Ozan A.

I have almost three years of coaching experience with the West Coast Tigers Basketball AAU organization(Los Angeles), where I worked with young athletes primarily between the ages of 9 and 15. I bring a strong foundation as a former professional basketball player, having played point guard for 18 years across several countries including Turkey, Lithuania, Cyprus, and Saudi Arabia, earning multiple trophies throughout my career.

In addition to my on-court experience, I trained every summer with professional strength and conditioning coaches alongside other pro athletes. Toward the latter part of my playing career, I collaborated closely with my trainer to lead off-season summer workouts for fellow professional players. I hold FIBA certifications as both a basketball coach and agent, which further supports my commitment to the game and to developing athletes at all levels.

I competed at the professional level(overseas) for 18 years as a point guard, playing in top leagues across Turkey, Lithuania, Cyprus, and Saudi Arabia. Throughout my career, I was known for my leadership, court vision, organization skills, controlling the game, elite level shooter(catch&shoot or off the dribble, creating my space), playing under high pressure, elite leve pick&roll player, reading the game and making true decisions, one on one offensive skill, ability to take fauls and go to free throw line, elite level passer and ball handler. I earned multiple team championships and individual honors, including week/month of the player, week/month of the guard, top/gold team selections, best guard of the season, best import player of the season, best local player of the season recognitions and All-Star selections. My professional journey also included competing in international tournaments and playoffs, where I gained valuable experience against high-level competition. These accomplishments reflect not only my skill but also my dedication and deep understanding of the game.

Each training session is customized based on the player’s age, skill level, position, and developmental goals. After an initial assessment, I create a progressive, position-specific plan focusing on the following key performance areas:
• Ball Handling & Footwork: Emphasis on ambidextrous control, live dribble reads, foot placement efficiency, and balance under pressure.
• First Step & Explosiveness: Drills focused on lateral quickness, acceleration mechanics, and explosive first-step separation.
• Change of Pace & Top Speed: Advanced movement patterns to improve tempo control, deceleration, and in-game speed variability.
• Coordination & Core Strength: Integrated stability and movement control exercises to improve functional strength and injury prevention.
• Shooting Development:
• Catch-and-Shoot: Proper footwork, shot preparation, and rhythm off movement.
• Off-the-Dribble: Creating separation with combo moves, balance into the shot, and quick release.
• Finishing at the Rim: Touch finishes, angle reads, and contact absorption for guards/wings.
• Decision-Making & Game IQ: Situational drills (e.g., PnR reads, help-side recognition) that reinforce real-game problem-solving and reaction under pressure.

Sessions are built with game transfer in mind — technique, timing, and tactical awareness are blended to help athletes not just train harder, but smarter.