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Justin Bowen, Oak Park, IL Basketball Coach

Justin Bowen

Basketball

SILVER

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GOAT Sports Academy, LLC develops confident, disciplined, and efficient basketball players through elite skill training, leadership, and proper preparation. View all coaching experience

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Fast Response Rate:
The percentage of time Justin Bowen responded to client inquiries within 48 hours in the last 3 months.
100%
Training Locations

Packages

Light Package
In-Person Training for a single athlete

1 session package with Coach Justin. 60 minute session length

Session Length: 1 hour

$128 1 session + applicable fees

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Small Group Training
In-Person Training for up to 3 athletes

Enjoy a high intensity workout with a maximum of 3 players that will still you give the attention of an individual workout.

Session Length: 1 hour

$345 1 session + applicable fees

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Private Training for 2
In-Person Training for up to 2 athletes

This session will include a maximum of 2 players. In this session both players will get a get amount of individual attention which will still feel like a 1 on 1 session.

Session Length: 1 minute

$250 1 session + applicable fees

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Team Training
In-Person Training for up to 12 athletes

Get a private session for your team and get them better prepared for the game by learning and developing together with a Former Professional athlete who has now been an Elite Coach for 11 years. Must have a gym for this s... See More

Session Length: 2 hours

$725 1 session + applicable fees

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  • University of Illinois--Chicago (IL)

  • 15 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

  • University of Illinois--Chicago (IL)

  • 15 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

Introduction Video

More About Coach Justin

GOAT Sports Academy, LLC

Coach Justin Bowen is the Owner of GOAT Sports Academy, LLC. Since 2021, Coach Bowen has focused heavily on basketball skill development and camps, giving more players the opportunity to learn and grow through elite instruction and mentorship.

In 2020, Coach Bowen was hired as a Division I Assistant Basketball Coach at Chicago State University, where his high-level skill development quickly became respected and appreciated on the collegiate level.

Prior to Chicago State, Bowen was hired in 2019 as the Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Kenwood Academy High School in Hyde Park, Chicago. Kenwood competes in the highly competitive Red South Conference, recognized as one of the top basketball conferences in Illinois and among the best nationally.

Coach Bowen is also one of the top lead clinicians for Breakthrough Basketball nationwide camps. Over the last 8 years with the company, he has led more than 150 camps across the country while consistently producing record-setting attendance and strong player development results.

Bowen previously served as the Head Associate Coach for the 2017 Illinois 4A State Champion Whitney Young Dolphins. His responsibilities included offensive and defensive preparation along with advanced skill development. The Dolphins returned to the state championship game in 2018 as 4A State Runner-Up. Entering his fourth year with the program, Whitney Young was preseason ranked #1 in Illinois and Top 25 nationally.

Over the years, Coach Bowen has trained and developed numerous high-level athletes who went on to successful collegiate and professional careers, including:

Ayo Dosunmu
Jeremiah Fears
Talen Horton-Tucker
Lucas Williamson
Patrick Baldwin
Javon Freeman-Liberty
Amari Bailey
Zach Lavine
DJ Steward
Khalil Whitney
Tyler Beard
Cappie Pondexter
Tamera Young
Betnijah Laney

GOAT Sports Academy works with both boys and girls beginning at age 5 through the professional level. The academy has also helped develop players from the men’s and women’s basketball programs at University of Illinois Chicago, along with many highly regarded elementary and high school athletes throughout the Chicagoland area.

In 2015, Coach Bowen also coached Pan-Africa during the Nike Global Games Challenge hosted at Whitney Young Magnet High School.

Coach Justin Bowen Playing Career

Coach Justin Bowen attended John Marshall Metropolitan High School from 1997–2001, where he established himself as one of the top basketball players in Chicago. As a senior, Bowen earned All-City and All-State honors while being named Athlete of the Year in 2001. He averaged an impressive 22.5 points and 10 rebounds per game during his senior season.

