From Canvas to Community: The Art of Ahmad James Lee aka Reco the Great

Basketball was invented at the Y, so you know we’re doing it big for World Basketball Day 2024! As part of WBD ‘24, the YMCA is proud to team up with internationally acclaimed artist Ahmad James Lee, also known as Reco the Great, to bring his dynamic creativity to World Basketball Day. Reco’s bold style, blending digital and hand-painted elements, captures the essence of basketball and community, inviting us to reflect on identity and culture. 

For World Basketball Day, the Y and our partners at the Chicago Sky are offering an opportunity to purchase Reco's exclusively designed, limited-edition merchandise — hoodies, crewnecks, and t-shirts — infused with his signature vibrant style. Perfect for fans of art and basketball, these pieces also support a great cause, with a portion of sales benefiting the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. 

Reco’s collaborations with iconic brands like Nike, Puma, and the Los Angeles Lakers have cemented his influence in the world of sports. Now, his work comes to life at the Y, celebrating the shared spirit of creativity and teamwork that defines World Basketball Day. 

Don’t miss this incredible event on Saturday, December 21! Let’s celebrate the game that brings us all together and make it a day to remember! 

Check out Ahmad’s current designs and purchase your one-of-a-kind swag for World Basketball Day 2024 on the Chicago Sky Shop website!