Jay Lilley saw a disparity in the sports construction market for minority business owners and he seized the opportunity. His efforts and savvy business acumen have earned him an envy-worthy circle of famous friends and clients and recognition in the business community. One of his regulars is the most dominant center in NBA history, aka Shaquille O’Neal.

It’s not an NBA star’s mega-mansion home unless you have a court or two. Shaq enlisted Lilley’s company, Court Dreams, to build two basketball courts within his massive real estate portfolio. That was the start of a long partnership.

Today, Lilley’s network of stars reflects his appeal to his famous clients. Sheen magazine profiled his rise from humble beginnings to being friends with Shaq, Ludacris, Deontay Wilder, Future, Boosie, Tray Young, Mendeecees Harris & Yandy Smith.

Lilley didn’t forget to thank all those who made it happen, including his wife and his dedicated team at Court Dreams. “Thank you @sheenmagazine for the publishing this incredible article about who I am, my humble beginnings and my company @courtdreams – it’s been a heck of a ride and so many more chapters of my story to unfold,” he wrote.

He further added, “Thank you @mrsgeorgiaglobe2023 [Khadija Lilley] for your unwavering support and dedication. Couldn’t have made it this far without ya. Thank you to my team, clients, and all that have supported and believed in the vision.”

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The image Sheen magazine shared is from Deontay Wilder’s 38th birthday in October 2023. The Bronze Bomber’s close circle of friends was invited to his yacht party, including Shaq and Lilley. That shows Lilley has more than a business-client relationship with these athletic icons. In fact, he counted Shaq as one of his mentors.

Shaq’s support to rising entrepreneurs

Growing up in North Carolina, Lilley adapted lessons from basketball to his life. His NBA dreams didn’t work out but through Court Dreams, which focuses on A-list clients, he’s wined and dined with NBA stars. His bucket list of clients included Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Shaquille O’Neal. One of them took notice.

Lilley once revealed that Shaq called him on a Monday at 8:37 pm and said, “I know you guys are the best, I’ve been checking you out.” Shaq had him design two backyard game courts, complete with custom logos and graphic backboards.

Shaq’s court designed by Lilley is a 52’x80′ top-of-the-line flooring with shock absorbers to withstand all weathers and be forgiving on the athlete’s knees. He added nods to Shaq’s 19-year career with images of Big Diesel’s championship teams and his Orlando Magic jersey. THe court logos reference his 2016 Hall of Fame induction as well as his sons, Shareef and Shaqir’s NCAA journeys.

Lilley credited Shaq for teaching him about business and philanthropy. He now hopes MJ and King James will notice the same potential Shaq did.

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