About Hoopwizard | Jackie "Blackjack" Ryan
From the legendary courts of “The Cage” on West 4th Street in New York City to the spotlight of the silver screen, Jackie Ryan’s journey is one of resilience and triumph. Experience his powerful story firsthand! Watch Jackie Ryan's TEDx Talk and be inspired by his remarkable ability to turn life’s toughest challenges into victories. Get ready to be motivated and uplifted!
Jackie "Blackjack" Ryan – The Hoopwizard
Jackie "Blackjack" Ryan, known as “The Hoopwizard” has achieved remarkable success as a basketball entertainer and motivational performer. His impressive achievements include being a 3-time Guinness World Record holder and ESPN's National 3-Point Champion. He ranks #19 on Complex.com's list of the 25 Greatest Streetball Players of All Time and is honored as one of SLAM Magazine's Greatest Playground Legends. In 2024, he was invited to showcase his skills at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. The Hoopwizard has been recognized as one of the best shooters by Pete Vescey of the NY Post, named the best streetball player by Flow TV, and dubbed the "White Michael Jordan" by Channel 11. His promotional video is a must-watch, highlighting Jackie "Blackjack" Ryan as one of the most legendary streetball players in history and showcasing the high-energy basketball entertainment that defines Hoopwizard performances.
Who Is the Hoopwizard?
Hoopwizard is the iconic basketball entertainer persona of Jackie "Blackjack" Ryan, a world-class performer, motivational speaker, and basketball showman known for combining jaw-dropping ball-handling skills with humor, storytelling, and audience interaction.
As The Hoopwizard, Jackie delivers high-energy basketball entertainment that captivates kids, teens, and adults alike. His performances are more than just basketball tricks — they are interactive experiences that inspire confidence, creativity, and perseverance.
The Story Behind Hoopwizard
The Hoopwizard was born from Jackie "Blackjack" Ryan's lifelong passion for basketball, performance, and connection with people. Growing up with a deep love for the game, Jackie developed elite ball-handling skills that eventually evolved into a one-of-a-kind basketball entertainment style. Over the years, Hoopwizard has become synonymous with high-energy basketball shows, positive motivational messaging, engaging audience participation, and unforgettable live entertainment. Jackie's journey and impact were even captured in the feature film Blackjack: The Jackie Ryan Story, further solidifying Hoopwizard as a legendary figure in basketball entertainment.
FROM THE STREETS TO A NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY AND HOLLYWOOD BIOPIC MOVIE
In 1990, Jackie Ryan was recognized as one of the top basketball players in New York City and was invited to the New Jersey Nets free agent rookie camp. By 1999, he made history as the first white Showman for the Harlem Wizards. In 2015, after undergoing total knee replacement surgery, he was back on the court just four months later. In 2017, Jackie had an ablation procedure for AFib, followed by an aortic valve replacement in 2019, the same year he was diagnosed with ADHD. Unstoppable, he underwent a second ablation procedure for AFib in 2023. His resilience and determination are immortalized in the 2020 Hollywood biopic, Blackjack: The Jackie Ryan Story, solidifying Hoopwizard as a legendary figure in basketball entertainment and chronicling his rise to become a streetball legend after starting his career at 37. Jackie's story is a testament to overcoming every obstacle, with his indomitable spirit shining through every challenge.
Jackie Ryan's accolades include being a 3-time Guinness World Record holder, ESPN's National 3-Point Champion, ranked #19 in Complex.com's 25 Greatest Streetball Players of All Time, and recognized as one of SLAM Magazine's Greatest Playground Legends of All Time, and in 2024 invited to play at the NBA-ALL STAR CELEBRITY GAME.
Jackie's basketball artistry is a blend of elegance, precision, and strength—a fluid display of motion honed and celebrated on the iconic courts of New York City's West 4th Street, famously known as 'The Cage.' His seamless transitions from corporate events back to the court remain as graceful as they are powerful, telling a compelling story of Jack Ryan's ongoing transformation and evolution.
Book The Hoopwizard | Jackie "Blackjack" Ryan for Exclusive Events
Looking to elevate your next event with one of basketball's most captivating personalities? Jackie Ryan is now open for bookings across a variety of occasions. Whether it's bringing energy to a birthday party, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, school assembly, summer camp entertainment, communion parties or delivering a thrilling performance at NBA college halftime shows, Jackie adds excitement and flair to any gathering.
In addition, Jackie offers Private Basketball One-on-One Shooting Sessions, Celebrity Event Appearances (including cocktail walk-throughs), Private Celebrity Parties, College and Corporate Speaking Engagements, and Guest Appearances—all infused with motivational life messages that inspire and uplift.
From kids birthday parties and boys and girls basketball entertainment, to corporate cocktail hour entertainment, Jackie's unique blend of comedy basketball shows and world-class skills will make your event truly unforgettable.
Planning for March Madness? BOOK JACKIE NOW for unforgettable entertainment!
Press Kit
Jackie “Blackjack” Ryan is a Brooklyn-born streetball legend whose story blends raw talent, unforgettable style, and unshakable resilience. Known worldwide for his iconic three-point shooting and electric presence on and off the court, The Hoopwizard’s journey spans legendary playgrounds, Guinness World Records, and a Hollywood biopic that captured his rise. This press kit offers media, producers, and event organizers a closer look at the man behind the legend—his story, accomplishments, and the impact he continues to make through performance, mentorship, and inspiration.
Explore the full press kit below for official bios, media assets, and booking information.