Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA International Coach Awards

Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA International is launching the first-ever International Coach awards in 2025. The awards celebrate local and team coaches who contribute to their communities through youth basketball programs and foster development in young athletes.

 

About the Program

The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA International and NBA Basketball School are launching the first-ever International Coach awards in 2025, recognizing coaches in two categories: INSPIRE and LEADERSHIP. Coaches from seven regions will be nominated, with each region selecting an award winner in both categories.

  • The INSPIRE Coach Award celebrates coaches involved in clinics, camps, and other Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA international programs excluding leagues and tournaments. 
  • The LEADERSHIP Coach Award celebrates school, club, or team coaches that have coached teams in a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA international competition such as a league or tournament. 

The awards celebrate local and team coaches who contribute to their communities through youth basketball programs and foster personal development in young athletes. Regional nomination processes will take place from November 2024 to April 2025, with award winners selected by NBA staff announced in July 2025.

 

 

Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Leadership Award Regional Winners

Congratulations to the 2025 Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA International Coach Leadership Award regional winners. The Leadership award celebrates school or club team coaches from Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA International competitions such as leagues or tournaments.

 

Yehia Sahed
EGYPT
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Yehia Sahed is a dedicated coach for the Philadelphia 76ers in the Jr. NBA West Cairo League in Egypt, known for instilling strong values and leadership in his players. A coach with up-to-date knowledge, practical experience, and strong communication skills, he demonstrates commitment, professionalism, humility, and patience in every aspect of his work. Yehia sets clear standards in each training session, focusing not only on technical skills but also on character development. His approach has helped players overcome challenges and grow into responsible individuals who contribute positively to their communities.
Igiet Jayanto
INDONESIA
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Igiet Jayanto has been a cornerstone of the Jr. NBA program in Indonesia since its inception, serving as both a dedicated coach and translator. He actively applies what he learns and generously shares knowledge with fellow coaches and students across the country. A trusted mentor to athletes and peers alike, Coach Igiet played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic by helping produce Jr. NBA online curriculum videos. His commitment, leadership, and collaborative spirit have made a lasting impact on basketball development in Indonesia.
Krista Richard
CANADA
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Krista Richard is a passionate Jr. NBA coach in Canada who leads all 16 teams in the free Community Sports Program in Moncton, reaching over 180 children who are playing basketball for the first time. She not only coaches but also manages recruitment of hall monitors, scorekeepers, officials, and gathers donations to support participating families. Driven by her belief that “every child has a right to play, regardless of background, skill level, or socioeconomic situation,” Krista provides more than just basketball—offering food, clothing, school supplies, and even bikes to those in need. Her selfless leadership creates a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for children to grow both on and off the court.
Shi Jing
CHINA
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Shi Jing is a highly experienced coach for Xi’an Tieyi Middle School in the Jr. NBA Xi’an league. She has led high school girls’ basketball for over 20 years, training many players who have gone on to play professionally. She served as an assistant coach for the U23 3X3 Women’s National Team, showcasing her expertise at the national level. Each year, she offers free training for elementary school girls during winter and summer breaks, helping them build skills and a love for the game.
    Roman Bednář
    CZECH REPUBLIC
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    Roman Bednář is a dedicated and highly respected youth coach and leader at BK Žďár nad Sázavou, known for his long-term commitment to player development and coach education. He played a key role in leading Švermova Elementary School to victory in the Czech Jr. NBA League and serves on the Czech Basketball Federation’s Methodological Commission. Roman also contributes to national coaching clinics, school programs, and international seminars, sharing his expertise widely. His passion for mentorship, innovation, and community-building makes him a standout figure in youth basketball.
    Gajender Kachhwah
    INDIA
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    Gajender Kachhwah uses basketball as a tool for empowerment, coaching underprivileged girls at Pardada Pardadi Educational Society to build confidence and resilience. His leadership and mentorship helped his team win the ACG Jr. NBA 3v3 City League Championship, showcasing his dedication to their growth and success.
    Pedro Alonso Guzman
    EL SALVADOR
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    Pedro Alonso Guzman is a dedicated basketball mentorand coach in the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA El Salvador League, known for his eagerness to learn and exemplary behavior on and off the court. He consistently demonstrates a positive attitude while guiding his players and showing strong command of the technical and tactical aspects of the game.
    Ben Gibson
    UAE
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    Ben Gibson is a dedicated and inspiring coach in the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League who volunteers his time to lead multiple teams at Raha KCC. He recently guided the girls’ team to a U14 championship and coached in the Jr. NBA All-Star game. Known for his selflessness and commitment, Ben plays a vital role in growing the game and supporting youth in his school community. His leadership helps players excel both on the court and in life, teaching valuable skills like teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

      Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Inspire Award Regional Winners

      Congratulations to the 2025 Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA International Coach Inspire Award regional winners. The INSPIRE award celebrates coaches involved in Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Clinics, camps, and other non-competition international programs.

       

      Brian Busaka
      KENYA
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      Brian Busaka is a coach within the Basketball Experience Program, where he supports four coaches and 15 schools through basketball training and life skills sessions that promote positive behavior change. He led one of the program’s schools to victory in the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA M-Pesa Tournament in Kenya. Beyond the program, Brian co-founded Hoops for Kids in Korogocho, using basketball to mentor and inspire youth.
      Jeanne Anggriani
      INDONESIA
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      Jeanne Anggraini is a kind and hardworking coach who inspires players, fellow coaches, and parents to always give their best in every situation. Known for her generosity and support, she has helped bridge communication gaps by assisting with translations between parents and coaches. Jeanne is patient and committed to sharing knowledge, ensuring that non-English-speaking coaches benefit from NBA programs and opportunities. Her selflessness and dedication make her a valued leader in her community.
      Carson Savage
      CANADA
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      Carson Savage has been a driving force behind the Jr. NBA Youth Basketball Program in the community of Campobello Island, Canada. Since launching the program in 2021, he has coached boys and girls from PreK to Grade 6, consistently bringing the fundamentals of basketball to young athletes each year. A dedicated mentor and role model, Carson has also organized camps, 3v3 tournaments, raised funds to improve local courts, and founded the Campobello Minor Basketball Association to expand youth opportunities. His leadership extends beyond basketball, as he also runs spring and summer soccer programs, enriching the lives of children across the community.
      Auguy Black
      FRANCE
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      Auguy Black is a passionate and dynamic coach who has supported EME Basketball Operations in leading Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA weeks during the Paris Global Games over the past few years. He demonstrates strong leadership by guiding local coaches and bringing energy and enthusiasm to every session, while promoting the NBA’s core values. A key figure in the Paris basketball community, Auguy inspires players to strive for excellence both on and off the court.
        Marc Lalthlamuana Sailo
        INDIA
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        Marc Sailo is a passionate and accomplished coach who exemplifies true leadership in youth basketball development. A multiple-time National and State Gold medalist, including three Sub-Junior National Golds (2019, 2022, 2023), he combines competitive success with a strong commitment to mentorship. As the founder of Hoop2Hoop Academy and a long-time Jr. NBA coach, Marc provides free coaching to underprivileged kids, helping them grow in both basketball and character. His impact extends beyond the court, inspiring youth through dedication, excellence, and community service.
        María Alejandra López
        URUGUAY
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        María Alejandra López is a dedicated coach in the Jr. NBA League in Uruguay who inspires her players to grow, improve, and give their best every day. She leads by example, instilling values of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork in her athletes. Known for her commitment to community service, María is driven purely by her love for basketball and her passion for helping children. Her selfless dedication makes her a powerful role model both on and off the court.
        Julia Pazicka
        QATAR
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        Julia Pazicka is an inspiring coach and leader who has shown outstanding commitment to the development of girls’ basketball in Qatar. She has actively supported multiple Her Time to Play (HTTP) activations and contributed to key basketball initiatives throughout the country. Through inclusive, mentorship-driven coaching, Julia empowers young female athletes and consistently promotes positive leadership. Her work reflects the spirit and vision of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program, advancing girls’ participation and coaching excellence across initiatives.