Coaches

Coaches

OUR HIGHLY SKILLED COACHES

Meet the esteemed coaching team at Hooper’s Paradise, composed of passionate and experienced individuals dedicated to nurturing young athletes and supporting their basketball ambitions. Each coach brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and a distinct coaching philosophy to our programs, ensuring a high-quality experience for all participants.

Coach Milton Bullard

Milton Bullard, a seasoned basketball coach with over a decade of experience in AAU and five years at the high school level, currently serves as the Head JV Coach at Tocoi Creek High School. Passionate about player development, Bullard draws inspiration from his background as a 2nd-grade teacher, seamlessly applying the lessons learned in the classroom to the basketball court.

A firm believer in the power of sports to unite communities, Bullard actively works towards bringing people together through the platform of basketball. His coaching philosophy extends beyond the game, aiming to instill a lifelong love for basketball in his athletes. Dedicated to fostering both skill and character development, Milton Bullard embodies the essence of a coach committed to shaping not just players, but individuals poised for success both on and off the court.

Coach Dwight Garth

Coach Dwight, also known as “Coach Wyte,” is a Jacksonville, Florida native with a passion for enhancing athletic performance. With a focus on basketball, Coach Dwight is an elite sports performance trainer who excels in holistic athletic development.

With over 4+ years of experience working with athletes at various levels, including youth, collegiate, and professional, Coach Dwight brings a wealth of expertise to his training sessions. His core training principles revolve around promoting balance, body control, injury prevention, and overall strength-building.

By integrating these fundamental elements, Coach Dwight empowers athletes to reach their full potential.

Coach Larry Dumas

Introducing Coach Larry, also known as “Scary Larry” on the court, a basketball powerhouse with a passion for nurturing talent. Hailing from Chicago, Coach Larry’s impressive basketball journey culminated at Robert Morris University, where he completed his collegiate career.

As a seasoned player, Coach Larry made a significant impact during his tenure with the Jacksonville Giants, leading the team to an extraordinary three consecutive championships. Throughout his illustrious 8-year professional career, he achieved remarkable milestones, including All-Star Team selections, multiple titles, and prestigious trophies.

Now, Coach Larry is committed to giving back to his community by sharing his exceptional skills and knowledge with aspiring young athletes. His primary focus is on developing budding talent within the city, molding the next generation of youth using basketball as a platform.

At Coach Larry’s training sessions, your child will have the incredible opportunity to learn from a decorated professional player. With his wealth of experience and a genuine passion for mentorship, Coach Larry is dedicated to helping young athletes unlock their true potential and flourish on the basketball court.

Coach Brandon Tomlinson

Meet Coach Brandon Tomlinson, a dedicated sports enthusiast with a passion for coaching and playing. Currently serving as an assistant coach at Tocoi Creek High School in Florida, Coach Brandon brings his expertise and love for the game to the team.

With three years of experience as a varsity coach at Manchester Valley High School in Maryland, Coach Brandon honed his coaching skills as an assistant. His dedication and commitment to the players’ development made a lasting impact on the team.

For five years, Coach Brandon took on the responsibilities of both head coach and president of the North Carroll Panthers AAU Basketball program in Maryland. During this time, he not only guided his team to success but also demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills.

Prior to his coaching career, Coach Brandon showcased his athletic abilities as a Division 1 football player at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. His two years on the field further solidified his understanding of teamwork, discipline, and determination.

Through his experiences as a coach and player, Coach Brandon continues to inspire and motivate young athletes to reach their full potential. With an unwavering passion for sports, he strives to make a positive impact in the lives of those he encounters

Coach Jayla Adams

Introducing Jayla Adams, a talented athlete hailing from Daytona Beach, FL. Born and raised in this vibrant city, she developed her passion for sports and honed her skills throughout her journey.

Jayla Adams graduated from Spruce Creek High School, where she made a significant impact on the basketball court. In 2018, she played a pivotal role in leading her team to victory as the 9A FHSAA State Champion, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination.

Her outstanding performance didn’t go unnoticed. In the same year, Jayla was honored as the Daytona Beach News Journal Female Athlete of the Year and also received the prestigious Girl’s Basketball Player of the Year award. These accolades solidified her reputation as a formidable force in the world of sports.

Driven by her passion for helping others, Jayla pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University. Her dedication to making a positive impact in the community shines through her choice of studies.