Following high school, Bowen continued his basketball career at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC Flames) from 2002–2006. During his collegiate career, he helped lead the Flames to the 2004 NCAA Tournament while helping set a school record with a 24–8 season record in 2004. As a senior, Bowen earned All-Horizon League honors after averaging 15 points and 8 rebounds per game.

In 2006, Bowen participated in the Chicago Bulls Summer League alongside players such as Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha. He later returned in 2008 for the Chicago Bulls Summer League training camp during the rookie season of Derrick Rose.

From 2006–2010, Bowen played professionally for the Austin Toros, the developmental affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs. During his first season, he played under legendary coach Dennis Johnson of the Boston Celtics. His final three seasons with the Toros were under coach Quin Snyder, current head coach of the Atlanta Hawks.

In 2008, Bowen helped lead the Austin Toros to a Southwest Division Championship and an appearance in the NBA D-League Finals. In Game 1 of the Finals, he scored 25 points and went on to average 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game during the championship series.

During his professional career, Bowen also played internationally between seasons in:

Australia
South Korea
Japan
China
Switzerland

His extensive playing experience at the high school, collegiate, NBA developmental, and international levels continues to shape the elite-level instruction and mentorship he provides today through GOAT Sports Academy, LLC.

GOAT Sports Academy, LLC focuses on total player development. We emphasize mental approach, shooting, and ball handling while incorporating passing, defense, agility, and conditioning to provide a complete assessment and development plan for every athlete.

Action Photos

Client Reviews

Daniel (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin was phenomenal. The location didn’t work out at first due to it being busy, but we found an ideal location, and he was willing to work it out same day.

I had no prior training in basketball, so we worked on a bit of everything, and he was very patient. His skills and knowledge speak for themselves.

I look forward to my next session!

Patrick (CoachUp client)

The coach was great on scheduling a session for my daughter and helpful in many was. He brings real world knowledge to help and inform the players. Would highly recommend Justin.

Frank (CoachUp client)

My son's session with coach Justin was outstanding. My son worked about as hard as he's ever worked, and he had fun in the process.

Marci (CoachUp client)

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Josh (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin is the real deal. If you are serious about your game he is the coach for you. Super knowledgeable, and has real world practical advice for athletes. If you follow his advice and protocols you will get better.

Grace (CoachUp client)

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Nancy (CoachUp client)

I feel fortunate to have found Coach Justin on this app. He had a wonderful demeanor with my kids, ages 9 and 11. Got them to work hard but also made it fun. This was NOT a babysitting session in any way, which made the hour well worth it. Intense, great workout, and taught my kids important fundamentals.

Austin (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin is a great coach. Really focused on the fundamentals and helped me get rid of some of my bad habits when handling and shooting the ball. Will definitely be booking more sessions soon.

Douglas (CoachUp client)

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Cauve (CoachUp client)

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Melina (CoachUp client)

Excellent coach/mentor. Very attentive and knowledgeable all around.

Dimitri (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin,
Is a very good coach. Just After one session my 12 year old has more confidence on the court. We will use him again.

Loreal (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin was always on time for my son’s sessions, and attentive. He made sure to keep me updated with the timeline of my son’s progress, and I was able to see his handling skills get better. For that, I am grateful and would highly recommend going forward.

Grant (CoachUp client)

Justin does great workouts

Sonya (CoachUp client)

Excellent coach!

Rev (CoachUp client)

Great with kids. Just is able to break down things that seem like common sense into easy steps for kids to master. He’s made a big impact on my son’s interest in basketball

Andrew (CoachUp client)

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Vince (CoachUp client)

👍he was great

Lukasz (CoachUp client)

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Cheryl (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin Bowen is very professional and has a passion for basketball that shows in his training, he is highly recommended if you want your child to go to the next level.

