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Alton L., San Diego, CA Basketball Coach

Alton L.

Basketball

SILVER

Former NBA player for 17 years. Also, I have coached 2 years in the NBA, 7 years on the college level and 7 years Internationally. View all coaching experience

This coach is unavailable to take clients at this time.

Training Locations
  • Arizona State University (AZ)

  • 16 years

  • Qualified Private Coach
    Passed Coach Course

  • Adults, Kids, Teenagers

  • Guard, Forward, Center

  • Shooting, Rebounding, Reading the Floor, Post Moves, Pick and Roll, Passing, Moving Without the Ball, Footwork, Defense, Ball Handling, Attacking the Rim, Agility

Credentials

  • Arizona State University (AZ)

  • 16 years

  • Qualified Private Coach
    Passed Coach Course

Services

  • Adults, Kids, Teenagers

  • Guard, Forward, Center

  • Shooting, Rebounding, Reading the Floor, Post Moves, Pick and Roll, Passing, Moving Without the Ball, Footwork, Defense, Ball Handling, Attacking the Rim, Agility

More About Coach Alton

First of all I played in the NBA for 17 years. I have coached 2 years in the NBA, 7 years.on the college level
and 7 years overseas. All my professional coaching has been as a skills coach/big man coach.
I have a lot of experience in all areas of teaching and in all areas of development. I am known as one of the top big coaches in the game. Also, I coached 9 years at Pete Newell's Big Man Camp which is the top big man camp in the world. I can work with any age from middle school to Pro. I have expanded my teaching ability to all position on the floor.

Retired American professional basketball player, in the power forward-center position.
Lister graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School (Dallas, Texas) (in the Lakewood section of Dallas) in 1976, where he led the Wildcats to many victories and was an All-American and All-State team member. He was inducted into Woodrow's Hall of Fame in 1990.
The 7' 0" Lister played at San Jacinto Junior College, where he was a teammate of future NBA journeyman shooting guard Oliver Mack.[1] He led the Dragons in rebounding and received All-American honors. He later transferred to Arizona State University, becoming teammates with future NBA player Byron Scott. Lister's senior season averages of 15.4 points and 9.7 rebounds contributed to the Sun Devils having a school record of 16-2 in the Pac-10 and 24-4 overall and being ranked fifth in the nation for the 1980-1981 season. The season, capped with a win over the top-ranked then-undefeated Oregon State, had Lister earn honorable mention All-America honors by the Associated Press and Street & Smith's, All-Pac-10 honors, and his team's Most Improved Player award.
A two-year starter in his three years with Arizona State, Lister was inducted into the Arizona State Hall of Fame in 2000 after a career that saw him average 8.2 rebounds and post 148 career blocks.[2] Lister as a member of the 1980 USA Olympic basketball team was the second Sun Devil to be selected for the United States Olympic team. However, he was unable to participate due to the United States Olympic Committee's decision to boycott the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games on the orders of President Jimmy Carter.
Lister was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round (21st overall) of the 1981 NBA Draft. He would consider Bob Lanier his mentor during his time with the Bucks, where he averaged around 8.1 ppg, 7 rpg and 1.8 bpg while only playing 24 minutes a night in his five-year stint with the Bucks. In the 1982-83 season, Lister received 5 points in the NBA MVP voting even though he only averaged 8.4 points and 7.1 rebounds[3] and started in 37 games.
After the 1986 season he was dealt to Seattle for Jack Sikma. His best year as a professional came during the 1986-87 season as a member of the SuperSonics, appearing in 75 games and averaging 11.6 ppg, 9.4 rpg and 2.4 bpg. After just 2 seasons with the Sonics, he was traded straight up to the Warriors for their first round pick. Lister would go on to play another 4 years with Golden State, though playing sparingly in due to injuries. He was waived by the Warriors in March 1993 and went on to sign with Milwaukee. After one more season with the Bucks, the then 37-year old Lister went to the Boston Celtics, as part of the Todd Day for Sherman Douglas trade. He spent two seasons in Boston on a $800,000 total salary averaging 1.9 ppg. Lister finished his career with 7 games for the Portland Trail Blazers.
In his NBA career, Lister played in 953 games (incidentally, the second most games ever for a player with jersey #53, behind Artis Gilmore) and scored a total of 6,298 points. He wore jersey #53 his entire career, and was best known as a solid rebounder and shot blocker.
In 2000, Lister became head coach of at Mesa Community College. From a 9-21 season before his arrival, Lister had five consecutive seasons of 20 or more wins. In the seven years Lister served as coach, 30 players went on to play for NCAA Division I schools. While coaching at Mesa, Lister spent six summers at Pete Newell's Big Man's Camp. The Atlanta Hawks were impressed with Lister’s work at the Newell's camps, thus paving the way for Billy Knight's recruitment of Lister as assistant coach to Mike Woodson in 2007.[4]
In November 2008, upon the recommendation of Paul Howard, he was hired as skills coach to the San Miguel Beermen of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).[5]
Lister lives in the Philippines with his Fil-Am wife Nova and their daughter Avery, working as skills coach of the Meralco Bolts. He has five children in the US, namely Alton, Jr., Alexa, JRoss, and Amari.[6]

