the MISSION:
TO TEACH THE GAME OF BASKETBALL based on the "uRBAN HOOPS MINDSET" Principles AS THE foundation FOR Elevating players' games.
Urban Hoops is a 501(c)(3) foundation built on one belief: the game has lost its edge.
What we see today is a watered-down version of basketball. The toughness, discipline, and respect earned by mastering both ends of the floor have been replaced by the pursuit of the moment.
We’re here to bring the game back by teaching and instilling the five core principles of the"'Urban Hoops Mindset." These principals are the foundation of how the game was meant to be played.
Ascribing to these principles is how players separate themselves.
Incorporating these principles into their games is how players earn their spot and the respect of coaches.
Living these principles provide players a blueprint for achieving successes way beyond the court.
IT'S NOT ABOUT BUILDING PLAYERS WHO CHASE ATTENTION • IT'S ABOUT BUILDING PLAYERS WHO COMMAND IT • IT'S NOT ABOUT TEACHING PLAYERS HOW TO CREATE HIGHLIGHTS • IT'S ABOUT TEACHING PLAYERS TO THINK STRATEGICALLY • IT'S NOT ABOUT DROPPING 25 AND LOSING BY 1 • IT'S ABOUT WINNING BY 2 AND YOU MAKING THE ASSIST THAT MATTERED •
IT'S HOW WE MOVE WHEN IT MATTERS.
WHAT IS THE 'uRBAN Hoops Mindset'?
a standard or approach TO bASKETBALL rooted in not just how to play, but how to think, move, and compete based on THE principles OF:
Togetherness — Team first, tHE HIVE REIGNS
Preparedness — Ready for the moment
Composure — ContRol under pressure
Toughness — no breaks, No drop-offs
Decisiveness — The rIGHT PLAY, EVERY TIME
2026 Clinic Information
Parents & Participants,
Welcome to the Urban Hoops Mindset Clinic Series, designed for 5th–8th grade players who want to improve their game in competitive team basketball environments.
These clinics focus on the five core principles of the Urban Hoops Mindset philosophy: Togetherness, Preparedness, Composure, Toughness, and Decisiveness. Through instruction, competitive drills, scenario-specific simulations, and live play, participants will learn how and when to apply these principles to improves their team's successes.
Our goal is to help players develop habits and approaches that make them better teammates, stronger competitors, and more impactful contributors on the court. At the end of the day, successful teams are built on players who can come together and perform when it matters most!
Below is tentative information related to two (2) clinics currently scheduled for August and September 2026:
Clinic #1
Monday, August 24th | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Sterling Middle School - Main Gym
201 West Holly Avenue, Sterling, VA 20164
Clinic #2
Monday, September 14 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Sterling Middle School - Main Gym
201 West Holly Avenue, Sterling, VA 20164
Please note that you can reserve a spot for either clinic by creating an account, registering your child and completing, executing, and submitting the required forms. The required forms - The Waiver & Indemnification Form and the Concussion Protocol Policy Acknowledgment Form - can be found under the 'Affiliates & Forms' section.
The anticipated participation fee will be $50.00 per participant. Fees will be used to primarily cover facility-related costs.
We're looking forward to learning, competing, and getting better together!
Let's get it!
Best,
The Coaches
MEET OUR COACHES
Coach Andre DEAZLE
Coach Andre founded Urban Hoops in 2004, driven by a lifelong passion for basketball and youth development. Coach Andre played four years of high school basketball in Brooklyn, NY and later served as co-captain of his residential college's intramural team at Yale University. After his school years, Coach Andre continued to compete in adult leagues across New York City, sharpening his game and deepening his understanding of team dynamics.
Today, Coach Andre works with boys and girls from elementary through high school, focusing on building strong fundamental skills, elevating basketball IQs, and instilling discipline and accountability. Coach Andre emphasizes the 'Urban Hoops Mindset' principles, teaching players to value teamwork, trust, and shared successes. Coach Andre is known for helping athletes recognize the value they bring to the team and holding players accountable for how they show up in every setting, whether on the court or in their everyday lives. Coach Andre's commitment to individual and collective improvement and his "team-first" approach has been well-received by both players and parents, resulting in strong player buy-in and many successful and championship winning seasons.
coach Javier curry
Coach Javier is an accomplished basketball instructor with a strong background as both a player and coach. Coach Javier played four years of varsity basketball in Ashburn, VA and continued his athletic journey at Randall College, where he studied Sports Management and Kinesiology. Throughout his school years, he remained committed to developing his game and building a solid foundation in the physical and strategic aspects of the game, espousing and integrating the core principles of the 'Urban Hoops Mindset' in his teachings and trainings.
Coach Javier is deeply passionate about teaching the game and takes pride in helping his players grow through consistent effort and discipline. Coach Javier emphasizes the importance of progression, encouraging students to embrace challenges and stay committed to their development. Known for his calm, focused, and supportive coaching style, Coach Javier creates a positive environment where players feel motivated to learn and improve. Coach Javier’s dedication to excellence is reflected in both the individual progress of his players and the multiple championship teams he has coached througout the years.
Board Members
Dedicated to maintaining official records, ensuring proper governance activities, and documenting board activities.
Andre dEAZLE, MBA
PRESIDENT
kevin gardner, esq.
COUNSEL
CARLA DEAZLE, PH.D.
tREASURER
JONIta WOOTEN-michel, LMSW
dIRECTOR
allyson carter
secretary
Dedicated leader driving the Urban Hoops vision forward.
Expert guidance on organizational and legal frameworks.
Driving community impact and strategic partnerships and compliant fiscal management.
Committed to youth development and support through social programming.
Dedicated to maintaining official records, ensuring proper governance activities, and documenting board activities.
DAMIAN ROSADO
BOARD CONSULTANT
Committed to starting and operating youth basketball programs, and consulting on operations excellence and programmatic buildout.
COMMUNITY POWERED. YOUTH DRIVEN.
We cultivate more than skill; we build a community based on our culture. Our programs bridge the gap between elite basketball training and meaningful life mentorship, ensuring every young athlete has the tools to succeed on and off the court.
“THE MENTORSHIP AT URBAN HOOPS TRANSFORMED MY SON'S FOCUS BOTH ON THE COURT AND IN THE CLASSROOM. IT'S MORE THAN BASKETBALL; IT'S LIFE PREPARATION.”
MARCUS T. — PARENT OF PARTICIPANT
“ELITE SKILL DEVELOPMENT IS JUST THE FOUNDATION. THE DISCIPLINE AND GRIT I LEARNED HERE ARE THE TOOLS I USE EVERY DAY IN COLLEGE.”
JALEN R. — ELITE PROGRAM ALUMNI
“URBAN HOOPS IS A TRUE HUB FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. THEY ARE EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION THROUGH HIGH-ENERGY ACTION AND MEANINGFUL CONNECTION.”
SARAH K. — COMMUNITY ADVOCATE
“THE COACHES CARE ABOUT YOU AS A PERSON, NOT JUST A PLAYER. THAT’S THE DIFFERENCE AT URBAN HOOPS. THEY BUILD LEADERS ON AND OFF THE COURT.”
DERRICK W. — YOUTH PARTICIPANT
GET INVOLVED
Empowerment begins with participation. We are recruiting mentors, coaches, and leaders who resonate with the elite skill and lifestyle principles of the 'Urban Hoops Mindset.'
Support Urban Hoops bY DONATING
Your donations directly fuel our youth basketball training and mentorship programs, empowering the next generation.
All donations are tax-deductible. *