Michelle (CoachUp client)

Our 9 and 7 year old had the best basketball workout they have ever had. While they trained together, the session was geared towards each of them individually and worked on their strengths and areas for improvement. They came away with tips on ball handling and overall positioning that they will continue to work on. Coach Justin was patient and really motivated them. He gave us an idea of things to easily work on at home. Would highly recommend Coach Jusin.

Suzie (CoachUp client)

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Angela (CoachUp client)

WE LOVE COACH JUSTIN!!!! My son just started going to him, and he loves it. He nice but stern. I definitely think he'll get my son where he wants to be with Basketball.

Mylin (CoachUp client)

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Zhichen (CoachUp client)

Definitely top coach

Colin (CoachUp client)

Great instructions going take my sons game to the next level

Steven (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin was awesome! He did a great job working on fundamentals with my 13 year old daughter. He is very professional, gives clear instruction and is very motivating! Thank you, Coach Justin!

Alma (CoachUp client)

I booked Coach Justin for my 11-yr-old daughter because I saw he had great reviews. He did not disappoint! I saw improvement after the first lesson! He’s patient and motivated her the entire time. I will definitely be continuing the 1 on 1’s with him! Thanks!

Alfonso (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin was amazing from the jump. Exceeded my sons expectations and gave great feedback and recommendations on what and how to continue his development on the court

Hakeem (CoachUp client)

Great first session coach Justin gives clear instructions and really puts you to work in bettering your own skills 10/10 would recommend

Dawn (CoachUp client)

Great 1st session with coach Justin today. He instills discipline while motivating at the same. After a long year of being sedentary due to the pandemic, Coach Justin built cardio, fundamentals and confidence immediately. Thank you for a great session and we will be in touch for more sessions!!! 13 yr old boy.

Conor (CoachUp client)

Justin was a great coach who was able to adjust our session to my goals and skill level with ease, would highly recommend him.

Luka (CoachUp client)

Coach Bowen worked me super hard and after just one session my skills have gotten better. I definitely recommend him if you are serious about advancing your game.Great coach!!!

John (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin did a great job with my son today. He pushed him and really showed him some nice drills. He encouraged my son to keep pushing when he wanted to quit.. To anyone looking for a great coach, check out coach Justin I guarantee you be satisfied.

Dan (CoachUp client)

Very impressed with Coach Justin's techniques and ability to work with young kids. My son is a 11 and is a beginner. Coach made the lesson challenging and fun.

Sarah (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin Is AMAZING!! In a single one hour session he was able to make crucial changes in the game performance of my daughter and her two friends.

Jason (CoachUp client)

Coach Bowen was great. He focused on areas my boys needed improvement and when they struggled he made sure to have them repeat the drill until they got it while encouraging them through out. He challenged my boys and they really enjoyed it. Thanks Coach

Aaron (CoachUp client)

Great Workout Session With My Son. He Learned The Basics, Footwork, Moving Without The Ball & Free Throw Techniques. Coach Bowen Was Very Professional With A Positive Attitude And Great Personality, Coach Bowen Earns My Highest Recommendation.... Thanks!!

Westley (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin gave me some great pointers and I was very pleased with his directions. I will definitely look to Coachup in the future.

Ethan (CoachUp client)

Great coach, has great enthusiasm and energy towards the game itself and helping me improve.

Ari (CoachUp client)

Hey Coach what a longflight from home (Indonesia) worth for my son to workout and practice with you. Such a wonderful dribbling, shooting technique experience you shared to him. Hope to ser you again at Summer Camp 2019

Omar (CoachUp client)

Best in on the whole website! He really improved my ball handling, stamina, and defense all in one session. He has amazing patience as well. Thnx Coach Justin! :)

JohnEdward (CoachUp client)

We have had several sessions with Coach Justin. My son likes him, and the workouts are hard and perceived by my son as a move in the right direction. He is learning both basics and complex skills much to his delight. We have been very happy with Coach Justin and would recommend him without reservation.

Claudia (CoachUp client)

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Ruichen (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin is great! My moves are improved after only one session and he always challenges me to go above and beyond.

