Deng Basketball Academy
The DENG Basketball Academy that was launched in 2014 has now moved to Coombe Wood School in South Croydon.
The Deng Basketball Academy was created to inspire young people and give them a platform to follow in Luol Deng’s footsteps, who has demonstrated that with hard work and discipline, young people can strive to achieve at the greatest heights. The Deng Foundation and School share strong sporting values that emphasises teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship. All basketball development sessions are designed to give children the opportunity to play, develop and then perform (if they wish) as elite players. At the same time it helps children to develop character, resilience and confidence.
More information about the Luol Deng Foundation can be found here.
Academy Timetable
| DAY | AGE GROUPS | TIME |
COST PER SESSION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mondays | Years 3 & 4 | 5:15 - 6pm | £6 |
| Years 7 & 8 | 6:15 - 7:15pm | £6 | |
| Years 11, 12 & 13 | 7:30 - 9pm | £8 | |
| Tuesdays | Years 5 & 6 | 5:15 - 6pm | £6 |
| Girls Only (all age groups) | 6 - 7pm | £6 | |
| Fridays | Years 9 & 10 | 5:15 - 6:45pm | £8 |
All sessions with start from w/c 5th July
Parents must complete the joining instructions below and pay online BEFORE the session.
Registration here:
Payment can be made here:
Each session is tailored for the appropriate age group and will focus on skill development and fundamentals. Your child will have the opportunity to have fun whilst learning to play the game of basketball the right way. All skill levels and abilities welcome.
Parents of younger children (Y6 and below) must stay and can watch from the balcony/cafe.
Girls may attend either the 'Girls Only' session or are welcome to join in with the boys sessions if preferred.
Please ensure that non-marking trainers are worn.
Coach Ronnie Baker
Ronnie had his first international call up for England when he was just 17 years old and finished his playing career with 168 caps which is still the most for his country. He had an illustrious career covering a 30 year period resulting in 540 games, winning four league titles and eight cups in the top professional league (BBL). Ronnie was appointed as the the Head Coach of the Deng Academy programmes when it started in 2013. He has worked with the Brixton Topcats junior & senior National League club sides and also led teams participating in the London Youth Games and securing titles in the British University & Colleges Sports basketball competitions.
Coach Lewis Gabriele
Lewis has been a skills development coach since 2010 working with all age groups and abilities from mini ball to the professional level. He has worked with various schools, colleges and university programmes in the UK, as well as being invited to attend the Snow Valley Basketball Camp for the past five years which is regarded as one of the leading teaching camps in the USA. He is currently the Head of Basketball Operations at Deng Academy, and has been an assistant coach in the BBL over the last 3 seasons. Most notably, Lewis was part of the Trophy winning season with the London City Royals in 2019 and is currently working with the Surrey Scorchers based in Guildford.
Coach Roz Mason
Roz Mason joins the Deng basketball academy coaching team with a wealth of basketball experience. She is a well-seasoned veteran basketball phenomenon with world-class playing and coaching experience.
Roz’s extensive playing experience includes playing NCAA Division One basketball at Manhattan College, as a full scholarship student-athlete. Notably, earning accolades as player of the week, on a number of occasions and induction into Manhattan College and MAAC conference basketball Hall of Fame.
Roz's professional basketball playing career included playing and representing top-level clubs in France, Israel, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Her international playing career also includes accumulating over 75 National Caps for England and Great Britain Women’s National teams.
Roz’s coaching experience spans from grassroots to top-flight level, she is passionate about coaching and is committed to developing the skill-set of all aspiring players. Over the years, Roz has gained valuable coaching experience which includes, Assistant Coach with the Welsh U16 National Women, an England Apprentice Coach and more recently, Assistant coach for the Great Britain U18 National Women’s team in 2019.