I work on footwork, fundamental ball handling, weaknesses in your game and proper techniques in every aspect of the game. I.work on developing the mental part of your game. I'm very hands-on as a trainer. I love being in the gym and you will see my passion for teaching! We will have fun while we are working together with one common goal, that is, to get better!!!

Action Photos

Client Reviews

Very good !

Coach Alton really has a firm understanding on the game of basketball. You will notice this after your first session with him. It takes a lot of knowledge and practice to be able to teach someone and Alton possesses the talents to do so. I went from a very basic understanding of the game to feeling a lot more comfortable when the ball is in my hands. His training will make you a much more confident and stronger player. I recommend him to everyone

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Coach Alton is a phenomenal coach. He is someone who is truly passionate AND knowledgeable about the game.

I love basketball, and although I played in leagues I missed having a coach that gave me valid constructive criticism, so I decided to book Coach Alton based on his reviews and background.

Coach is willing to not only fine tune your skills but challenge you during your session based on your needs. He brings tons of nuggets of wisdom with the game. Through little sayings here and there he reminds me about how basketball is a lot like life. “You gotta have short term memory, when you air ball it’s dead and done and you’re on to the next shot”, “when you do anything, master it”, “when you make a decision you must be decisive even if it may be the wrong one”, “when your teammates aren’t doing the right thing, you must always do the right thing” are some of the things coach has said that has stuck with me.

He appreciates honest feedback of his coaching and is always striving to be better. He’s not going to sugar coat things either and that’s something I respect. He goes above and beyond in his coaching, for example whenever I feel like I am too busy to train coach magically ends up texting me reminding me that we need to get back on the court. He’s someone that truly cares about your progress, gives constructive and thorough feedback and wants you to get the most out of your time with him. He is willing to spend extra time to make sure he answers any questions you may have about the game.

I am lucky that I was able to find coach in San Diego and definitely would recommend coach Alton to anyone that wants to improve their game. I look forward to working with him for a long time to come.

Coach Alton was great. Spent a lot of extra time working on different skills. Will set up another session soon.

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My review of Coach Alton in a nut shell: above and beyond. My first reaction when I was booking him: whoa, this guy played in the NBA for 17 years! But can he coach? The answer: a resounding yes, and more! He was methodical in the drills he made me do, and knew exactly what to prescribe based on my weaknesses and goals. The 2nd way he went above and beyond: time. He gave me a lot of extra time without batting an eye. It's clear that Coach Alton is in this for the passion of the game and those who love it and want to get better. He wasn't constantly checking his watch. Rather, all he cared about was that I learned what I needed to learn. The 3rd way he went above and beyond: his feedback. I mean just check his review of me. He wrote a full report card of everything we did and learned, amazing! I live in SF, but if I was based in San Diego, I'd definitely hire Coach Alton again. Thank you Coach!

Coach Alton is just great! He is very professional and patient with our training! I feel like already improving

Absolutely fantastic!!!! My son has been playing basketball since third grade and Coach Alton provided him with the best basketball training and drills he has ever received from any Coach!

