About
Ever since I was a little boy I had a passion for basketball. I moved to the United States as a little boy from a war torn country, and my only opportunity to better my life was basketball. I didn't grow up talented or "good" at basketball. But I out worked everyone. I ended up playing Division 1 basketball at Lipscomb University and hold the scoring record for the schools Division 1 era (2,000+ points). My junior year I was awarded "AP All-American Honorable Mention." I was also the "Player of the Year" in our conference and was the #2 point per game scorer in NCAA Division 1. I played professionally overseas for 4 years. I have 15+ years of playing experience and I have been coaching and developing players for the last 3 years.
I don't approach this as just a basketball lesson. I like to connect with my clients and prove to them that I care, because I do. That is the only way that they will trust me fully in what I am teaching them. I have a lot of patience and I love working with the "underdog" athlete, because I was one. I know what my athletes go through and am able to help them mentally navigate their athletic challenges.
I believe that the first thing the athlete needs to succeed is TOUGHNESS and GRIT. I emphasize this heavily in my workouts. In order to get the most out of athletes I believe in a philosophy that is centered around encouragement, love, and belief. I want my athletes to be confident and encouraged.
I specialize in working with post players and big kids. I have helped many big kids improve their game and even get collegiate offers to play basketball in a short period of time.
My college highlight reel on YouTube : https://youtu.be/ALpKVrXbiWQ
I enjoy taking an athlete and helping them get to where they never dreamed of! All I need is a coachable and hardworking student. I will take care of the rest! I love seeing the changes not just physically in their game but also mentally.
Reviews
Yousef J.
Kyle G.
Lucy J.
Donald F.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I first have a sit down meeting with them to determine their goals and dreams. From there I conduct a "Grit check" workout which is basically a workout that is designed to mentally and physically tire out the athlete to see where he/she breaks down in their basketball form. From there we build from the foundation up and put together a custom designed work out regime so that we can build a sustainable skill level.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 15+ years of playing experience (high school, college, professional). I also have 3 years of coaching experience.
I also was taught by some of the best "low post" coaches in the country while at Lipscomb Unviersity.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
my lessons are $75 per hour.
How did you get started teaching?
I started to help a few athletes out just for fun. When I saw the difference and impact I made, it made me feel fulfilled, like I found my purpose in life. From there I started my own business to help athletes reach heights they never dreamed of.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with boys/girls of every age group from elementary to college.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of the first kids that came to me was a young man who's previous coach called me. The coach told me how "soft" and "weak" the young man was and that he is giving up on him. He asked me if I could help him develop some toughness. I gladly took the underdog athlete and 3 years later he is one of the toughest athletes I ever met. He is a brut force and one of the better players in his area. He went from timid and shy to confident and tough. It was amazing to witness.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would advise the student to really choose someone who is going to treat them special and not like a "number." It's the attention to detail and the constant passion and encouragement from the teacher to the student that makes the difference.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Does this teacher have real experience? Does this teacher truly care about my development/progress?