Rising Stars Sports Agency

About Rising Stars Sports Agency

Our vision has always been geared toward recruiting and promoting HIGH-CHARACTER CLIENTS, and placing them in environment where their talents can reach MAXIMUM POTENTIAL. The term ‘RISING STARS’ relates to basketball players and coaches who have chosen proper steps in order to grow as professionals. ‘GRINDERS’ WHO ARE TOUGH ATHLETIC SCORERS are players we represent.

We are proud of OUR CLIENTS WHO WON 53 TITLES and numerous individual awards in the following 47 COUNTRIES: Australia, Austria, Argentina, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Paraguay, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United States, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Almir Smajic, Ph.D. - Owner & Agent

In 1993, as a part of the Bosnian U18 National Team I moved to Chicago to play high school basketball. Afterwards, I played college and professional basketball, and in 2003 I began my coaching career. I coached for 7 years at all levels of college basketball (NAIA, JUCO, NCAA II, NCAA I), including 4 years as a player development coach at Texas Tech University under legendary coach Bob Knight. In 2010 I received a Ph.D. in STEM Education from Texas Tech University and began building my international contacts. I obtained FIBA and Japanese Basketball Association agent certifications.

I have been fortunate to represent players like John Roberson (led Big 12 in assists at Texas Tech and later became one of the top point guards in Spain, Turkey, Russia, France, Australia, Basketball Champions League, EuroCup, FIBA Europe Cup), Jaye Crockett (3rd team Big 12 player at Texas Tech who had a great career in Basketball Champions League, Russia, Australia, France, Italy, FIBA Europe Cup), Kennedy Winston (led SEC in scoring at Alabama and played for top EuroLeague teams such as: Real Madrid, Panathinaikos, Rome), and many other outstanding college players who became mid and high level professional players.

Eric Garcia - Director of Scouting & Player Development

Eric Garcia is responsible for scouting and recruiting players, player development, and conducting our summer pro camps.

Eric was our long time, loyal, commited client who won 4 titles in his playing career. He won 2 Southern Conference titles, 1 Swedish title, and 1 Mexican title. At Wofford College, he was 2nd in assists in NCAA I and earned All-SoCon 1st Team selection. Eric played at all levels of professional basketball in Adriatic League, FIBA Europe Cup, Sweden, Finland, and Mexico. He was a "true PG" who found ways to win games for his team. He was a 50 - 43 - 90% career shooter. As a skilled player he is currently working as a player development coach in Denver, Colorado.

Eric Garcia was a calm, composed, and crafty point guard who had the ability to create for others or get his own shot. He was a great pick and roll player capable to get to any spot on the floor. Eric was a true court leader and made teammates better because of his ability to make timely passes and lead. He scored off the dribble or coming off screens. Because of his low stance, balance, toughness, high IQ, anticipation, and discipline, he was a solid defender. Eric used his body incredibly well to draw fouls, His pick and roll skills, passing, mid-range pull up shots, transition plays, and shooting from behind the 3-point line were his go-to offensive moves.

During his 3 seasons with Soles de Mexicali in Mexican top LNBP league, Eric averaged 10 points and 4 assists per game. During 2018/2019 season, Eric won the Swedish championship with Sodertalje Kings. In FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers, he averaged 11 points and 7.5 assists per game. During 2017/2018 rookie season, Eric first played for North Macedonian Adriatic League team, MZT Skopje, and averaged 11 points and 6 assists per game. Later on in the season he moved to play for one of the top Finnish teams Kataja, where he averaged 15 points and 6 assists per game.

During his senior year at Wofford College, Eric averaged 14 points and 7 assists (2nd in all NCAA I) per game. With Wofford College, he won 2 Southern Conference Championships and advanced twice to play at the NCAA Tournament.

Basketball Training with Eric Garcia

Take your game to the next level with Eric Garcia's basketball training programs in Denver, Colorado. He will help you improve your skills, grow as a pro, and reach your full potential. If you have questions about Eric Garcia's training services please contact him at 303-968-0649 and follow him @EricGarcia_3.