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The Beginning of Dockery Basketball Academy
The idea for Dockery Basketball Academy (DBA) started with a personal experience. When I first arrived at Duke, I felt unprepared for the game on a deeper level. I had the athleticism, but I wasn’t a true student of the game. I didn’t understand the nuances, the mental aspects, or the strategic components that separated good players from great ones. It wasn’t until I got to Duke, surrounded by top-tier coaching and players, that I realized how much more there was to the game than just physical talent. I knew then that when my playing days were over, I wanted to do more than just coach—I wanted to prepare young players for the game in ways that go beyond the court.
A Mission to Prepare Players
As I transitioned out of playing professionally, I kept that goal at the forefront of my mind. It became clear to me that there was a gap in the development of young athletes. Many kids have the physical ability, but they lack the basketball IQ, work ethic, and mental fortitude to succeed at the highest levels. With this in mind, I founded Dockery Basketball Academy to fill that gap. My mission is to prepare players not just for the game of basketball but for life. I want them to understand the importance of discipline, mental toughness, and continuous learning—qualities that will serve them both on and off the court.
The Power of Knowledge
One of the biggest assets I bring to DBA is the knowledge I’ve gained from playing at every level of basketball, from high school all the way to the NBA. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the best coaches in the game, including the legendary Coach K at Duke and the great Gregg Popovich in the NBA. These experiences have given me a unique perspective on what it takes to excel in basketball. I’ve learned that it’s not just about physical talent or flashy moves; it’s about preparation, understanding the game’s principles, and making smart decisions under pressure.
A Holistic Approach to Development
At Dockery Basketball Academy, we take a holistic approach to player development. This means that we don’t just focus on the X’s and O’s of the game, but also on the mental, emotional, and even spiritual aspects of being an athlete. I believe that the best players are those who are well-rounded, who understand the importance of mindset, teamwork, and resilience. That’s why we emphasize the importance of being a student of the game, of watching film, understanding strategy, and cultivating a deep passion for improvement.
Tailored Training for All Levels
Dockery Basketball Academy is designed to work with players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a young child just starting out in the game, a high school player looking to make the jump to college, or a college athlete preparing for the pros, we have the tools and expertise to help you reach your goals. Each player is different, and we tailor our training programs to suit their individual needs, strengths, and areas for improvement. Our goal is to help every player unlock their full potential.
Youth Development
For younger players, the focus is on building a solid foundation. We teach the fundamentals of the game—dribbling, shooting, passing, and defense—in a way that’s both fun and challenging. But we don’t stop there. We also teach kids about leadership, teamwork, and how to be a positive influence on their peers. The goal is to instill a love for the game early on, so they can continue to grow and develop throughout their basketball journey.
High School Player Advancement
For high school players, the training becomes more specialized. We begin to focus on game situations, developing a high basketball IQ, and refining skills to prepare for the next level. Many players at this stage are looking to play in college, and that requires not just talent, but the right mindset and understanding of the game. We help high school players with everything from recruiting strategies to the mental toughness required to succeed at a higher level. Our goal is to make them ready for the competitive nature of college basketball.
College Preparation and Beyond
For college players, we work on the nuances of the game—how to handle pressure, how to improve efficiency, and how to become an indispensable part of their team. We also help college athletes prepare for the professional level, whether that means playing overseas or making a run at the NBA. Through personalized training, film breakdowns, and mental conditioning, we help college players take their game to the next level. It’s about preparing them for the demands of pro basketball and beyond, ensuring they’re physically, mentally, and emotionally ready.
Working with Professional Athletes
At the pro level, the work doesn’t stop. In fact, it intensifies. Professional players need constant refinement and specialized coaching to stay on top of their game. Whether it’s improving shooting mechanics, refining footwork, or working on basketball IQ, we provide professional players with the tools they need to continue evolving in their careers. Having played at the highest levels, I understand the pressures and expectations that come with being a pro athlete, and I use that experience to help them navigate these challenges.
Impact of Coaching from Elite Mentors
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the greatest basketball minds in the game. Coach K taught me the value of discipline, leadership, and a team-first mentality. Coach Popovich instilled in me the importance of adaptability, trust, and staying grounded in the face of success. These lessons have shaped the way I approach coaching, and they influence every session at DBA. It’s not just about basketball; it’s about developing character and life skills that can be applied to all aspects of life.
The DBA Philosophy
The DBA philosophy is simple but powerful: to be the best, you must be willing to learn, adapt, and work relentlessly. We believe in a growth mindset, where players are encouraged to see failure not as defeat but as an opportunity to learn and grow. We push players to embrace challenges, to keep improving, and to never settle for mediocrity. At DBA, we focus on building confidence, mental toughness, and a strong sense of self, because I believe these qualities are just as important—if not more so—than physical skill.
The Future of Dockery Basketball Academy
Looking ahead, I’m excited for the future of DBA and the opportunity to continue making a difference in the lives of young athletes. The academy is constantly evolving, incorporating new training methods and technologies to ensure we’re always at the cutting edge of player development. My vision is to expand DBA’s reach, helping more kids at every level unlock their potential. As I continue to work with players, my goal remains the same: to equip them with the tools they need to succeed in basketball and in life, ensuring that they’re ready for whatever challenges come their way.
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