Since forming in 2023, Only1Elite has carved out its spot as a program built around development and accountability. Founded after a leap of faith leaving YP Jaguars, the program keeps things simple by focusing on putting in work and measuring the results. Here is the story of Only1Elite and what to expect from them on the OTR Circuit this season.

Program at a Glance

Name: Only1Elite
Program Director: Coach Riggs
Home Base: Athens, Georgia
Motto: “Do More Say Less”
Alumni: Marcus Gillespie – University of Nebraska Omaha (signed in November of 2025)

No Shortcuts

Every program has its origin story. For Only1Elite, the decision to start began with the passion of helping develop players and showing them the path forward. Coach Riggs spent years mentoring under men who knew the way. Tuvaris Willis provided the blueprint on structure, standards, and vision. Whereas Roman Stephens threw Riggs straight into coaching with zero handholding. The pieces for the program came together. Those experiences shaped Only1Elite from the beginning.

As Coach Riggs put it: “I started Only1Elite to give kids a better opportunity—an opportunity to develop, grow, and see better results. It’s not about weekend trophies. It’s development first, accountability second, preparation always. The work players invest determines the outcome. Pour into skills, confidence, mindset. Get them ready so when the high school season hits or college looks come, they’re not just showing up—they’re standing out.”

Proof in the Progress

The program is young, but the early returns are trending upward. Marcus Gillespie came through Only1Elite before stepping into Overtime Elite and landing a commitment to Nebraska Omaha. That is an example of a next-level move which proves the foundation is solid. The current group, especially the 2027 class, has Coach Riggs fired up. He’s been with these guys for three years and have watched them grow into competitors. “I’ve got a strong feeling that everyone on this roster has what it takes to compete at the collegiate level,” he says. Names like Essien Lockleer, AJ Cox, TJ Gipson, Tre Robinson, Cardea Willingham, Maki Mitchell, Zavion Smith, Rydrell Lundy, Grady Florence, Tristan Hull, Adrian Thomas, and Tristian Cross make up the core he’s pouring into right now.

2026 Outlook

The excitement for this year is positioned around that 2027 crew. Over the three years of coaching the group has shown jumps in talent and mentality. They are built for the next level. Competing on the OTR Circuit helps fuel that growth. “It has exposed my players to better players and programs to show the work we have to put in,” Riggs explains. Those matchups, those environments force preparation. They have created chances to gear up for the season ahead and keep standards high. Only1Elite is back on the OTR Circuit in 2026, ready to keep building.

Follow @only1elitebasketball on Instagram and on X @Only1EliteTeam for updates, highlights, and the latest on the roster.

Jonathan Hemingway has been a National Evaluator for On the Radar Hoops since 2013. He has been involved in the basketball community since 1995 as a coach, camp director, and evaluator. You can reach him at CoachHemi@gmail.com and follow him on X @CoachHemi and Instagram @Coach_Hemi.