Heidi (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin is a very good coach also very nice he really challenged my son to get better and his drills are really good adapting to the players position looking forward to book more sessions with him

Heidi R

Fred (CoachUp client)

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Julia (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin was awesome! He's really patient great with my daughter. She improved greatly by the end of the session you really see the results. I'd recommend him to anyone that wants to step up their game

Mark (CoachUp client)

Really enjoyed watching the boys first session. Looking forward to see their evolvement and continued training for the next sessions.

Kevin (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin was excellent in working with my son. He was able to help him improve his game in one session by drilling fundamentals and then focusing on his immediate issue with his shooting. We will continue working with Justin in the future.

Walter (CoachUp client)

My cousin had great reviews for coach Justin

Herman (CoachUp client)

Great workout! Probably one of the best in the Chicago Land area. Players trainer understanding of all past injuries, goals, and limitations. Pushed me beyond my level I am glad he can helped transform my floater by breaking it down. Hands down best on the coach Up. Has a great understanding of the game from all aspects.

Tiffany (CoachUp client)

Our experience with Coach Justin has been wonderful. Coach Justin started our sessions off with questions for us so that he could tailor the sessions accordingly. All of our sessions have been welcoming for me as the parent and also challenging for my son to grow. We also like that Coach Justin works with a team so that he can give instruction and observe the execution without missing a thing. We are very excited to continue our journey to becoming a better player with the help of Coach Justin.

Shemean (CoachUp client)

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Takalra (CoachUp client)

Justin was very professional and encouraging. Time and money well spent. Will be coming back!

Alexis (CoachUp client)

We hired Justin to work with our daughter to improve her basketball skills so she could enjoy her school games more.

Our first training session was excellent. Per our request, Justin worked with her on 21 ball handling drills to improve her basic skills in moving with the ball effectively.

He then added a couple of lay up drills to tie in the ball handling to shooting, explaining in detail the approach and shot.

Our daughter was so excited after the lesson! She hadn't had the opportunity at school to really work on basic drills and was looking forward to using what she had learned on the court.

From the sidelines, Justin used the time extremely effectively, exhibited a high degree of technical direction and worked patiently to keep our daughter in point with his instructions.

Great job!!

After 10 sessions: Coach Justin still a strong 5 stars

Bella's ball handling and footwork have improved tremendously over these last 10 sessions. We are signing up for more to maintain Coach Justin's and my daughter's hard work. He continues to vary the training to keep the basic skills she is working on interesting and challenging. He is an extraordinary coach that knows how to challenge, encourage and grow my daughter's basketball skills with a heavy dose of patience during the process.

Noah (CoachUp client)

Justin is an excellent coach. He combines sound fundamental drills with motivational messages. He helps players become both physically and mentally better prepared for success.

Kyle (CoachUp client)

Great coach, probably one of the best if not the best coach this site has to offer. NBA, Overseas experience. Learned a lot in one session. Trying to enhace your game? Train with some one who's trained with NBA professionals and has played for the spurs.

Kevin (CoachUp client)

Justin is a great coach! He was very patient with me as he explained to me and went slower with the drills if I didn't understand them. He's able to push you while keeping you motivated. Would definitely recommend him to people that want to get better on their game

Faisal (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin is a great coach! All the positive reinforcement was super helpful and the drills he runs are really helpful in developing my 6 year old nephews game!

Kimberly (CoachUp client)

Justin was extremely attentive, encouraging and friendly. My son Caden felt comfortable with Justin and is excited to continue training with him. Justin was instantly in tune with my sons weaknesses and strengths. I highly recommend training with him. You won't be disappointed.

Eric (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin did exactly what I asked him to do. He has my son doing things he never thought he could do and he is very professional. Thanks Coach Up!

Eric (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin did exactly what I asked him to do. He has my son doing things he never thought he could do and he is very professional. Thanks Coach Up!

