Today we’d like to introduce you to David Bargamento.
Hi David, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Legacy Basketball Academy began long before it had a name. Its foundation was laid by my father, Mornie “Coach Dave” Bargamento a community legend, mentor, coach, and father figure to countless young people. While he lived for his family, his purpose extended far beyond our home, and he discovered that purpose early on.
A natural football player, my father began his coaching journey in Pop Warner football before volunteering at the Homestead YMCA, where he coached me in basketball and quickly built a reputation. Those early practices, that small YMCA gym, and the kids he worked with ignited a deep passion for giving back. He found joy in developing young athletes, guiding them, and keeping them away from the streets. Soon, he was coaching multiple age groups and became known for helping young people unlock their potential no matter their background or experience.
At the time, basketball wasn’t as popular in Miami as football, so he often had to transform football athletes into basketball players. That challenge required creativity and patience. He learned how to teach the game to kids who had never touched a basketball, and that ability ultimately became the foundation of Legacy Basketball Academy. Even today, the program stands out for embracing any young athlete, regardless of skill level, and developing them into impactful players on and off the court.
Coach Dave became a beloved figure in the communities of Homestead, Goulds, Richmond Heights, and South Miami. He was respected, trusted, and relied upon, not just as a coach, but as someone who consistently showed up for the youth who needed him most.
In 2023, my father was diagnosed with Stage 4 Urachal Cancer. Even as his health declined, he never complained or stepped back. He continued showing up for his family and for the program he loved until the day he passed on August 19th, 2025. His strength during that time showed what commitment, resilience, and purpose truly look like.
Growing up under him meant being raised with a clear standard: work hard, serve others, and carry yourself the right way. He believed wholeheartedly that he was building a legacy, not just a basketball program, but a movement rooted in community and opportunity. For years, he wanted me to join him in running Legacy Basketball Academy, but my career never allowed me to take on the full responsibility. Before he passed, he asked me to continue the program and elevate it to new heights. I promised him I would.
After making the decision to move my family from North Carolina back home to Miami, I stepped into the role he had prepared me for. Today, with the support of an incredible team of 15 committed coaches and parent coordinators, the program continues to grow stronger than ever.
My own journey shaped me for this responsibility. I played high school basketball in both the high school and college levels but My leadership expanded beyond basketball during my time at Florida A&M University, where I served as Polemarch (president) of the prestigious Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity chapter. Through programs such as “Suits for Our Sons,” turkey drives, toy drives, scholarship initiatives, and more, I learned the true meaning of service, value planted in me by my father.
Today, I am blessed to combine my love for community, youth development, education, and sports. I have the privilege of carrying on a program built on the right foundation, a foundation created through my father’s passion, purpose, and heart. Legacy Basketball Academy exists because of him. I am who I am because of him. And the legacy continues, all thanks to Mornie “Coach Dave” Bargamento.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My father meant a lot to me and the community. He was my mentor through life till the day he passed away. His passing has been very tough for the community but with being around the kids and the program it has allowed me to live through my father’s legacy and be reminded of him everyday which in turn keeps everyone in good spirits. We are able to use his life as motivation to continue his Legacy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Legacy Basketball Academy?
Legacy Basketball Academy was founded by Mornie “Coach Dave” Bargamento and continues to grow through his vision and impact. Our program partners with several schools, including Somerset SoHo Academy, Future Leaders of Tomorrow Christian Academy, and Redland Christian Academy and we work closely with the Homestead Police Department and their Police Athletic League to support youth development in our community.
We specialize in training and developing young athletes ages 6–17. We are known for taking kids with little to no basketball experience and helping them reach their full potential. What truly sets us apart is our family atmosphere. The academy is family-operated, and many of our current coaches grew up in Coach Dave’s program, joining as middle schoolers and later returning after graduating from college. We now even have children in the program whose parents once played for Coach Dave. Our culture attracts principals, teachers, and families who choose Legacy not just for basketball, but for the environment we create. Our staff lives by the phrase “ball is life,” using basketball to teach young people how to navigate adversity, obstacles, achievements, and failures lessons that translate far beyond the court. This commitment speaks to the strong family culture that defines Legacy Basketball Academy.
Brand-wise, one of the things I am most proud of is how recognizable and respected Legacy has become. When I’m out in the community wearing our logo, people know exactly who we are. At tournaments, teams are excited to compete against Legacy Basketball Academy, which is a testament to the reputation Coach Dave built and we continue to uphold.
I want readers and the community to know that Legacy Basketball Academy is a program they can trust a true “village” committed to supporting each child’s growth both as an athlete and a person. As we continue expanding throughout Florida, the core foundation Coach Dave established will remain at the heart of everything we do. We plan to grow into additional sports beyond basketball, partner with more schools and community outreach organizations in the area, and we are actively seeking sponsorships and grants to create more opportunities for kids who may not have the financial means to join our program. Our mission is to provide every child with a place to learn, grow, and thrive through sports and mentorship.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Go out and just do it but do it for the right reasons. Do it because you’re passionate to serve others.
I’m fairly new to running the program but with the foundation my father set I’m excited to grow and learn of new ways to help our youth succeed not only in basketball but in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.legacybballacademy.com
- Instagram: Legacybasketball_academy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1MRXfL3GTb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
