- yasobasketballacademy@gmail.com
- (613) 716-9434
- Registered Non-Profit Organization
At YASO Basketball Academy, our top-tier coaches include former professional players, NCAA athletes, and experienced trainers. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your fundamentals, improve conditioning, or compete at a higher level, our expert staff is here to mentor, develop, and elevate your game.
Coach | Former Professional Player
Coach | Former Professional Player
For as long as I can remember, basketball has been my biggest passion.
I played high school basketball at St. Thomas Aquinas, earning back-to-back All-Ontario honors. After graduating in 1998, I received a full basketball scholarship to George Washington University, where I had the opportunity to compete in the NCAA March Madness tournament.
I continued my collegiate career at Drake University, earning All-Conference honors in the Missouri Valley Conference.
I spent 9 years playing professional basketball in Europe, competing in:
➤ 🇬🇷 Greece | 🇭🇺 Hungary | 🇩🇪 Germany | 🇫🇷 France | 🇵🇱 Poland | 🇧🇦 Bosnia
Unfortunately, my playing career was cut short in 2011 due to polycystic kidney disease.
Since retiring, I’ve dedicated my career to training and mentoring young athletes. Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with:
✔ NBA & Overseas Professionals
✔ Elite High School Players
✔ Young Athletes Across the GTA
With 30+ years of experience as a player, trainer, and coach, my mission is to help YASO athletes improve in every aspect of the game—from skills to teamwork to leadership.
“At YASO, we develop future champions both on and off the court.”
📲 Follow Me on Instagram: @andrija_s
Co-Owner | Head of Basketball Operations
Co-Owner | Head of Basketball Operations
Introducing Michael Gibson L’Africain, YASO’s new Co-Owner and Head of Basketball Operations.
✔ 3-time Halton Champion
✔ 15+ Tournament Championships
✔ Two OFSAA Medals
✔ 3 National Medals
✔ OUA East Rookie of the Year
✔ OUA Player of the Year
✔ National Player of the Year
✔ All-Time Assist Leader
✔ 6 seasons at the University of Ottawa
➤ 78% Winning Record
➤ 2 National Medals
➤ Top 10 National Ranking (All 6 Seasons)
✔ Professional Coaching:
➤ Ottawa Blackjacks (3 seasons)
➤ Newfoundland Growlers (1 season)
➤ CAB Madeira (Portugal, Div 1)
➤ Spisska Nova Ves (Slovakia, Div 1)
➤ Ottawa Blackjacks (CEBL)
✔ 8 years as a scout/recruiter for Flex Management Agency, helping players secure opportunities across North America.
✔ Developing & mentoring coaching staff
✔ Running specialized clinics & personal training sessions
✔ Enhancing overall basketball program quality
“With over 280 career wins as a player and coach, I am committed to helping YASO athletes reach their full potential both on and off the court.”
Coach | Strength & Conditioning Program Leader
Coach | Strength & Conditioning Program Leader
Coach Marco Rodrigues, also known as Coach Rod, is leading YASO’s Strength & Conditioning Program to help athletes improve:
✔ General conditioning
✔ Strength
✔ Flexibility
➤ Loyola High School
✔ Athlete of the Year
✔ Sportsmanship Award
✔ Letterman Jacket Award for Sports
➤ University of Toronto Football
✔ 4-year starter
✔ Defensive Captain
➤ Abbey Park High School
➤ Halton Cowboys Football
➤ Oakville Baseball Association
➤ Toronto Rock Facility Gym (Elite Hockey & Lacrosse Players)
✔ Mental Health First Aid Certified
✔ Emergency Medical Responder Certified
✔ CPR & AED Certified
✔ Certified Nutrition Specialist
🏀 Strength & Conditioning Program Details:
📍 Location: 53 Bond Street Gym, Oakville
📅 Dates: Jan 25, Feb 1, Feb 8
⏰ Time: Saturdays, 2:00-3:00 PM
💰 Rates: $100 + tax (3 sessions) | $40 per session
Coach | Former High School & College Player
Coach | Former High School & College Player
🏀 Grew up in Oakville and played high school basketball at St. Ignatius of Loyola Secondary School, winning:
✔ 3 consecutive Halton titles (2009-2011)
✔ 3 straight OFSAA appearances
📍 Played at:
➤ Findlay Prep (Las Vegas)
➤ 22 Feet Academy (Kentucky)
➤ University of Tulsa (Basketball Scholarship)
✔ 10+ years coaching high school athletes & training young players in the GTA
“Basketball has always been my #1 passion. There’s no greater joy than helping young athletes improve their game every day. At YASO, we are committed to developing future champions.”
Coach | Youth Development Specialist
Coach | Youth Development Specialist
🏀 Born & raised in Oakville, played at St. Ignatius of Loyola Secondary School
✔ Athletic Letter Award
✔ Athlete of the Year
📍 Played for: Burlington Thunder (4 years)
✔ Assistant coach at Robert Bateman High School
✔ Focus on fundamentals, work ethic, and youth development
“I became obsessed with basketball in grade 4 when I made the grade 8 team. My goal is to instill strong work ethic & fundamentals in young players at YASO.”
Coach | Former Collegiate & Pro Player
Coach | Former Collegiate & Pro Player
🏀 Grew up in Toronto, fell in love with basketball early.
✔ 2 AAA OFSAA appearances
✔ Bronze Medal
🏀 Ontario Provincial Team:
✔ 2 National Championships
📍 Played Post-Grad: Cushing Academy (Massachusetts)
✔ Won AA NEPSAAC Championship
🎓 McMaster University:
✔ 5-year career
✔ OUA All-Star Honors
✔ Team MVP
✔ Top 5 in Scoring & Rebounding in Program History
🏀 Professional Career:
➤ Hamilton Honey Badgers (CEBL)
“My goal at YASO is to share my experience & help the next generation develop their basketball skills so they can enjoy the same great experiences this game has given me.”
Talent alone isn’t enough. At YASO Basketball Academy, we push athletes beyond their limits with elite training, expert coaching, and a mindset built for success. Whether you’re honing your fundamentals or preparing for the next level, we give you the tools to compete with confidence.
