Coach Amr
Standing at 6’10”, Coach Amr hails from Egypt and brings a wealth of international basketball experience to Hoops Academy. He played professionally at the highest levels in the Middle East and represented the Egyptian National Team, competing against powerhouse squads like Team USA and facing NBA stars such as Klay Thompson and Seth Curry. Today, Coach Amr is fully committed to developing the next generation of athletes—whether their path leads to professional basketball or a college roster. Known for his patience, expertise, and dedication, he blends his playing experience with a deep passion for teaching the game the right way.
Coach Shaq
Known as one of the most supportive and approachable figures at Hoops Academy, Coach Shaq is often considered a best friend to our players. Soft-spoken and patient, he has a natural ability to connect with kids, always encouraging them to push for improvement. With valuable experience as both a coach and a player, Coach Shaq competed at the collegiate Division II level in New York. His mission now is to pass on his knowledge to the next generation—teaching them not just the game, but the right way to play basketball.
Coach Han
Coach Han’s journey with Hoops Academy started with a passion for teaching the game. He began as a volunteer coach, dedicating his time to helping young players develop their skills. Just one year later, his dedication, professionalism, and ability to connect with kids made him an official full-time coach at the academy.
A former Turkmen Junior National Team player, Coach Han also competed at the college and semi-professional levels before turning his focus to mentoring the next generation. He ensures every player gets the best training experience, making practices both structured and fun. With a deep understanding of fundamentals and a commitment to player development, Coach Han makes sure every kid leaves practice better, more confident, and excited to come back!
Coach Lu
Coach Lu brings unmatched energy and positivity to Hoops Academy. Known as “The Spirit,” he’s tough but never harsh—always encouraging, uplifting, and motivating kids to believe in themselves. Parents and players love him because he knows how to speak directly to kids in a way that makes them feel like superstars.
As a player, Coach Lu starred on his high school varsity team in Brooklyn and built his game on the NYC park basketball scene, giving him a deep understanding of the city’s unique hoops culture. He now channels that experience into inspiring the next generation of players, blending toughness with positivity to bring out the best in every athlete.
Coach Nick
straight-up about structure and discipline. He keeps kids locked in, prepared, and ensures they love the game while learning it right. He’s low-key but always knows how to reach the kids and push them to succeed.
Coach Luka
Fresh out of high school, Coach Luka jumped straight into coaching and has built over five years of experience working with kids. Our academy players love him because he understands their perspective, striking the perfect balance between being a supportive friend and a respected coach. Luka excels at teaching technical basketball skills while keeping practices fun and engaging with creative drills. His ability to connect with players on and off the court makes him a valued and inspiring member of our coaching team.
Adrian Allman
Also known as Coach A, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. With an extensive 15-year coaching background at various levels of youth and college basketball in NYC, he has played a significant role in programs like Big Apple Sports, Monroe College, and most recently served as an assistant coach for ASA College. Throughout his career, he has coached numerous players who have gone on to achieve remarkable success, including Kyle Allman Jr., Phil Carr, Obi Toppin, Jacob Toppin, Isaiah Whitehead, Hasan Martin, Marquis Nowell, and Justin Wright-Foreman. Notably, several of these players, such as Obi Toppin and Isaiah Whitehead, have advanced to the NBA
What sets Coach A apart is not only his deep knowledge of the game but also his remarkable patience and professionalism when working with kids. His genuine passion for basketball is evident in his dedication to mentor and guide young players.
Coach Bojan
With more than 20 years of professional playing experience and eight years of coaching, Coach Bojan brings elite-level basketball knowledge and a deep understanding of player development to Hoops Academy.
During his career, he served as a coach and mentor to Serbian basketball star and NBA champion Nemanja Bjelica. That high-level experience now shapes the way Coach Bojan teaches the next generation of players.
Patient, understanding, and soft-spoken, Coach Bojan connects naturally with young athletes. He teaches the details of the game without overwhelming players, helping them build stronger fundamentals, better decision-making, and real confidence on the court.
Professional experience combined with a passion for youth development—straight out of Serbia. That is a tough combination to stop.
Coach G
Coach G is the current Program Director of Hoops Academy, overseeing the development and operations of the program. A former professional player, he competed in Germany (Regional League), Slovenia (2nd Division), and Turkmenistan (1st Division).
