Coaches

 Yazi grew up in Sakarya Turkey and found his passion for basketball at a  young age.  As a youth basketball player, he began excelling at the  sport.  “When I was about 10 years old, I could tell I was a bit  different from all my teammates.  Other teams would start recognizing me  and I started getting a few awards for my play.”  At 18, he received a  full-ride scholarship to play in the top level of collegiate basketball  in Turkey.  He spent a total 4 years playing at Bahcesehir University. After that, he went on to play 6 years of professional Basketball.  Today, along with being a coach, he is a personal trainer. 

Coach Neha is one of the most decorated and accomplished coaches in our  program. She grew up in India and has played at the highest levels of  basketball in her nation, including playing at the national level.  Shortly after finishing her youth career in India, she moved to  Australia, where she spent the bulk of her adult career playing  semi-professionally in one of the top leagues in the nation. During this  time, Coach Neha entered the world of coaching, receiving mentorship  and training from experienced NBL and NBA coaches. Through her deep  basketball connections, she helped many U12 – U18 players from her home  country gain international exposure through the Australian College of  Sport. This is one of the accomplishments she prides herself most on.   Much of her coaching experience, however, comes through her outstanding  work with children with developmental disabilities. Coach Neha believes,  “Basketball is more than a game; it’s a bridge to learning, growth, and  positivity.  I feel like it’s an obligation for me to ensure that  everyone can experience this wonderful sport.” Currently, Coach Neha is  one of the senior coordinators of our Adapted program at Wave Basketball.

Coach Matt grew up in Langley, British Columbia and has always had a passion  for basketball. He began his coaching journey in 2013 and has been  coaching local youth basketball ever since. Coach Matt’s early coaching  experience came with older, high-level basketball players, but he  quickly transitioned to working more with younger athletes.  Specifically, much of Coach Matt’s coaching experience is with children  with developmental disabilities. He explains, “I truly believe  basketball is meant for everyone. Individuals of all abilities can  benefit from this sport, be it through improving their physical health,  learning the many life lessons basketball can teach, or just by adding a  bit of fun into their days.” Since joining Wave Basketball, coach Matt  has been integral to our Adapted Basketball programs. “My aim,” Matt  explains, “is to foster an environment where all athletes feel valued  and part of a team.” This philosophy has not only improved his athletes’  basketball skills but also their confidence and social skills,  reflecting the great impact of his approach. Coach Matt attests that  “The greatest victory in coaching is witnessing your players’ personal  growth on and off the court.” Currently, along with Coach Neha, Coach  Matt is one of the senior coordinators of our Adapted Basketball  program.