Beyond X’s and O’s: Hawks Host 14th Coaches Clinic

On Monday evening, the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Academy, in partnership with the College Park Skyhawks, hosted the 14th Annual Coaches Clinic at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex in Brookhaven, Ga. The event once again highlighted the organization’s commitment to investing in the local coaching community and growing the game of basketball at every level across Atlanta.

More than 250 youth, high school, and community coaches filled the Hawks’ state-of-the-art practice facility for the exclusive professional development opportunity. Coaches were given behind-the-scenes access to the methods and philosophies of the Hawks and Skyhawks’ staffs, creating a rare chance to learn directly from the pros.

The evening began with a networking reception, giving coaches the opportunity to connect with peers and professionals from across the state. FanDuel Sports Network Play-by-Play Announcer Bob Rathbun then officially tipped off the program with opening remarks before moderating a Q&A session with Hawks Assistant Coach Mike Brey.

From there, attendees rotated through four hands-on stations designed to emphasize live demonstrations and open discussion, giving coaches direct access to NBA and G League techniques and strategies. Hawks Assistant Coach Kendal Manuel led an “absolutes shell” station centered on defensive fundamentals, while Assistant Coach Ashton Smith guided a session on pick-and-roll reads and concepts. Assistant Coach Reggis Onwukamuche followed with a station on advanced screening actions, and the evening concluded with Skyhawks Head Coach Steve Klei, alongside Assistant Coaches Seth Jackson and Kari Korver, leading a station on defensive closeouts and reaction reads.

In addition to gaining valuable insights and practical tools to elevate their teams, each attendee received a complimentary Hawks-branded backpack that included a T-shirt, coaching journal, skills and drills packet, and a Skyhawks dry-erase coaches’ clipboard.

“This is always a great opportunity for our staff to dive into the community and help the next generation of coaches in the Atlanta area,” said College Park Skyhawks Head Coach Steve Klei. “Helping others develop and reach their full potential is an essential part of being a coach and something we take to heart in College Park, and it was an honor to join the Hawks staff to be part of the clinic this year.”

Beyond X’s and O’s, the clinic also placed a strong emphasis on analytics, sports science, and the evolving nature of the game. Coaches learned practical ways to integrate these tools into their own programs, helping them modernize their approaches and better connect with today’s athletes.

Jon Babul, Vice President of Basketball Programs for the Hawks, emphasized how much the event has grown and the impact it continues to make on the community.

“The attendance at the clinic and use of our virtual Hawks at Home resources has significantly increased year over year,” Babul said. “There’s a continuous appetite for knowledge about analytics and sports science and how young coaches can adapt their coaching philosophy to the current state of the game. The game continues to evolve and educating all levels of coaches positively impacts the next generation of athletes in our city.”

The Coaches Clinic has become a staple of the Hawks’ year-round basketball programming. By giving local coaches tools to develop not just athletes but leaders, the organization is extending its influence well beyond the hardwood at State Farm Arena.

For many in attendance, the event was more than just a classroom session—it was a chance to network, exchange ideas, and be inspired by some of the brightest minds in the game. The Hawks Basketball Academy continues to use these opportunities to strengthen Atlanta’s basketball community, ensuring the city remains one of the nation’s hotbeds for the sport.

To learn more about the Hawks Basketball Academy and other youth basketball programs, visit Hawks.com/BasketballAcademy.