Bernell H.

I have over 10 years of experience training basketball athletes ranging from 10 years old through adults. My basketball background started through years of competitive youth and high school basketball, and I was fortunate to grow up in an NBA family where my uncle, a former NBA player, helped teach me the skills, discipline, and basketball IQ needed to play, train, and coach at a high level.

As a coach and trainer, I’ve worked with athletes in youth recreational leagues throughout the East Bay Area, helping players improve their fundamentals, confidence, conditioning, basketball IQ, and overall skill development. I specialize in player development training for athletes looking to improve ball handling, shooting, footwork, defense, athletic performance, and game-readiness.

I typically work with athletes ages 10 years old through adults, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels. My training approach focuses on building strong fundamentals while also helping athletes develop confidence, work ethic, and a competitive mindset.

I am also USA Basketball Coach Certified, which reflects my commitment to proper player development, safety, and coaching standards.

Currently, all training sessions take place at my gym, Slam Dunk Academy, unless a client is specifically looking for private training sessions at their residence.

I played competitive youth basketball throughout my childhood and high school years, where I earned multiple awards and honors for both offensive and defensive performance, including MVP recognition. Basketball has always been a major part of my life, and I continued competing in college through intramural basketball leagues to stay competitive, sharpen my skills, and maintain a high level of fitness.

Growing up in an NBA family also gave me a unique basketball foundation and understanding of the game. My uncle, a former NBA player, helped teach me the fundamentals, work ethic, discipline, and advanced skill development techniques that I now pass along to the athletes I train today.

While I did not compete professionally, my years of competitive playing experience, combined with over 10 years of athlete training and coaching experience, have helped me successfully develop players of various ages and skill levels throughout the East Bay Area.

Today, I use that experience at Slam Dunk Academy to help athletes improve their basketball skills, confidence, athleticism, and overall understanding of the game.

Clients can expect high-energy, detailed, and game-realistic basketball training sessions that focus on skill development, confidence, conditioning, basketball IQ, and overall athlete growth. Every session is designed to challenge athletes while also building fundamentals the right way.

A typical session at Slam Dunk Academy starts with dynamic warm-ups, footwork, movement training, and ball-handling drills to get athletes loose, focused, and game-ready. From there, training is customized based on the athlete’s age, skill level, position, and goals.

Sessions often include:

* Ball-handling and dribbling under pressure
* Shooting mechanics and game-speed shooting drills
* Footwork and finishing moves around the basket
* Defensive positioning, lateral quickness, and closeouts
* Passing and basketball IQ development
* Conditioning and competitive drills to build endurance and mental toughness
* Game-situation training to help athletes apply skills during real competition

I focus heavily on fundamentals first, because strong fundamentals create confident players. As athletes progress, sessions become more advanced and game-realistic so players can improve decision-making, pace, aggression, and overall confidence on the court.

I also believe in teaching athletes how to train with purpose, energy, and discipline — not just going through the motions. Players are encouraged, challenged, and held accountable in a positive environment that helps them grow both as athletes and individuals.

Whether an athlete is just starting out or already competing at a high level, my goal is to help every player leave each session more skilled, more confident, and more prepared for game competition.