Basketball Coaches Oakville Meet the YASO Academy Team

Elite Coaching for Youth Basketball in Oakville

Meet Our Elite Coaching Team

Expert Coaching from Pro, College & High School Basketball Leaders

Looking for experienced basketball coaches in Oakville who can help your child grow on and off the court? At YASO Basketball Academy, our coaching team features former professional players, college athletes, and certified trainers. Whether your child is learning fundamentals or aiming to compete at the next level, our staff brings proven experience, mentorship, and passion to every session.

As a result, our coaches don’t just teach basketball — they build leaders, boost confidence, and foster long-term athletic development.

Andrija Sola

Coach | Former Professional Player

🔹 Andrija Sola

Coach | Former Professional Player

Andrija Sola brings over 30 years of experience as a player, trainer, and coach. A proud graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas, he earned All-Ontario honors and played NCAA basketball at George Washington and Drake University.

After college, Andrija spent nine years competing professionally across Europe in countries like Greece, France, and Poland. Following a health-related retirement, he transitioned to full-time coaching.

Since then, he’s worked with youth across the GTA and trained both elite high school athletes and overseas pros. At YASO, his focus is developing confidence, fundamentals, and leadership.

“At YASO, we develop future champions both on and off the court.”

Instagram: @andrija_s

Michael Gibson L'Africain

Co-Owner | Head of Basketball Operations

🔹 Michael Gibson L’Africain

Co-Owner | Head of Basketball Operations

Michael Gibson L’Africain is a seasoned basketball coach and former professional player with deep roots in Oakville. A Loyola High School standout, he won multiple Halton titles and OFSAA medals before continuing his career at the University of Ottawa.

There, he earned National Player of the Year, OUA MVP, and became the all-time assist leader.

Michael has coached at the university level for six years with a 78% win rate and two national medals. Professionally, he coached in the CEBL with the Ottawa Blackjacks and Newfoundland Growlers.

“With over 280 career wins, I’m committed to helping YASO athletes reach their full potential.”

Marco Rodrigues

Coach | Strength & Conditioning Program Leader

🔹 Marco Rodrigues

Coach | Strength & Conditioning Program Leader

Coach Marco Rodrigues, known as Coach Rod, leads our strength and conditioning development. His background includes high school awards, four years of varsity football at the University of Toronto, and over a decade of experience training young athletes.

He has coached athletes at:

  • Abbey Park High School

  • Oakville Baseball Association

  • Toronto Rock Elite Facility

Marco holds certifications in CPR/AED, nutrition, and emergency response. His Saturday sessions focus on athletic development, including strength, flexibility, and injury prevention.

Yaso Basketball
Petar Rusic

Coach | Former High School & College Player

🔹 Petar Rusic

Coach | Former High School & NCAA Player

Petar grew up playing basketball in Oakville and earned three consecutive Halton titles at St. Ignatius of Loyola Secondary School. He went on to play prep basketball in Las Vegas and Kentucky before earning a scholarship to the University of Tulsa.

Today, Petar coaches and trains youth athletes across the GTA with a focus on skill-building, footwork, and in-game decision-making.

“Basketball has always been my #1 passion. At YASO, we’re committed to helping each athlete grow every day.”

Yaso Basketball
Matt Ozimec

Coach | Youth Development Specialist

🔹 Matt Ozimek

Coach | Youth Development Specialist

Born and raised in Oakville, Matt developed a passion for basketball early on. He earned Athlete of the Year and the Athletic Letter Award at St. Ignatius of Loyola.

He later played for Burlington Thunder and served as an assistant coach at Robert Bateman High School. His coaching philosophy emphasizes consistency, fundamentals, and effort — helping young athletes grow into well-rounded players.

Connor Gilmore

Coach | Former Collegiate & Pro Player

🔹 Connor Gilmore

Coach | Former Collegiate & Pro Player

Connor is a Toronto native who made his mark early at Martingrove Collegiate, winning OFSAA bronze and national titles with the Ontario provincial team.

He played prep basketball at Cushing Academy and later starred at McMaster University, where he was an OUA All-Star, Team MVP, and finished top 5 in scoring and rebounding in school history.

He went on to play professionally for the Hamilton Honey Badgers in the CEBL. At YASO, he’s dedicated to helping the next generation reach their potential through elite mentorship and hard work.

Top Basketball Coaches in Oakville — Ready to Train Your Athlete

At YASO Basketball Academy, our coaches are more than instructors. They’re mentors who help athletes grow with confidence, discipline, and elite-level basketball knowledge. Whether your child is just starting or ready to compete, we’re here to guide them every step of the way.