Cecily (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin was so helpful to me and my young friend Derrick! He responded so quickly and made himself available right away to start training Derrick. They've been working for a couple weeks now and Derrick has said how important it is to him to be working with Coach Justin. I can't thank him enough for this!

Dolla (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin B is an excellent, skillful coach! With this being my son's first training session, Justin demonstrated great patience, encouragement and instruction which IS a big deal with my son being away from the court for several years. Justin was able to quickly assess my son's skill level and begin the training at a level that challenged him. Justin makes a solid connection with teenagers. My son is looking forward to the next session!

Tajanna (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin did a great job today with helping my son. He showed my son some good techniques to help improve his shooting. My son really enjoyed the session. Thank you coach justin. We are looking forward to working with you again.

Andy (CoachUp client)

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Carla (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin was awesome with our son and with us. He followed up and made recommendations and is committed to getting him ready for tryouts.

Ivory (CoachUp client)

I had a great first workout with Coach Justin last night. He was very patient with me, seeing that I haven't worked out in a year. He has great techniques and drills to help me improve my game. I definitely would recommend him to anyone that wants to improve and get better. He has the passion and is willing to work with you and help you improve!

Eduardo (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin is a great coach! His extensive background in basketball really shows when he's breaking down drills for you. He's really friendly and works with you every step of the way to ensure you're reaching your full potential. He will take your game from good to GREAT! All you need to bring is a humble attitude and put in 100% effort and coach Justin will deliver the results. Overall excellent coach and I look forward to continue to work with him in the future

Sunil (CoachUp client)

Coach Justin is a wonderful coach. He takes care to understand the skills the athlete needs and makes sure that the athlete is able to learn these skills well. I would recommend Coach Justin to everyone. Thank you!

Melody (Testimonial)

Thank you for changing my son attitude about basketball. The wisdom you have is teaching confidence and heart. You have shown my son how to be a leader and the importance of team work. You have been an inspiration to him, Your influence on my son is immeasurable. The breadth of the skills and lessons you have taught will be amplified over and over. Thank you for caring about the kids you are training. You have taught them the importance of hard work and never to give up thanks again for being the best trainer. - Melody

Kerry Eggins (Testimonial)

You've been such an influence on Datren, his confidence seems to be coming back and I just wanted to say thank you. Obviously I hired you to train him in basketball so your encouragement and support for him is just a testament to how much you care about these kids. Thank you so much. - Kerry Eggins

Kyle Odom (Testimonial)

I thank you for the great strenuous workout. With the agility training the ball handling drills and the shooting drills it has really improved my game. I would advise anyone to take on your workout it has really helped my game. Thanks I really appreciate it. - Kyle Odom

George Whitehead (Testimonial)

It's a very Hard workout, Justin Bowen really works with uS, and helps us develop our craft, and really develops our ball handling we work on ball handling for about a half hour. And just really teach us how to be strong and be a young man on and off the court thanks Coach! - George W

Stephanie & Jay (Testimonial)

Justin, Thank you for all that you have done for the boys. Jack has developed a greater love of basketball thanks to the instruction you have given him and the confidence you have helped him build. We hope to have a chance to continue working with you in some capacity. It has been a great experience. Thank you for everything. We really appreciate it. - Jack's parents (Steph & Jay)

Melissa Murray (Testimonial)

I just wanted to reach out and let you know what an unbelievable coach Justin Bowen was for our team. Joey has always loved basketball and played in some rec leagues, but never made the progress he made with Justin. Justin is exceptional at coaching and teaching without ever coming across as negative or discouraging. Joey looked up to him so very much and build great relationships with all of his teammates. He is also a baseball fanatic and spends most of the spring/summer playing it, so we felt it would be too much to attempt travel basketball for spring. But he will definitely be back! Win or lose, it was the best team experience we ever had. Kudos to Justin and to you for running a great program! Thanks again, - Melissa Murray
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