Look for D1 Sports Academy to continue to make a name for themselves this spring and summer. Over the past five years, they have made a significant splash on the travel ball scene. D1 Sports is built on “Development” first. They are developing student-athletes both on and off the court.
D1 Sports Academy will be led by Doneal Mack (Basketball Director for all three teams)
Coach Mack has proven himself as a player, trainer, and coach. Doneal played collegiately at Memphis University. During his time at Memphis University, he scored 1000+ points and had the opportunity to play for the National Championship in 2008. Also, Coach Mack was blessed to play professionally for five years in Turkey, Romania, and Morocco.
Coach Mack can share his knowledge and personal experiences with all the student-athletes in the D1 Sports Academy.
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Question & Answer with Doneal Mack
1. Coach Mack, as a former #1 ranked NC High School Player, Division NCAA Championship Finalist (University Memphis), and former Professional Basketball Player, why did you decide to join D1 Sports Academy out of Charlotte?
Being with D1 Sports is more than just winning games; everyone gets 1% better daily. D1 Sports is about the growth of each player in the organization. We have a family-oriented culture where families & players enjoy playing the game of basketball. We teach our players about excelling in life and basketball. I have worked with many of these student-athletes individually and have seen many of our athletes continue to improve and reach their goals. I want to help each player in our organization reach their maximum potential.
2. How many years have D1 Sports been a program? How many teams?
D1 Sports has been a program for five years now. We currently have three teams in the organization and are looking to expand. We always look for great coaches to help grow our brand and help more kids reach their dreams.
3. Why did you get into coaching travel basketball?
I wanted to get into travel basketball to return to where it started. I also enjoy the opportunity to work with these young players. A lot of coaches need to be developing and are just trophy-chasing. We are returning to the basics and teaching the fundamentals of the game. I want to help these young players understand the concepts of the game. I want to establish a year-round program & culture that our student-athletes love.
4. Why is a travel ball important?
Travel helps you see where your talent level stacks up with other teams and players nationwide. You can realize what you need to work on as a player.
5. How do you use your experience to help your players?
I have been on the same journey that they are on and want to be on. I can teach them the highs and lows of basketball. I can break down my good & bad experiences in my journey in basketball. I want my players to learn the ins and outs of basketball. No matter how far I made it, the basketball will stop bouncing. I want to help my players understand that there is more to life than just basketball.
6. What makes D1 Sports Academy unique?
The relationships we have with each family. We can help these kids on & off the court. We want the off-the-court growth just as much as the on-the-court growth. We have a “D1 Training Camp” focusing on team and personal development. We also have “Friday Fellowship,” where we can come together and share what’s going on in our lives through the game of basketball.
7. What is your role with the organization? And how many teams?
Basketball Director for each team. I oversee the development curriculum for players and coaches. We currently have three teams in our program. I coach our 7th-grade team and JV team.
8. How do you define success for your program?
Our main goal is to develop our student-athletes on and off the court. I want to put our players in positions to reach their goals. Even though we would love to win every tournament, our primary goal is to get our guys better daily.
9. We understand D1 Sports Academy has coaches connected to the NBA, High-Level D1, and the NC High School Basketball; what are all the coaches’ backgrounds?
Doneal Mack – Memphis University
#1 Ranked player in NC coming out of high school Final Four in 2008 with Memphis University
Five-year professional basketball player
1000-point scorer in HS and College
Sean Mintz – 8th Grade Head Coach Davion Mintz – 8th Grade Assistant Coach
Played collegiately at Kentucky & Creighton University
Professionally – Capital City Go-Go Deshawn Mintz – 8th Grade Assistant Coach
Marqui White – JV Assistant Coach
Coach Jay – D1 Sports Owner / Operator
10. How does the game of basketball help you in the game of life?
Sports build character. Struggles. How to deal with adversity. Also, it helps you learn how to communicate with others.
11. What can parents expect from your program?
Dedication to their kids both on and off the court. The child is going to learn how to be a student-athlete.