Former venture capitalist looking to challenge NBA with new league, rules

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Jake Anderson left a cushy job as a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley to pursue a passion. He wants to change the game of basketball and change lives. He's founded The Run and Only.

Anderson finds the best players in neighborhood gyms and on the courts in San Francisco and invites them to compete - and get paid.

"It's meant to be an effort to give terrific players a chance to showcase their talent. It's meant to bring the community together in something that's truly exciting and different. And it's meant to be a forum where we can adjust the rules of basketball to help usher it into the modern era," explained Anderson.

It's a 20 minute full throttle, high octane, four-on-four game in which the players are paid a minimum $75 if they're on a losing team and up to $300 if they're winners.

"You get to compete against guys that are really good. It's more about competing than the money, but the money is nice. It helps," said 20-year-old Nick Smith, who works for an after school program, but basketball is his love.

Many young men dream of playing in the NBA, but few are chosen. This is a realistic alternative.

"A lot of us can play basketball real good. Even at a professional level, but there are a few barriers that we haven't broken to get to that level. I think it's a good start," said Marquel Hoskins, who has played in one of the games.

Anderson and his wife Deboarah expect to spend about $7,000 per game for the next year, paying for the 26 players, the refs and the security. They'll also send the guys to classes on financial planning and health care options.

The 34-year-old Anderson, who injured himself playing the game he loves, hopes to turn The Run and Only into a bonafide business, replicating his fast-paced game in cities nationwide and achieving his lofty goal of shaking up the NBA.

"If we help improve the game of basketball, we're going to be really excited," he said.

The first game held a few weeks ago. The next game is Saturday at Gateway High School in San Francisco. The games are free to the public.

To get involved or to find out where games are played, check out The Run and Only.