Building skills one session at a time

At You Reach I Teach Basketball Academy, we strive to provide exceptional basketball training to players of all ages and skill levels. Our academy was founded in 2016 by Joel Barkers, a former professional basketball standout with a mission of providing strong mentorship and creating a safe, nurturing, and educational athletic environment for children and adults.

We believe that basketball is more than just a game – it’s a way of life. We strive to instill important values such as discipline, teamwork, respect, and perseverance in our players, both on and off the court.

Our team

Joel has created a team of former professional basketball standouts and collegiate-level players who are passionate about basketball and training. Their years of experience on the court make them perfect for coaching age and skill-appropriate camps, as well as training sessions!

What we offer

We offer many programs and services. Take a look at a few of our services below.

Private 1 on 1 training sessions: We offer personal basketball training sessions with experienced coaches tailored to each player’s specific needs and ability level. This allows for focused attention and skill development.
Group training sessions: Players learn and practice skills in a group setting of no more than 10 students. This allows us to teach the vital lessons of teamwork and collaboration with other players.
Basketball camps: Our basketball camps provide an immersive experience for players of all skill levels. Camps include intensive training, team-building activities, and games.

Gym rentals: We offer gym rentals for individuals and groups who want to practice and play basketball. Our facility is equipped with high-quality basketball training equipment and maintained for a safe playing environment.
School’s out clinics: During school holidays, we offer specialized clinics where school-aged children can learn and improve their skills. These clinics provide a fun and engaging way for players to stay active during school breaks.
Shooting machine sessions: Our shooting machine sessions provide dedicated time for players to practice their shooting skills with the guidance of experienced coaches. These sessions can help players improve their accuracy and consistency on the court.

Testimonials

Our Trainers

Joel Barkers

Joel Barkers is a highly rated former Division 1 College and Professional Basketball player. Joel played collegiately for both The University of Hartford and Central Missouri State.

In his sophomore year, he was 1 of only 10 players in the country to average a double-double and consistently ranked in the top ten in the nation in rebounding.
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As graduate of Mt. Zion Christian Academy, the same basketball powerhouse high school attended by NBA sensations Tracy McGrady, Amare Stoudemire, Jarrett Jack, and Brandon Rush, Joel brings a proven track record of athletic success to each athlete he coaches.
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With experience playing for the top athletic programs in the country, including the historic DeMatha Catholic, Joel knows what it takes to catch the attention of college recruiters and positions You Reach I Teach athletes for success in their later basketball pursuits.

His professional basketball career has stops in Greece, Germany, England (London & Cheshire), China, the NBDL and the NBA’s Denver Nuggets “SL, TC”.

Will Obioha

Will has over 120k followers from his basketball content he posts on social media. Coach Will was the #1 2021 player in the state of North Dakota all through his Highschool career. He has been training players since 17 years old and has profound expertise in basketball skill development.

Matthew Mazique

Matthew Mazique, originally from Birmingham, AL. Graduated from John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham, AL, where he played under former Alabama basketball player Andrew Steele. Competed in AAU for the Alabama Hustlers and Birmingham Kings.

After high school did 1 year at Eastern Michigan University before transferring to Enterprise State Community College in Enterprise, AL. A 2 year starter at Enterprise State, appearing in 33 games, averaging 12 points and 2 rebounds shooting over 40% from 3, and top 10 in 3 point makes in conference.

Posted a career high 38 points against Chattahoochee Valley Community college, making 10 3s. Helped lead team to quarterfinals of state tournament.

In his second year he appeared in 26 games, averaging 9 points and 4 rebounds… posted a season high 17 points against Bevill State Community College and again helped lead his team to the quarterfinals of the state tournament.

Post graduation, he attended D2 Eastern New Mexico University in the Lone Star Conference (LSC) Appeared in 26 games averaging 3.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per contest …. Led the team with a free throw percentage of .900 tying for 9th in Greyhound History for single season free throw percentage….

Recorded a career high 14 points against UT Permian Basin.

Did not play a second year at Eastern New Mexico due to Covid, graduated in the winter of 2022 with a bachelors in Sports Management.

In 2021 signed with BC Khmelnytskyi in the Ukrainian Higher League in Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine. Appearing in 20 games, averaging 10 points, 4 rebounds… season high 18 points against Lviv Polytechnic… posted a double double…leaving the team in January due to the Russian Invasion, began living in the DMV area.

Began helping coach Team Soldiers out of Gaithersburg while also training on the side before ultimately deciding to join the You Reach I Teach Family. In February signed a contracted with Sweden SBL team Fryshuset in Stockholm, Sweden. In 5 games averaging 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2 assists… posted a season high 18 points against Kalmar… lead team to first win in 80 games in season finale versus Sodertalje… shot over 40% from 3 point range. Team of the week honors 2x

Born January 5, 1998. Son of Magdalene Wellman and MC Mazique, both graduates of the University of Alabama. Father who played at the University of Alabama in the late 90s and over a decade professionally. Has 5 siblings: Micah, Maximus, Macin, Amarie and Iman.

Zane Martin

Zane Martin began his basketball journey in High School with the nationally accredited team Neuman Gorretti. He is a former Division 1 basketball player at Towson University and University of New Mexico. He has also played basketball professionally in Sweden with their top league, Köping Stars.

Benefits of You Reach I Teach Basketball Academy

Aside from getting better at basketball, other benefits of training with professional basketball players include:

Physical fitness: Basketball is a physically demanding sport that helps kids stay active and develop physical fitness. Kids can improve their strength, stamina, agility, and coordination through regular basketball training and practice.
Social skills: Basketball is a team sport that requires strong communication, collaboration, and teamwork. By playing basketball in a team setting, kids can develop important social skills and learn to work effectively with others.
Confidence building: Basketball is a sport that requires a lot of practice and hard work. As kids develop their skills and see their progress, they learn lessons of perseverance, building confidence in their abilities, and feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Skill development: A basketball academy can provide kids with expert coaching and training to help them develop their skills in shooting, passing, ball handling, and defense. With the guidance of experienced coaches, kids can improve their skills and reach their full potential as basketball players.
Character development: Basketball is a sport that values important character traits such as discipline, perseverance, respect, and sportsmanship. By participating in a basketball academy, kids can learn these important values and develop strong character traits that will serve them well on and off the court.
College and career opportunities: For kids who have a passion for basketball, enrolling in a basketball academy can provide opportunities to compete at a higher level and potentially earn scholarships for college. Additionally, developing strong basketball skills can open up career opportunities in coaching, training, and other areas related to the sport.

Want to learn more?

At You Reach I Teach Basketball Academy, we strongly believe that every child should have the chance to learn and develop through the game of basketball.

Our training sessions and basketball camps provide a fun and safe environment for children to enhance their basketball abilities. Our program also teaches essential life skills and lessons that will equip them for the future while giving them the opportunity to make lasting friendships.

Enroll your child today and allow our professional basketball standouts to provide them with an unforgettable experience!