Coach Eric Love is the driving force behind LBD Basketball, combining a passion for the game with a commitment to developing young athletes both on and off the court. Based in Richmond, TX, Eric is a dedicated family man who cherishes time with his wife and their three sons. Whether he’s playing basketball with his boys, exploring the outdoors, or attending church, Eric brings the same energy and focus to his family life as he does to coaching. A fitness enthusiast and lifelong learner, he balances his days with workouts, music, and moments of reflection. Eric’s professional journey is as inspiring as it is impactful. A graduate of Walsh University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, he claimed three AMC conference titles during his collegiate career. Over the last 15+ years, Eric has trained more than 5,000 athletes through Love Basketball Development, guiding many to compete at collegiate and professional levels. As the Youth Basketball Director for the Houston Rockets from 2010 to 2020, he helped shape the next generation of players in the Houston area. Coach love Known for his expertise in shooting techniques and player development, Eric has a sharp eye for detail and a gift for coaching players at all skill levels—from beginners to seasoned pros. Beyond basketball, Eric’s heart lies in giving back to the community. Through LBD’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit, he raises funds to ensure every young athlete has the chance to play, breaking down financial barriers and making basketball accessible to all.  For Eric, basketball isn’t just a game—it’s a tool to build confidence, develop leadership, and inspire greatness. His mission is clear: to empower players to excel both on the court and in life.

Davon McClung A dedicated basketball coach with a strong foundation in the game, Davon McClung brings a wealth of experience to the court. Hailing from Kokomo, Indiana, he began his basketball journey at the young age of seven, playing for Carver Center. McClung’s competitive spirit led him to AAU basketball with the Kokomo Kats, where he honed his skills. He continued his basketball career at Kokomo and Western High Schools, gaining valuable experience at the high school level. In 2021, McClung transitioned to coaching, guiding AAU teams and middle school players at Veritas Christian Academy. His passion for the game and commitment to player development have made him a respected figure in the coaching community. With a college background in Contemporary Urban Pop Music and Jazz from Columbia College Chicago, McClung brings a unique perspective to the game. He is also a dedicated educator, working as a kindergarten aid teacher. When he’s not on the court or in the classroom, McClung enjoys exploring new restaurants, relaxing, and gaming on his PlayStation 5. Quote: “Live what you love.”

JAMAINE PHILLIPS While offense often takes the spotlight, Coach Jermaine Phillips knows that true greatness lies in mastering both ends of the court. A passionate advocate for elite defensive play, Coach Phillips emphasizes the importance of communication, effort, and strategy in every game. His players don’t just learn defense—they embody it, transforming into well-rounded athletes capable of excelling on both sides of the ball. With Coach Phillips’ guidance, players develop the skills, discipline, and mindset needed to dominate the game and make an impact wherever they play.

DONOVAN BOYD A dedicated family man and experienced coach, Donovan Boyd Sr. brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the game of basketball. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Boyd excelled as a two-sport varsity athlete in basketball and football at Cleveland Heights High School. He continued his athletic career at Fordham University, where he played Division I football and earned a degree in Business and Communication. In 2015, he furthered his education by obtaining an MBA from South University. Since relocating to Houston, Texas, in 2019, Boyd has been actively involved in coaching basketball at various levels, from elementary school to high school. Currently, he serves as a varsity assistant coach at Village High School and the High School Director for LBD. With over 15 years of coaching experience, Boyd is committed to mentoring young men and helping them reach their full potential through the game of basketball. Inspired by the positive impact of community mentors on his own life, he is passionate about giving back to the next generation.

Joseph Hunt Mastering the Details, Building Elite Players For over a decade, Coach Joseph Hunt has been a driving force in youth basketball, teaching over a thousand athletes the intricacies of the game. Renowned for his expertise in elite ball handling and defensive techniques, Coach Hunt doesn’t just train players—he educates them, breaking down the finer details to ensure a complete understanding of the game. As a high school-level coach, Coach Hunt has a proven ability to develop players at any skill level, from beginners to those aspiring to compete at the collegiate level. His focus on precision, discipline, and the fundamentals of basketball equips athletes with the tools they need to excel on the court and beyond. For Coach Hunt, details matter, and it’s this commitment to excellence that sets his coaching apart.