Currently, Jayla Adams is embarking on a new chapter in her basketball career as a grad transfer for the University of North Florida, where she showcases her skills as a talented Point Guard. With her relentless drive and determination, she continues to make waves on the court while pursuing her athletic and academic goals.

Coach Aidan Driscoll

Introducing Aidan Driscoll, a Florida native with an unwavering passion for basketball. With over 15 years of basketball experience, Aidan has dedicated himself to the sport in various capacities.

Having played AAU basketball, Aidan understands the game from both a player’s and coach’s perspective. This firsthand experience allows him to connect with his students and provide valuable insights.

Aidan attended Creekside High School, where his love for the game continued to grow. Following high school, he pursued his education at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he played club basketball for all four years. Additionally, Aidan took on the role of risk manager for the team, demonstrating his commitment to the sport both on and off the court.

As a basketball instructor at Hoopers Paradise, Aidan prioritizes the fundamentals of the game. His coaching philosophy centers around helping players improve by 1% each day. Through his guidance, players can develop their skills, strengthen their understanding of the game, and reach their full potential.

With Aidan’s passion, experience, and dedication, he is committed to sharing his love for basketball and empowering aspiring players to excel on their journey.

Coach Nebie Tesfa

Meet Nebie Tesfa, an exceptional basketball trainer at Hoopers Paradise who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the court. Nebie’s journey in the world of basketball has been filled with notable achievements and a passion for the game.

Nebie started his basketball journey at Westside High School, where he honed his skills and laid the foundation for his future success. After graduating, he took his talents to the nationally ranked JUCO (Junior College) South Georgia State College. Playing for two years at this highly regarded institution, Nebie showcased his talent and dedication on the court.

During the 2022-23 season, Nebie’s team reached new heights by winning a conference tournament championship. Their remarkable performance earned them a spot in the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) National tournament, where they competed against the best collegiate teams in the country.

Driven by his passion for the game, Nebie made the decision to transfer and return home to continue his basketball journey at Edward Waters University, an NCAA Division 2 institution. Representing his university, Nebie is now in his junior season, ready to make a significant impact on the court.

As a basketball trainer at Hoopers Paradise, Nebie leverages his extensive playing experience and championship mindset to help aspiring athletes develop their skills and reach their full potential. With his guidance, players can enhance their technical abilities, basketball IQ, and overall performance.

Nebie Tesfa’s dedication to the game and commitment to helping others succeed make him an invaluable asset to the Hoopers Paradise training program.

Coach Shabak Bolling

Introducing Coach Bak, a highly experienced and accomplished coach at Hoopers Paradise. With an impressive background in basketball, Coach Bak brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coaching role.

Coach Bak is the founder of N.O.S (No Off Season) basketball training, where he has been honing the skills of players from 2nd graders to professionals for the past six years. His dedication to player development and commitment to continuous improvement are evident in his training approach.

Currently, Coach Bak serves as the Head Coach for the Global Outreach Middle School Basketball Team, where he instills his passion for the game into his players. His leadership and coaching style create a positive and nurturing environment for young athletes to flourish.

Coach Bak’s basketball journey began in high school, where he played for Atlantic High School in Port Orange, FL. His exceptional skills and dedication to the sport earned him recognition as the Volusia County Student-Athlete of the Year, solidifying his place as one of the top players in the region.

Continuing his basketball career at the collegiate level, Coach Bak played for Edward Waters University, where he excelled on the court. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, showcasing his commitment to both academics and athletics.

Coach Bak’s passion for the game led him to play professionally for the South Florida Gold, where he showcased his skills for more than two years. Additionally, he had the opportunity to play for the Lugano Tigers in Switzerland, further expanding his basketball horizons.

Throughout his career, Coach Bak has achieved notable accomplishments, including being named to the 3rd Team All-State, earning a spot on the Sunshine Classic All-Tournament team, and being selected for the Central Florida All-Area All-Star Team. These accolades reflect his outstanding abilities and contributions to the game.

With an impressive track record and a passion for mentoring young athletes, Coach Bak is a valuable asset to the Hoopers Paradise coaching staff. His expertise, dedication, and commitment to player development make him an exceptional asset to Hoopers Paradise.

Reviews

Member Testimonials

Coach Stephen’s guidance and support have been invaluable to our child’s development. His attention to detail and positive approach have not only improved skills but also boosted confidence.

– James Cook

Coaches Stephen and Marcus are exceptional mentors at Hoopers Paradise! Their coaching goes beyond the game, nurturing skills and resilience in our child. Their passion makes this place truly exceptional.

– Marathi Indee