How were you first introduced to basketball?
My first competitive basketball was in first grade. My parents signed me up through the youth local basketball league, and that was my first real interaction with live-action basketball. Other than that, as a young kid, being an athlete, [I] would just shoot hoops around the house before the first grade, but my first initial action with competitive basketball was back around first grade.
What was your reaction to finding out you were the new head coach?
I was definitely thrilled that I was given the opportunity to take over this program. One thing that separated me from some of the other candidates was that I was an alumni, they didn’t have probably the shared passion that I have to give back to the community that I grew up in. My first reaction was thrilled and glad that the staff or the admin trusts me to be the next leader of this program.
What are you most looking forward to in this upcoming season?
I’m looking forward to bringing the excitement back to Titan Basketball. Last year was a long year for everybody, I know [the season was] pretty mentally draining, and we faced a lot of adversity. I’m really just looking forward to bringing excitement back, not only for the kids to find their passion for the game, but also to try to get the community involved, [and] get D-Block back in the student section.
How do you plan on improving the team’s 2-21 record from last season?
As soon as I got hired, we got spring workout dates on schedule. We had summer workout dates, fall workout dates, as well as a summer league and a fall league for all three levels of the program. In terms of improving the record, not only for varsity, but [hopefully] for the other two levels, it started in the off season. I think all your work is [done during] the off season. During the season, you’re fine tuning your skills and everything. In terms of improving [the record], it started with our [off]-season work right now, and the culture that I’m trying to bring to the program. For improving the record, the foundation we built this [off]-season is really what we’re [going to] hang on to and trust the work that we put in.
How do you plan on forming relationships with players? Do you know any of them already?
I pretty much know every upperclassmen that’s going to try out. Most of them have played for me for two, if not three years already, so they already have a background and understand my coaching philosophies, [and] the culture that I’m trying to bring. That’s another thing [that] could help us improve on our record is the familiarity.
What do you hope to accomplish this season?
For this year, I’m going in with no expectations [on] what our accomplishments are. It’s not really going to be a win and loss [focus] this year. A win for us this year is getting everybody excited about the program again, and continuing to build this program up. The foundation that we built already in this offseason is very encouraging. With that, I think the wins will follow..
How has your four years at UMW shaped your coaching philosophies?
Playing under Coach Kahn and Coach Sansone has taught me a lot of things that I teach in terms of culture, X’s and O’s, [and] in terms of philosophies. Titan Basketball is bits and pieces of what I learned in college and obviously with my own flavor. They taught me a lot so I would really hone in on the leadership they taught me, what culture is and some X’s and O’s. That’s the three main things I’m focusing on from [my] UMW playing career.
Who was the most impactful coach you have had and why?
Coach Kling, he was my first basketball coach ever. As I mentioned, in that first grade league, he was actually my first coach [for] basketball. He created Loudoun Basketball Academy when I was in seventh grade, and I was the third member of that organization, and on the first ever [LBA] team. He’s the one who taught me the fundamentals of basketball [that] I’ve carried on throughout my playing career, and what I’ve carried on now to my coaching career, that foundation of how to play the right way. I’ve stayed in very close contact. He’s like a family friend, [or a] second dad, to me. Coach Kling from Stonebridge High School has probably had [a] big impact on me player wise along with Coach Khan and Sansone from UMW, as well.
Why do you coach?
Really [to] just share my passion with the youth, whether that’s nine year olds [or]18 year olds. For me, it’s really just sharing my passion and excitement about [playing] basketball. Just like any sport, as well as basketball, individual or team sports, they can teach you a lot about life. Coaching is just about giving back. It’s not about the wins and losses. Our most rewarding thing is honestly just being around the kids. One thing I say is that tough times don’t last, tough people do. It’s one thing I try to teach the kids that don’t hang your head, always push through. It’s all about the kids giving back to them and making them fulfill their athletic dreams.
When not coaching travel or high school basketball, how do you spend your time?
I like to keep busy. When I’m not coaching, I am busy at work. Throughout the day, outside of work, and [when] I’m not coaching, I like to stay active. So, I like to go to the gym [and] I like to play golf [and] I like to run. Staying active is big for me when I’m not doing that, typically [I’m] with friends or family.
