TIM GITTENS - HEADACHE

Growing up in Harlem, New York City, Tim Gittens faced hardships that could have easily made him another statistic. But Gittens refused to follow the path laid out by circumstance. Instead, he turned to basketball as a vehicle to rise above adversity and build a legacy that would inspire generations.

His basketball journey began on the playgrounds of New York City, where competing against the best in every borough sharpened his game and his grit. His confidence and skill quickly grew, allowing him to dominate in high school and compete in the Unlimited Pro Leagues at just 16 years old, holding his own against grown men. It was during this time, on the legendary courts of Rucker Park, that he earned the nickname “Headache” a name given for the relentless pressure he brought to anyone brave enough to guard him.

It was there, watching icons like Dr. J, Earl “The Goat” Manigault, and other Harlem legends, that Gittens fell in love with the game and began crafting the style that would make him world-famous, eventually earning him a Division I basketball scholarship.

Over the past two decades, Tim “Headache” Gittens has become one of basketball’s most influential figures. A collegiate all-star turned professional player, he showcased his talent across the NBA tryout circuit, USBL, ABA, and international leagues in China, Iran, Puerto Rico, and England. He also played with the Harlem Globetrotters, proudly wearing the number 13 in honor of his late father, who was also a member of the Globetrotters.

Headache rose to international fame as a founding member of the AND1 Streetball Team, becoming one of the most recognizable faces of the AND1 Mixtape Tour on ESPN. His creativity, toughness, and charisma made him a global ambassador of basketball culture. Gittens was featured in the Street Hoops video game by Activision and appeared in GQ, Dime, The New York Times, Men’s Journal, and Forbes. He was also spotlighted in the film Doin’ It In The Park alongside Julius “Dr. J” Erving and other streetball legends.

Transitioning from player to mentor, Gittens became a respected teacher, coach, and trainer. At Cincinnati State, he made history as the first assistant coach to lead both the men’s and women’s basketball teams to national tournament appearances in the same year. His success at that level proved his ability to develop players and create winning programs across all levels of the game.

Gittens later brought his expertise to the professional ranks as an Assistant Coach with the WNBA’s Dallas Wings, helping guide the team to a playoff run. Under his leadership, Arike Ogunbowale earned her first WNBA All-Star MVP, and Moriah Jefferson led both the team and the league in three-point field goal percentage, a reflection of Gittens’ impact on player performance and growth.

In 2004, Gittens founded the Headache 13 Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and their families through education, athletic development, and life mentorship. His foundation uses basketball as a tool to teach discipline, confidence, and purpose, helping young athletes achieve success on and off the court.

Today, Tim Gittens continues to be a man of God, coach, trainer, speaker, and community leader. A proud husband and father, he embodies what the fight for success looks like, earning two college degrees and multiple certifications, playing basketball professionally, traveling the world, starring in films and national ad campaigns, and becoming an influential voice in the community. Through his unwavering faith and the work of the Headache 13 Foundation, he continues to empower others to rise above adversity and use sport as a platform for transformation. 

His message remains clear and powerful:

One Life. One Choice. One Time.