Be a Baller, Not a Bully: Ta’Quan Zimmerman’s Mission Beyond Basketball

AMG Sports Media had a prime courtside moment at Boston’s Big3 stop when we caught up with Ta’Quan Zimmerman, formerly of the Utah Jazz organization, as he watched the games and settled into the arena’s energy. Zimmerman, standing 6’2”, about 200 pounds, built his early professional career within the Jazz’s G League affiliate, where he averaged roughly 4.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.

But the basketball story is only part of his journey. He’s now deeply invested off the court as the founder of We Believe Academy, which has since evolved into Bright School, a prep boarding institution blending academics, athletics, and character development. Zimmerman’s motto “Be a Baller, Not a Bully” frames his anti-bullying campaign and educational mission.

During our conversation, Zimmerman spoke with clear conviction about his roles as mentor and athlete. “The game taught me discipline, but the responsibility to uplift the next generation is my real calling,” he said. The Big3 environment, he noted, gives him a chance to see where culture, basketball, and community intersect. Watching in real time as legends compete while fans cheer, Zimmerman’s presence reminded us that beyond every highlight reel is a story of growth, purpose, and impact.

Amber Marie Green

View posts by Amber Marie Green
Amber Marie Green is a Chicago-based creative visionary, media entrepreneur, and storyteller whose passion for sports, culture, and community has redefined the way the game is covered. As the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AMG Sports Media, a Black woman–led digital publication, she built a powerful platform that provides equal coverage of men’s and women’s sports across the professional, collegiate, and high school levels. A globally published photojournalist and creative director turned media mogul, Amber is also the CEO of AMG Media LLC and founder of the Envision Now Foundation, a nonprofit that equips students with skills in sports journalism, photography, videography, and media production. While also mentoring the next generation of media professionals, her belief is that sports are the heartbeat of community, Amber’s mission is to tell stories that inspire, inform, and elevate by showing that the game is about more than the score; it’s about the people, the culture, and the purpose behind every play.

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