ROOSEVELT PARKER A seasoned basketball coach with over eight years of experience, Roosevelt Parker currently serves as the Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach at Veritas Christian Academy. Hailing from Greenville, Mississippi, Parker graduated from Greenville-Weston High School and holds degrees in Psychology and Political Science from Tougaloo College. Known for his dedication to player development and his strategic approach to the game, Coach Parker is committed to fostering a winning culture at Veritas Christian Academy. His leadership and expertise have had a significant impact on the program’s success. Quote: “Control what you can control but be a dawg at all cost.”

RUBEN CRUZ A Leader in Sports and Life Development Coach Ruben Cruz brings over 30 years of leadership, life coaching, and resilience training to the court. A retired Army Veteran and Master Resiliency Trainer, Coach Cruz has guided hundreds of individuals to achieve personal and professional growth, instilling discipline and perseverance every step of the way. Currently serving as a Physical Education teacher for Fort Bend ISD, Coach Cruz has over a decade of experience coaching AAU teams and training youth of all ages. His unique approach combines resilience-building techniques with mindfulness practices, creating a holistic framework for both athletic and personal development. Known for his ability to inspire players beyond the game, Coach Cruz focuses on equipping young athletes with the mental toughness and life skills needed to excel on the court and in life. Whether in practices, workouts, or games, his coaching philosophy emphasizes growth, grit, and the pursuit of excellence.

Jacques Burkhalter A dedicated family man and experienced basketball coach, Jacques Burkhalter brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the game. He is a proud alumnus of Houston James Madison High School, where he excelled as a varsity starter. Burkhalter’s journey continued at Huston-Tillotson University, where he demonstrated his commitment to hard work and perseverance as a walk-on player. With over a decade of experience coaching and training young athletes, he has honed his skills in developing talent and inspiring future basketball stars. In addition to his coaching duties, Burkhalter has served as a basketball official for over eight years, gaining valuable insights into the game at various levels. Currently, he is coaching a talented group of young athletes, including six seventh graders and three eighth graders. With his strong work ethic and dedication to the sport, Burkhalter is committed to helping his players reach their full potential.

A highly decorated basketball player, Albert Myres brings a wealth of experience and passion to the coaching realm. After a successful high school career at Woodlands College Park from 2005 to 2009, Myres continued his athletic journey at Schreiner University from 2010 to 2014. During his collegiate years, Myres earned numerous accolades, including Defensive Player of the Year, Player of the Year, All-Region, and All-American honors. His exceptional skills and dedication to the game solidified his reputation as a standout athlete. With four years of coaching experience, including graduate assistant duties and AAU coaching, Myres is well-equipped to guide young athletes and help them develop their potential. His knowledge of the game, combined with his passion for coaching, makes him a valuable asset to any basketball program.

LOUIS EARL A basketball veteran with a rich heritage in the sport, Louis Earl brings a wealth of experience and passion to the coaching and training world. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Earl attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and captained the men’s basketball team. After a brief professional career in the Canadian Basketball Association (CBA), Earl embarked on a successful coaching journey at St. Pius High School. As a highly respected assistant coach for nine years, he contributed to the team’s success, including two Final Four appearances and one championship game. Since relocating to Houston, Earl has established himself as a respected semi-professional player and a relentless worker on the court. His family lineage in basketball is impressive, with his brother Lester Earl ranking among the top five players in the country and playing professionally in Spain, his son Tre Drye playing professionally in South America, and his nephew Jeremiah Robinson-Earl currently in the NBA. Earl’s dedication to the sport extends beyond his playing days. He is committed to nurturing young talent and giving back to the community through coaching and training. By sharing his knowledge and experience, he aims to inspire the next generation of basketball stars. Earl’s philosophy is that basketball is a reflection of life, requiring discipline, hard work, and a strong mental approach. He strives to instill these values in his players, helping them develop both on and off the court.

