Josh, in his own words
Ballislife East ·
“To play this game, you have to have a lot of heart. It’s a privilege.”Josh LevelWatch the interview & tribute
Joshua Christian Level / The reason we play
A life that
still brings
us together.
A son. A brother. A teammate. A friend. Before there was a Classic, there was Josh.
Remembering Josh
The person behind the promise
His story.
Our reason.
Josh Level was a son, a brother, a teammate, and a friend. His basketball talent drew attention, but the people who knew him remember the person behind the player.
In February 2013, Josh died at 17 after collapsing during a high school basketball game. His death was linked to myocarditis. His loss was felt deeply by his family, friends, teammates, and community.
In 2014, his friend and teammate Kanayo Obi-Rapu created the Josh Level Classic as a high school senior project. The game became a way to remember Josh together and carry his name forward.
The SmileForJosh Foundation was established in 2017. Its stated mission brings together youth mentorship, community events, athletics, and cardiac health awareness. The Classic remains a gathering place for that shared purpose.
Each new generation that takes the court becomes part of the story. Josh’s name continues to bring people together.
I made a promise to Josh that I would keep his legacy alive through helping the community we grew up in.Kanayo Obi-Rapu · Founder, SmileForJosh Foundation
From the founder’s message
2013 / From the archive
Remembering Josh.
His own words, and the stories of the people who knew him.
Josh, in his own words
WLOS News 13 ·
The original news report
Josh’s family and basketball community remember the son, brother, and teammate they lost.
Watch the story
WXII 12 News ·
Hoops game remembers Josh Level
Teammates took the court in Josh’s memory in February 2013, a year before the first Classic.
The story continues.From the first Classic to the community it is today.
Watch Live for Today
A legacy in motion
Remembering.
Gathering.
Giving back.
The Classic gives the community a place to celebrate Josh together. The SmileForJosh Foundation carries that spirit into mentorship, community events, athletics, and cardiac health awareness.
Explore the foundationThe next chapter starts with us
Keep the
game going.
One game can bring a community together.
Your support helps make it happen.