Paye T.

I’m a former collegiate athlete, having played at both the junior college and NCAA Division II levels, and I bring that competitive experience into every session.

I’ve coached and trained athletes across a wide range of age groups—from elementary school beginners to high school varsity players and college athletes. My focus is on building fundamentals, developing high IQ players, and preparing athletes for the next level both mentally and physically.

I currently work independently through my academy in the Atlanta, GA area, offering private 1-on-1 sessions, group training, and team clinics. While I’m not certified under a specific national training organization, my background as a college athlete and years of hands-on coaching experience speak directly to my results and player development.

I’m a proud former collegiate athlete who competed at both the junior college and NCAA Division II levels. I began my journey at the JUCO level, where I developed my game and earned the opportunity to transfer and compete at the D2 level. During my college career, I was known for my work ethic, defensive toughness, and leadership on and off the court.

While I didn’t pursue a professional playing career, my time as a college athlete gave me firsthand experience in high-level competition, strength and conditioning, and team systems—insight I now use to develop the next generation of players.

My biggest accomplishment was earning a scholarship to play at the D2 level and being a consistent contributor and leader throughout my career. I carry those lessons with me into every training session with my athletes.

A typical session with me at CoachPayeAcademy is high-energy, detail-oriented, and fully tailored to the athlete’s skill level and goals.

We always start with a dynamic warm-up to activate the body and get the athlete mentally locked in. From there, I focus heavily on skill development, including:

Ball-handling drills to improve control and reaction under pressure
Shooting mechanics and reps, with an emphasis on footwork, shot preparation, and consistency
Finishing techniques around the rim—using both hands, contact absorption, and creativity
IQ-based drills that simulate game situations, like decision-making off the dribble, reading screens, and creating space
Conditioning and pace control, so players learn how to play efficiently at game speed
Throughout the session, I’m correcting footwork, holding players accountable to game-like intensity, and explaining the “why” behind every drill. My goal is not just to improve your skills, but also to develop your confidence, mindset, and overall basketball IQ.

Each session ends with a recap of strengths, areas to improve, and how we’ll build on it next time. Whether you're a beginner or trying to reach the next level, you can expect structure, intensity, and real results.