weitsman said he's discussed his academy concept with his friend, Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim. He said Boeheim has said he thinks it "will be great for the region."

The Davis College property is being sold for $3.7 million. Weitsman said the sale is to close during the week of December 2.

A Weitsman scrap metal container and a basketball hoop on the Davis College campus on October 15, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A Weitsman scrap metal container and a basketball hoop on the Davis College campus on October 15, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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