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SYRACUSE, NY \/\u00a0ACCESS Newswire<\/a> \/ <\/strong>Apex Entertainment\u00ae<\/sup>, the region\u2019s top destination for all-ages fun, today announces a new NIL partnership with Syracuse University basketball players Dominique Darius, JJ Starling, and Donnie Freeman. The collaboration \u2013 built in conjunction with Mike Bristol\u2019s \u2013 7 Enterprises Marketing Firm, LLC \u2013 celebrates leadership, teamwork, and school pride both on and off the court.<\/p>\n With this initiative, Apex continues a tradition of empowering Syracuse student-athletes since the launch of NIL in Fall 2021. Having partnered with standout athletes across basketball, football, and lacrosse, Apex proudly reaffirms its role in the Orange community. Both Freeman and Starling partnered with Apex last season, and their return along with Darius underscores the brand\u2019s ongoing commitment to supporting excellence and school spirit across Syracuse men\u2019s and women\u2019s sports.<\/p>\n \u201cDominique, JJ, and Donnie are standout players and natural leaders,\u201d said Rob Luzzi, Senior Director of Marketing at RAVentures. \u201cEach of them brings their own story and strength to the court and to Syracuse as a whole. We\u2019re proud to welcome them into the Apex family and highlight the passion they bring to their teams, the fans, and the community.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI love being part of the something bigger than basketball,\u201d said Dominique Darius, a senior guard for the Orange. \u201cRepresenting women\u2019s hoops, this city, and now Apex, it all lines up with how I want to show up for the community.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSyracuse has given me so much already, and it means so much team up with a brand like Apex that gives back to the Orange family,\u201d said JJ Starling, a sophomore guard. \u201cWhether it\u2019s basketball fans, families, or other Syracuse students, I\u2019m excited to help bring people together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoining Apex gives me another way to connect with this amazing community,\u201d added Donnie Freeman, a freshman forward. \u201cThere\u2019s real energy in Syracuse around the game and I\u2019m grateful to be part of that on and off the court.\u201d<\/p>\n Darius, who transferred to Syracuse this year, has brought leadership and a strong backcourt presence to the Orange. While playing for USC, she appeared in 19 games during the 2023-24 season, shot 30.2% from the field, and helped the team reach its first Elite Eight appearance since 1994.<\/p>\n Starling, a 6\u20194\u2033 guard from Baldwinsville, New York, averaged 17.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game during the 2024-25 season. He started all 26 games and established himself as one of SU\u2019s leading scorers, combining offensive versatility with consistency.<\/p>\n Freeman, a 6\u20199\u2033 forward from Washington, D.C., made an immediate impact during his freshman season at Syracuse. In 14 appearances, he averaged 13.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and shot over 50% from the field, showcasing versatility, scoring ability, and a strong presence in the paint.<\/p>\n About APEX Entertainment<\/strong><\/p>\n Apex Entertainment\u00ae<\/sup>\u00a0is a family entertainment destination for people of all ages. With four locations in Massachusetts, New York and Virginia, Apex Entertainment is the largest local space for indoor family fun with world class attractions all under one roof. Headquartered in Westford, Mass. and established in 2017, Apex Entertainment is part of RAVentures, which owns and operates hospitality brands and real estate and development companies.\u00a0https:\/\/www.apexentertainment.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n Media Contact:<\/strong><\/p>\n Eric Montague SOURCE:\u00a0<\/strong>Apex Entertainment<\/p>\n
Sleek Machine for RAVentures\u00ae<\/sup>\u00a0Hospitality Group
eric@sleekmachine.com<\/a>
508-527-3312<\/p>\n