KINGS COACHES

------------------------------------------------------

A former high school and college all-star basketball player, as well as a former semi-pro athlete, Coach King brings 25 years of total coaching experience—14 of those years dedicated to AAU basketball. A passionate, certified sports trainer and coach, he has built a reputation for developing players both on and off the court.

Coach King's extensive expertise has led to 32 AAU tournament championships, along with numerous second-place finishes. His commitment to player development extends beyond competition, as he has successfully helped 23 athletes advance to play college basketball. His dedication proves that his coaching impact lasts far beyond the final buzzer.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------

Coach Phil played basketball for his school teams from elementary to high school. When his son took an interest in basketball and joined a team, Coach Phil began supporting practice and before long, he became the team’s assistant coach. 

After switching to a new basketball league, an amazing partnership was born. Coach Phil met Coach Joe and again was a volunteer assistant coach. In their first season together, Coaches Joe and Phil lead their team to the finals and the next season to the finals and on to win a championship.

Coach Phil currently serves as an assistant coach for multiple teams within Kings AAU program. Coach believes in laying the foundations for players at a younger age and knows that equipping his players with the correct building blocks is key at the beginning of their career. His coaching philosophy emphasizes teamwork, communication, defense, and playing the right way! With this philosophy, he strives to build character in his players and help them to grow as young athletes and young men.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------

Coach Jason Garcia is a dedicated basketball mentor whose passion for the game stems from his own playing experience. He began his basketball journey in NYC high school, where he quickly emerged as a standout player. His talent and work ethic earned him a spot at Mercy University, where he competed at the NCAA Division II level for three years. He then completed his collegiate playing career with one year at SUNY Purchase.

Coach Jason’s commitment to the sport goes far beyond personal achievement. Today, he continues to coach not only to support his son Jacob Garcia development but also to uplift and guide the young men of the Kings. His goal is to instill discipline, confidence, and teamwork through the game he loves—shaping athletes both on and off the court.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------

With over 10 years in the basketball world, Coach Jon Salerno has built a wealth of experience in coaching, mentoring, and player development. His dedication to the sport and his commitment to helping athletes grow are at the core of his journey.

Coach Jon’s passion for basketball goes beyond competition—it’s about helping players succeed on and off the court. His dedication to the game has allowed him to develop strong relationships, mentor athletes, and create lasting connections through basketball. His coaching philosophy is rooted in growth, teamwork, and lifelong learning, making him a leader who inspires future generations of players.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------

From 6th grade through high school graduation, I was proud to compete with Kings Basketball, honing my skills, growing as a player, and embracing the game at a high level. My dedication to the sport led me to continue playing at the college level, where I gained invaluable experience, discipline, and leadership on and off the court.

With a deep passion for basketball and a strong foundation built through years of competitive play, I aspire to become a head coach in the future. My goal is to guide and develop athletes, instilling in them the same principles of teamwork, perseverance, and excellence that have shaped my own journey.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Coming into 6th grade, I was the kid who couldn’t dribble with my left hand, missed layups, and barely understood the game. I loved basketball, but I wasn’t good at it—yet. That all started to change the day I met Coach King.

Coach King didn’t just teach me how to play basketball—he taught me how to believe in myself. He saw potential when I didn’t, pushed me when I wanted to give up, and helped me fall in love with the process of getting better. Through every early morning practice, every AAU tournament , every word of tough love, he transformed me—not just into a better player, but into a better person.

Now, years later, I play the game with confidence, skill, and a deep respect for the journey. I went from back to back years as a team manager to varsity basketball athlete. I still carry the lessons Coach King taught me which were discipline, resilience, and heart—both on and off the court. I am Coach Quincy and I am spitting image of coach king’s impact.