With extensive experience as both a player and coach, Coach G has worked with athletes at all levels, from high school to Division I and professional players, specializing in player development. While he once focused on on-court training, his role now centers on managing Hoops Academy, ensuring its growth, structure, and impact on young athletes. He remains committed to fostering a positive and competitive environment where players can thrive both on and off the court.
Coach Leyla Halilova
Mama Leyla is the absolute best when it comes to working with our youngest hoopers! A professional FIBA 3×3 basketball player, she’s traveled the world competing in 4 World Cups, 6 Asian Cups, and tournaments across 16 different countries—from France to the Philippines! She’s a medalist in multiple international 3×3 competitions, but her biggest wins come from seeing young players grow and fall in love with the game.
At Hoops Academy, Mama Leyla is known for her patience, kindness, and unmatched energy with kids ages 4-8. She creates a fun and nurturing environment where little ballers learn the fundamentals while having a blast. Whether it’s teaching a perfect layup or just making sure every kid leaves with a smile, she’s the heart and soul of our academy!
Coach Kenny
With more than 15 years of professional playing experience in Europe and the NBA, Coach Kenny brings an elite level of basketball knowledge to every practice. For the past five years, he has coached at the Catholic school level and with Hoops Academy, helping young athletes develop their skills, confidence, and understanding of the game.
Coach Kenny is a true players’ coach. His calm personality and natural ability to connect with children make players of every age and skill level feel comfortable from the moment they enter the gym. Kids love working with him, trust him, and naturally gravitate toward his positive energy.
He combines professional experience with patience, encouragement, and a genuine commitment to youth development.
Coach Z
Originally from Serbia, Coach Z played prep-school basketball in the U.S. before competing at the Division I level. He later coached at the high school, junior college, and collegiate levels, most recently at Pratt Institute.
Detail-oriented, patient, and fully dedicated to basketball, Coach Z helps players understand not only what to do, but why it works. His knowledge and passion make him a valuable part of Hoops Academy.
Coach Nicholas
Coach Nicholas may be one of the younger coaches at Hoops Academy, but his confidence, basketball knowledge, and teaching approach are well beyond his years.
With experience working with children in the classroom, he knows how to relate to young players, make them feel comfortable, and turn difficult skills into something simple and fun. Campers naturally connect with his energy because he knows when to be the coach—and when to be a kid with them.
A talented basketball player and natural teacher, Coach Nicholas brings fresh energy with the patience and composure of a seasoned coach. It is easy to understand why the campers call him their favorite.
Coach Kevin
Coach Kevin began his Hoops Academy journey as a volunteer, supporting our after-school programs wherever help was needed. His creativity soon earned him a major role behind our social media content—but whenever we need another coach on the court, he is always ready.
A skilled NYC basketball player, Coach Kevin brings positive energy to every drill. Kids love watching him demonstrate, compete, and teach because he makes basketball exciting and easy to understand.
Currently pursuing his degree and playing for the Hunter College men’s basketball team, Coach Kevin is part coach, part content creator, and always the campers’ best friend.
Coach Murat
A FIBA-licensed coach with international experience, Coach Murat has coached the Turkmenistan National Team and now leads our Hoops Academy travel teams.
Coach Murat is serious about teaching basketball the right way. His intensity comes from how deeply he cares about every player’s development. When the execution is not right, he resets, refocuses, and gets straight back to work.
Demanding, knowledgeable, and fully committed, Coach Murat teaches discipline, accountability, and the details required to compete at a higher level.
Coach Omari
A Brooklyn native, Coach Omari played at Bishop Loughlin, one of New York City’s most respected high school basketball programs. He understands the city’s basketball ecosystem and what players need to compete at a higher level.
Today, Coach Omari works as a skills-development trainer for advanced athletes while helping our younger players build strong individual fundamentals. Professional, knowledgeable, and detail-oriented, he communicates with both players and parents at a high level.
Coach JJ
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Coach AJ played basketball at the high school and college levels before turning his attention to player development.
At only 23 years old, AJ carries himself like a seasoned coach. Always professional and sharp, he brings tight skills, strong basketball knowledge, and valuable experience from coaching at RF camps, private training, and individual skills-development sessions.
Coach AJ now focuses on helping young athletes strengthen their game, build confidence, and take real steps toward their basketball dreams.
