Sudeep Tumma

I'm currently a D1 Graduate Assistant for The University of the Pacific. Coach at St. Elizabeth University, a D3 school in Morristown, NJ. I've previously coached at St. Elizabeth University (D3), Middlesex College (JUCO) and Piscataway High School. Through the years, I've been tasked with a myriad of duties. I've been in charge of player development, watched several hours of film with players one-on-one, prepared scouting reports for upcoming games. And, of course, I've always had a huge hand in recruiting. My experience has given me a strong grasp of what it takes to make it — and succeed — as a collegiate athlete.

My upbringing is unique compared to many other coaches. I never had the chance to play at the college, high school or even middle school level. But it doesn't hold me back. In fact, it makes me stronger. I didn't have the "structure" of an organized team with set plays, timeouts, etc. Instead, I learned to just play basketball on a fundamental level. We fed off instinct and built up IQ from just playing basketball — reacting to what the defense does, adjusting based on what's at hand. Along with that, I've spent so many years studying the game. I studied Sports Journalism in college, intending to do exactly what I do today. I would just consistently analyze, watch, read and learn from the smartest minds. That's what makes me the coach I am today.

The approach will vary based on the athlete and their needs. The drills I utilize are unique and always add in varying elements. I don't just have the athlete do the same cookie-cutter drill on repeat. I add elements of decision-making and choice so the athlete is forced to react and stay engaged. In turn, replicating real-game scenarios and/or the speed of a game, keeping the athlete locked in and improving their ability to harness the skills they are learning.