TJ Jones – Girls U14 Travel Team Coach
TJ Jones is the founder and lead skills director of Ultimate Champions Basketball Academy and a National Nike Basketball Camp Director. With over 22 years of experience as a player, coach, and player development instructor, he has dedicated his career to helping athletes reach their full potential.
After playing at UTSA, competing professionally in Europe and Mexico, and serving as a Division 1 assistant coach, Coach Jones shifted his focus to player development. He has worked with athletes of all levels, from youth to professionals, with proven success.
We are excited to have Coach Jones leading our Girls U14 Travel Team, bringing his expertise and passion to help our players grow and compete at a high level.
Carl Isidore U12 Girls travel team/Development program Coach
We are thrilled to announce that Coach Carl Isidore is joining the Hoops Academy coaching staff! Coach Isidore brings extensive experience from his successful tenure with the Monroe Express and Monroe Mustangs, where he contributed to an NJCAA Region 15 Championship win. With a background in coaching both men’s and women’s teams at Globe Institute of Technology, Coach Isidore has guided teams to multiple conference finals and developed top-tier talent. A former standout player and assistant coach at TCI College of Technology, he led his team to a Region 15 Championship. Coach Isidore’s expertise and passion for the game make him a perfect fit for Hoops Academy, and we are excited to have him on board!
Adrian Allman 7-8 Grade travel team/ Development program Coach
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 Leyla Halilova (AKA Mama Leyla) – The Heart of Our Academy
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 Han Hangeldiyev (AKA Coach Han) – From Volunteer to Full-Time Coach
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!
Guseyn Ishankuliyev (Coach G) – Hoops Academy Program Director
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.
1. Q: What distinguishes Coach Adrian Allman (Coach A) from other basketball trainers?
A: Coach A brings over 15 years of coaching experience in various youth and college basketball programs in NYC. His unique approach combines a deep understanding of the game with remarkable patience and professionalism when working with young players. His dedication and genuine passion for basketball make him an exceptional mentor for aspiring athletes.
2.Q: What expertise does Coach Guseyn Ishankuliyev (Coach G) offer as a basketball skills trainer?
A: Coach G is a former professional player with experience in different leagues across Germany, Slovenia, and Turkmenistan. As a player development specialist at Big Apple Sports, he utilizes game-simulating drills and film analysis to enhance basketball IQ, skill development, attention to detail, and sportsmanship. Coach G focuses on fundamentals, teamwork, and mentoring players at all levels to become mentally and physically robust athletes.
3. Q: How does Coach Guseyn Ishankuliyev cater to players of varying skill levels?
A: Coach G has a holistic approach to training. For younger or newer players, he emphasizes fundamental aspects such as body mechanics, hand-eye coordination, and a deeper understanding of the game. With advanced players, his mentorship aims to enhance their mental fortitude and overall strength, both as players and individuals.
4. Q: What expertise does Coach Leyla Halilova (Coach Lel) bring to youth basketball development?
A: Coach Lel, a professional FIBA 3×3 basketball player with extensive international experience, focuses on sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with the younger generation. Having participated in numerous global tournaments, Coach Lel is dedicated to nurturing youth talent, passing on her expertise, and fostering a new generation of skilled basketball players.
5. Q: How can I get in touch with the New York Hoops Academy coaching team for inquiries or training sessions?
A: You can contact the coaching team via phone at +1 (786) 644-2349 or through email at [email protected]. The academy is located at 246 Adelphi St, Brooklyn, NY 11205 for any further information or to schedule training sessions.
