We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristopher Timmons a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristopher, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

At EPD Sports International, our mission is to empower athletes by providing them with the tools, exposure, and opportunities they need to succeed at the highest levels of competition. We aim to connect talent with opportunity, not just in basketball, but across the sports industry as a whole. Our flagship event, the Top 40 Invitational, is a perfect example of this vision in action—bringing together the brightest rising stars with top-tier coaches, scouts, and trainers who can help shape their futures.
What makes this mission truly meaningful to us is our belief in the transformative power of sports. Basketball, and sports in general, provide a platform for personal growth, discipline, and a sense of purpose. For many athletes, it is more than just a game; it’s a path to a better future—whether through collegiate scholarships, professional opportunities, or life skills that will carry them far beyond the court.
The mission is rooted in my own journey, having seen the barriers athletes face when it comes to visibility and opportunity. This drives us to create a space where talent is recognized, nurtured, and given the chance to thrive, regardless of background or circumstance. It’s not just about basketball; it’s about changing lives and building pathways that allow athletes to reach their full potential.
This mission means everything to me and to the team at EPD Sports. We’re not just building an organization; we’re creating a movement that will have a lasting impact on the sports industry and the athletes we serve.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Kristopher Timmons, and my journey into the basketball world started early—at just 15 years old, I was already coaching basketball in North Carolina, a state known for its highly competitive basketball scene. Growing up in such a competitive market, I quickly learned that obtaining a scholarship was no easy feat. What makes my story unique is that I navigated this process without a major sponsor, mentor, or organization guiding me. I was on my own, negotiating and landing my own deals and agreements with colleges and universities, securing my place in their programs and ensuring my financial support at those institutions.
I didn’t have a trainer until I was 17 or 18 years old—an age when most athletes already have years of structured coaching. However, my passion for the game and willingness to learn led me to basketball camps, where I connected with people from around the world. At 17, I was invited to participate in a camp by a gentleman whose son is now a seasoned NBA player. This experience not only gave me my first opportunity to coach, but it also provided me with significant visibility within the basketball community.
From that moment, my coaching career took off. I built a reputation in both coaching and player development through various camps and clinics, gaining exposure that helped me throughout my entire career. From middle school to professional basketball, I accumulated 10 years of experience that set the stage for the work I do today.
As I transitioned into player development and recruiting, I found a passion for building infrastructures that would support athletes, both on and off the court. I expanded my services to include exposure camps, scholarships, endorsements, and placement services. My business grew as I began to help athletes navigate the recruiting process, develop their personal brands, and ultimately secure the opportunities they deserved.
Over time, I transitioned into more of an executive leadership role, leveraging my experience to build and grow businesses in various sectors within the basketball industry. I’ve worked with schools, colleges, professional teams, and organizations, helping them elevate their brands and athlete development programs. Through this experience, I’ve gained the skills to lead companies, negotiate deals, and create lasting partnerships.
Now, as the founder of EPD Sports International, I am dedicated to expanding the scope of what athletes can achieve—through innovative platforms like the Top 40 Invitational and a variety of services that provide global exposure, recruitment opportunities, and brand development. I’m proud of the work we’ve done so far and the lives we’ve impacted, but I believe this is just the beginning.
EPD Sports is more than just a business; it’s a movement designed to empower athletes, connect them with opportunity, and guide them through every step of their journey—whether in basketball or beyond.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

To manage a team effectively and maintain high morale, it’s important to lead by example, communicate openly, and recognize both individual and team achievements. Transparency about goals and challenges fosters trust, while acknowledging contributions boosts motivation. Creating a supportive environment where team members feel valued and heard is key, as is providing opportunities for growth and maintaining work-life balance to prevent burnout. Encouraging teamwork through bonding activities and reminding everyone of the bigger picture helps keep morale high and the team aligned with the mission. By fostering respect, trust, and development, you’ll ensure a motivated and engaged team.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most defining moments of my journey came during my time as a high school athlete in North Carolina, a state known for its competitive basketball scene. With no major sponsor or mentor, I had to navigate the recruiting process on my own. I didn’t have the luxury of guidance, but I remained determined. I spent countless hours building my skill set, reaching out to colleges, and negotiating my own scholarship offers. By the time I was securing my place at a college, I had learned to be resourceful, proactive, and self-sufficient.
The turning point came when I was invited to a basketball camp at 17 years old by someone whose son is now in the NBA. That opportunity gave me my first coaching experience and opened doors for me across the basketball world, from middle school coaching to professional development. Despite the challenges I faced, my persistence paid off, leading me to eventually found EPD Sports International, where I now help athletes navigate similar struggles. It’s this resilience—the ability to keep pushing forward despite the odds—that has been at the core of my success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.epdsports.com
• Instagram: @inktwetrust @epd.sports