Our Story

About Basketball+

Built on Structure. Driven by Development. Proven by Results.

Our Mission Is Simple

Empowering Athletes to Reach Their Full Potential

At Basketball+, we believe elite development is not accidental — it's structured, coached, and consistent. We're built on the conviction that every athlete has the potential to become more skilled, more confident, and more basketball-smart.

That's why we don't run random workouts or drop-in sessions — we create development systems that produce measurable progress.

Our training is grounded in fundamentals, basketball IQ, and long-term growth. We believe in small groups, expert coaching, accountability, and a culture that champions effort with purpose.

If an athlete is serious about improving, we match that seriousness with a structured path and committed coaching. Nothing else locally combines structure, flexibility, small-group coaching, and long-term accountability like Basketball+.

Basketball+ athletes training in small groups

Our Coaches

Meet the Team

Our coaches are certified professionals dedicated to developing athletes on and off the court.

Founder & Head Trainer

Jake Russell

Jake Russell is the founder and head trainer at Basketball+. With a deep commitment to skill development and foundational coaching principles, Jake has immersed himself in elite training methodologies since 2015.

He trained under the guidance of Micah Lancaster and the I'm Possible Training team at the Skill Lab World Headquarters, bringing world-class development techniques to Rochester, NY.

Jake's mission has always been the same: equip athletes with the skills they need to outwork and outperform their peers on the court. He views player development as both science and art — strengthening every part of an athlete's game with purpose and precision.

Certifications & Achievements

I'm Possible Skills Trainer
USA Gold Licensed
PhD Hoops Trainer
Basketball+ is an I'm Possible Certified Skill Lab

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Skills Trainer

Brian Hill

Brian Hill brings passion, experience, and focused coaching to Basketball+. A veteran of competitive basketball and development coaching, Brian played three years at RIT and has coached at multiple levels, including junior varsity and varsity teams.

His experience on the court and commitment to player growth make him a trusted mentor for athletes striving to elevate their game.

Brian's coaching philosophy centers on fundamentals, intensity, and growth — helping athletes build the confidence they need to perform under pressure and compete at higher levels.

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Trainer & Skills Coach

Zekiah Owens

Zekiah Owens — known to his players as Coach Z — is a globally experienced basketball professional who has competed at the highest levels across five countries: Venezuela, Malta, México, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. His championship résumé and real-world experience on international courts give him a perspective few trainers can match.

Coach Z's training focus is clear: decision-making and confidence. He believes that when athletes truly trust themselves and understand the game, every other skill follows. His approach is detail-oriented but personal — he meets each player where they are and challenges them to grow beyond what they thought possible.

Off the court, Coach Z holds two degrees in Psychology and Sociology — a foundation that shapes how he connects with young athletes and understands what drives them. He joined Basketball+ because of its family-oriented culture, focused environment, and the kind of energy that makes athletes want to show up and put in the work.

Highlights & Achievements

Champion & MVP — Malta & México
All County — Spencerport HS
Played Professionally in 5 Countries
Two Degrees — Psychology & Sociology (AIC)

"I appreciate you all trusting in me to help your kids grow as basketball players — and not just that, but as human beings. This space is more than training for me. It's my place to give back, and I'm forever grateful for it."

Train With Coach Z

Skills Trainer

Christian Simmons

Christian Simmons is one of the most decorated players to join the Basketball+ staff — a 10-year training veteran who has competed and excelled at the high school, college, and professional levels. He played professionally in Germany, Ireland, and China, earning first-team All-League honors and finishing as the top scorer in his league.

His coaching style is built on tough love and high expectations. Christian pushes every athlete to their limit, focuses on consistency and discipline under pressure, and develops players with a high basketball IQ who can lead, make smart decisions, and compete in the biggest moments. His players have won two state championships and six sectional championships in his first full year of coaching.

What sets Coach Simmons apart is his lived experience at every level of the game — and his ability to transfer that knowledge directly to the athletes he trains. He coaches with purpose, intensity, and genuine belief in every player who walks through the door.

Highlights & Achievements

Section V Champion & Championship MVP
NJCAA Second Team All-American
SUNYAC Champion & NCAA Sweet 16 (2022)
1st Team All-League — Ireland (2024)
#1 in League Scoring — Ireland (2024) & China (2026)

"If you want your child to see significant improvement on and off the court — developing character, discipline, leadership, and consistency — train with me. I coach with purpose and intensity, and I'll push your child the same way they'll be challenged at the next level."

Train With Coach Simmons

Antwoine Anderson (Agent) — Skills Trainer at Basketball+

Trainer, Skills Coach & Mentor

Agent Anderson

Antwoine Anderson — called "Agent" by everyone who trains with him — brings 12 years of coaching experience and a résumé built at the highest levels of the game. A product of Bishop Kearney, he went on to compete at Fordham University and the University of Connecticut before taking his game internationally to Switzerland.

Agent's style is high-energy and detail-focused — grounded in discipline, teamwork, and building confident, fundamentally sound players. He emphasizes ball handling, shooting, decision-making, and the mental edge that separates good players from great ones. Every session is a reflection of his belief that the game is won in the details.

What makes Agent unique is his ability to be himself in every training environment — warm, genuine, and deeply invested in the people he coaches. He joined Basketball+ because of its family-first culture, and that spirit carries into everything he does with his athletes.

Background & Experience

Fordham University & University of Connecticut
Professional Experience — Switzerland
12 Years of Player Development Experience
Known For: Ball Handling, Shooting & Decision-Making

"Trust the process — if you stay consistent, coachable, and committed, the results will come. We're building not just better players, but confident, disciplined individuals, and that takes all of us working together."

Train With Agent