Jason K.

I bring eight years of Division I college basketball experience as a coach and player development professional. Most recently, I spent four seasons as an Assistant Coach at Stonehill College, where I worked directly with Division I student-athletes on individual skill development, game preparation, scouting, and overall player development.

Before Stonehill, I spent several years at Valparaiso University, progressing from student manager to walk-on player, graduate assistant, and Director of Basketball Operations. That experience gave me the opportunity to learn the game from multiple perspectives and work alongside high-level coaches and athletes.

My training approach is built around the same fundamentals and details emphasized at the college level, while adapting each workout to the athlete's age, experience, position, and goals. I enjoy working with players ranging from youth athletes learning proper fundamentals to high school and college players looking to take their game to the next level.

I was a member of the men's basketball program at Valparaiso University, where I earned the opportunity to become a Division I walk-on after initially joining the program as a student manager. During my time at Valpo, I was part of a program that competed in the NCAA Tournament and made a run to the NIT Championship game at Madison Square Garden.

My own path as a player has heavily influenced the way I train athletes. I understand what it is like to have to develop, compete, and earn opportunities rather than simply relying on natural ability. After my playing career, I continued working in Division I basketball and ultimately spent four seasons as an Assistant Coach at Stonehill College.

Every workout is tailored to the athlete, but my sessions are designed around one goal: developing skills that actually translate to games.

We typically begin with a short dynamic warm-up incorporating muscle activation and breath work.

We then progress to more focused skill development. Depending on the player's needs, that can include footwork, finishing, shooting mechanics, shooting off the catch and dribble, pick-and-roll reads, change-of-pace moves, creating separation, and decision-making.

My approach is also holistic. I believe player development is just as much mental as it is physical, so I work to build confidence, composure, and an understanding of the game alongside the athlete's skill set. I want players to understand not only how to execute a skill, but why and when to use it. Mistakes are part of the process, and I use them as opportunities to teach players how to adjust, respond, and play with confidence.

As the workout progresses, I add pace, movement, reads, and game-like constraints so the athlete has to execute skills in situations that resemble real basketball. We finish with competitive shooting, conditioning integrated with skill work, or a specific area the athlete wants to improve.

For a first session, I'll also evaluate the player's strengths, areas for improvement, and overall confidence so we can build future workouts around an individualized development plan.