Story by: Malorie Aldrich

The story behind Jacksonville’s newest team is a unique one. The idea of the 95ers came only a few years after the former minor league team, the Giants, left the city. 95ers President Kevin Waters and the rest of the team’s owners came together with the thought of bringing a basketball team back to Jacksonville.

Enter the 95ers; the name comes from the highway that runs through the first coast, I95. The team opened their season in March 2024 at the Swisher gymnasium at Jacksonville University. 

Many of the 95ers players have played basketball their entire lives. “I love the sport. Basketball took me through college and now brings me to the professional leagues. I’d dedicate my life to the sport. And clearly, I’m still going to love it, and I’m hoping to have a long career,” said player Osagi Osifo. 

As a child, Osifo fell in love with basketball. When he got the call to join the 95ers, the decision was as easy as making a free throw.

“I love playing for Jacksonville. I played at this university in this gym. You know its history and honor; it’s a great city. They have a lot to offer; the basketball programs are successful here, and they have a lot of history in basketball. So, it’s just an honor. I love being in Swisher; I love being in Jacksonville,” said Osifo.  

To find more information about the 95ers, you can visit their website, jacksonville-95ers-dot-com.