Your Classes
Senior Coach, Founder
Denzel James
At the core of our grassroots, skill-based curriculum is the expertise and leadership of Coach Denz. A visionary in player development, Coach Denz brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic approach to teaching, blending technical precision with an engaging and inclusive atmosphere. His meticulously designed drills and progressive skill-building techniques are tailored to challenge and inspire athletes of all abilities, fostering both confidence and growth. Coach Denz's credentials are a testament to his dedication and impact on the game. As the all-time leading scorer for MacEwan University, he set a standard of excellence that carried over to his professional career, playing in Ontario and Spain. Formerly serving as an Assistant Coach for the Edmonton Stingers, he continues to mentor athletes at the highest levels of competition. Known for his exceptional ability to connect with players from diverse backgrounds and skill levels, Coach Denz combines his technical expertise with an innate understanding of player psychology to bring out the best in every individual. With a rare blend of knowledge, experience, and approachability, Coach Denz is the cornerstone of our program, consistently elevating athletes, other coaches, and fostering a passion for the game.
Senior Coach, Founder
Greg Sutherland
Greg brings a unique blend of professional expertise and lifelong passion for basketball to our program. An Environmental Scientist by profession, Greg developed a deep love for the game at the age of eight. This passion carried him through years of dedicated play in junior high, high school, and the Edmonton Basketball Association’s (EBA) men’s league, where he honed his skills and cultivated his understanding of the sport. Greg’s commitment to basketball extends beyond formal competition. He demonstrates his love for the game by consistently training with friends, participating in drop-in sessions, and perfecting his craft during solo shooting practices at his local gym. His relentless dedication not only highlights his personal enthusiasm for basketball but also serves as an inspiration to those around him. Greg’s combination of professional discipline, enduring enthusiasm, and technical expertise for the sport makes him a valuable contributor to our team, embodying the values of perseverance, teamwork, and a genuine passion for the game.
Manager - Business
Andrel Wisdom
Andrel brings a wealth of business acumen and a lifelong passion for basketball to his role in supporting the Youth Hoops leadership team. As a seasoned commercial real estate professional with over a decade of experience, he specializes in valuing global investment portfolios exceeding $20 billion. While his career centers on real estate, Andrel’s connection to basketball—cultivated during his high school playing days and sustained through recreational play—deepens his commitment to the Youth Hoops' mission of empowering young athletes. At Youth Hoops, Andrel provides strategic guidance to help the team achieve its goals and deliver impactful programs that foster leadership and personal growth. His dedication to youth development extends beyond the association through his co-founding of the REET Institute, a social impact initiative aimed at educating and training young people about career opportunities in commercial real estate. By offering mentorship, training, and scholarships, the institute equips aspiring professionals with the tools and resources needed to build successful futures. Andrel is proud to support Youth Hoops in inspiring and developing the next generation of leaders—both on and off the court—by combining his professional expertise and personal passion for making a positive impact.