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So impressed with Coach Alton! First coach to evaluate our daughter and immediately fix her shot. The adjustments within minutes made a huge difference. Coach Alton keeps things moving and gives constant feedback. We are so happy to be able to work with Coach Alton. It's been an awesome experience so far!

Coach Alton is amazing!!! He sincerely cares and his main goal is to have my son succeed in Basketball.. my son has had 3 sessions and his ball handling and foot work has improved by 100 percent.. He barley ever misses a shot in his game and is on point with his free throws now.. To get to the next level I highly recommend working with Coach Alton!!!

My 11 yr old son just completed his 5th workout session with Coach Alton. I have to say watching my son today, he has improved more in the past month on his fundamentals than the past year combined. Coach Alton is exactly what we were looking for improving my sons individual basketball skills, as well as overall knowledge of the game. He delivers a caring, but tough love style of coaching that brings out 110% effort out of his kids.

Coach Alton was great. He has patience and has a no nonsense attitude, my player worked her butt off and she loved every minute of it and looks forward to her next training session!

Coach Alton was a fantastic coach. I'm an adult who has never had any organized basketball training and after a single session my shot is already significantly better and i'm confident on the court. Basketball IQ is something I struggle with, and after day 1 I know how to read a drive and get the right angle, and I have a new fake move/shot that is difficult to guard. Can't wait for the next session.

Coach Alton is very knowledgable about the game and training principles. My son has some special needs. Coach Alton is patient enough and skilled enough to adapt his training style to a way that fits his learning style.
I can already see improvement in just two sessions and my son is developing a new found sense of confidence about his game.

Alton has been very effective in helping my son to improve his basketball skills, get fit, and take his game to the next level. In just three sessions with Alton I can already see significant improvement in my son's basketball skills. It is such a pleasure to see my son getting motivated and gaining confidence while working with Alton. I highly recommend training sessions with Alton he is great! He provides great feedback, encouragement, and fun. Carol Romero

Coach Alton was just the help and support I needed in order for my son to build confidence and skills. I would highly recommend Coach Alton to anyone needing assistance with basketball. My son is 13 and he worked great with him and his age. My son looks forward to any future opportunities he has to be coached by Coach Alton.

Alton Lister has taught and developed student athletes from youth, high school and to the professional ranks of the NBA. His work ethic and dedication to getting the job done is remarkable. Prospering from his past experiences(college, NBA, International and grass roots programs) have more than prepared him to work with ALL levels of training. Game On, let Alton lead the way in your next skill sets.
Through the years, I have observed the progression of Alton's teaching techniques expand and broaden exponentially. He is receptive and perceptive, and these traits, along with his innate talent has made him a very astute and effective coach.
Coach Lister and I have been associated for over 35 years, from his start with the Pete Newell's Big Man Camp in the early 80's, through his Jr. College, NBA and International coaching and training career. He is one of the most accomplished skill development specialist at any level. Coach Lister is the most passionate coach I have been around..."Energizer Bunny" when it comes to training...it does not matter the level, from the beginner to the NBA level athlete he gives 110%. Over the years the athletes in my men's and women's program have benefited greatly from working with him, and you will too, if you are a committed athlete.
It is a pleasure to talk about Alton Lister. I have been working alongside Alton as one of his coaches when he played at Arizona State University and as a Consultant to Alton during the time he was a Skill coach in the Philippines, for San Miguel Beer in the PBA. (Philippine Basketball Association) Coach Alton is very knowledgeable in teaching the basic fundamentals of basketball. (Footwork, Position, Angels) The players respect Alton`s ability to make the game of basketball simple. their improvement is very evident and that is because Coach Alton demands the player perform the skills over and over, so that its a natural reaction. I could go on about his ability but after 17 years in the NBA, his jersey retired at ASU, the head coach at Mesa Community College in Mesa, AZ. and a year with the Atlanta Hawks. Plus 20 years teaching at Pete Newell Big man clinic/camp. I think Coach Alton has prepared himself extremely well and can handle any situation.
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