KENNEDY MILLER Kennedy Miller brings a wealth of experience to LBD, with over five years of coaching under his belt. A Houston native, Miller attended L.V. Hightower High School before pursuing a degree in Broadcast Journalism at the University of North Texas, where he gained valuable experience as a student manager for the men’s basketball team. From 2020 to 2023, Miller served as an assistant coach and academic advisor at New Mexico Military Junior College. In this role, he was responsible for scouting reports, recruiting, and defensive strategies. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in recruiting and developing over 10 players who earned scholarships to four-year colleges. In 2022, Miller furthered his academic credentials by earning a Master’s degree in Sports Administration from Midwestern State University. He currently holds the position of freshman coach, coordinator, and varsity assistant at North Shore High School. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

DAMAR SANTIAGO

Montario Jones Cultivating Smart, Resilient Players On and Off the Court Inspired by basketball legends like Chris Paul, Coach Jones is dedicated to developing the next generation of intelligent, well-rounded athletes. His coaching philosophy goes beyond physical skills, focusing on mental toughness, accountability, leadership, and decision-making—qualities that transcend the court. Known for his defensive expertise, Coach Jones trains players to read and react with precision, ensuring they excel in every facet of the game. With a passion for building basketball IQ and life skills, Coach Jones equips his players with the tools to succeed both in the game and in life.

John Okpamen Driven by Passion, Focused on Excellence Guided by the principles #BetterIsPossible and #PassionDrivesSuccess, Coach John Okpamen has spent over 15 years shaping athletes into leaders both on and off the court. With a coaching approach centered on mental toughness, physical readiness, and skill refinement, Coach John brings unwavering energy and encouragement to every practice and game. His passion for inspiring players to push beyond their limits is what sets him apart, empowering athletes to excel and embody success in every aspect of their lives.

Coach Drew Inspiring Young Athletes and Shaping Futures for Over 35 Years With an incredible 35-year career dedicated to youth basketball, Coach Drew has coordinated and directed programs that inspire and develop players, particularly those in Pre-K through 5th grade. His expertise spans working with top-tier NBA Youth Programs such as Jr. NBA Skills Challenge, NBA Swish, Dish, and Pass, NBA Get Fit, and NBA Cares, as well as camps for the Houston Rockets, ProCamps, Nike, Adidas, and NCAA. He has also collaborated with past and present NBA players on camps and clinics, leaving a lasting impact on young athletes. Coach Drew’s three guiding philosophies for youth players are simple yet powerful: 1) strive to be greater than their favorite NBA players, 2) understand their roles on a team, and 3) above all, “Be Coachable!” Currently serving as a Contract NBA Scout, Coach Drew combines his wealth of experience and passion to shape the next generation of basketball stars.

Trey Pinkney Developing Basketball Excellence at Every Level Coach Trey Pinkney is celebrated for his ability to elevate players at every stage of their basketball journey. With a focus on mastering fundamentals and building basketball IQ, Coach Trey has trained thousands of athletes, from beginners to elite players. His dedication and expertise have earned him a reputation as one of the nation’s premier youth developers and coaches, shaping athletes who excel both on and off the court.

Kamran Alkan Elevating Basketball IQ and Skills Coach Kamran Alkan, a former professional point guard and shooting guard, is renowned for his sharp shooting and deep understanding of the game. With a mission to develop well-rounded players, Coach Alkan focuses on teaching the game from every position, enhancing basketball IQ, and helping athletes anticipate plays with precision. Drawing from his professional playing experience, Coach Alkan brings unmatched expertise and a wealth of skills to empower his players both on and off the court.