COACH MAC

Founder/Head Coach

Coach Mac didn’t just grow up playing basketball — he survived through it. Forced to learn the game in 4th grade, every game came with real stakes: win, and eat; lose, and go hungry. That kind of pressure built a different kind of player — one who played with grit, purpose, and heart.

He played through junior high, high school, and adult leagues, eventually shifting into coaching through NJB, Ross Jr. High’s March Madness program, and now with OGC. Known for his old-school mindset and real-world coaching style, he doesn’t hand everything to players. He gives them room to figure things out, make mistakes, and learn. His player evaluations go beyond skill — attitude and background matter more to him, because he believes talent without discipline goes nowhere.

Coach Mac is also a proud father to five: Christian, Nathan, Grayson, Addison, and Emerson James. Out of the five, Nathan and Grayson are following closely in his footsteps — and with the way they’re progressing, it’s only a matter of time before they surpass him. But Coach doesn’t play favorites — especially with his own. If the attitude isn’t right, he’ll correct it right there on the court. His boys know better than to act up when it’s game time.

He supports all his kids unconditionally, giving them what he never had and standing by them in every step of their journey. While he’s quick to remind players that “shoes don’t make hoopers,” it’s also a running joke in his house — because his kids still have over 30 pairs.

Philosophy: “Everyone has a chance to be good — they just have to keep grinding

Coach T’s love for basketball runs deep. A former player at Artesia High School, he’s been dedicated to the game since day one. Even after high school, the grind didn’t stop — Coach T continued to play, train, and stay close to the game he grew up with.

With coaching experience at programs and multiple AAU teams, Coach T brings years of grassroots basketball knowledge to every team he touches. Today, he proudly coaches at his alma mater, Artesia High School, and with Team OGC, helping the next generation of hoopers reach their full potential.

Coach T’s biggest reward is seeing his players grow — not just in skill, but in confidence, discipline, and love for the game. He takes pride in training his players to the fullest, pushing them to be the best version of themselves every time they step on the court.

One of his biggest motivations? His son, Junior, who’s already following in his father’s footsteps. Coach T is committed to passing down everything he’s learned, not just to his son, but to every player he coaches.

If Coach T has a weakness, it’s that he’s “too nice.” But for many of his players, that’s exactly what makes him one of their favorite coaches. He creates a positive environment, earns their trust, and brings out the best in them.

Philosophy: “Respect the game. Learn the game. Pass it on — and always work to get better.”

Coach Mike isn’t the loudest voice in the gym — but his presence is always felt. A quiet, passionate coach who fell in love with basketball as a kid and carried that love through high school ball, he brings steady energy, dedication, and care to every practice and game.

He’ll be the first to tell you he doesn’t have a résumé full of titles. He’s just a dude who played in high school, loves the game, and loves hanging out with his son. But for Coach Mike, there’s no greater reward than watching his son grow into a more confident and skilled player. That journey — watching his boy find his game and his voice — means more to him than any win.

Coach Mike believes in team chemistry, effort, and respecting the work. He consistently pushes players to give their all during practices and games and teaches that success doesn’t come from talent alone — it comes from trust and togetherness.

While he stays quiet on the sidelines, his passion is obvious in how he shows up, how he teaches, and how much he cares. And even though he jokes that his son might outrun him full court these days, he never lets him forget:

“In a half-court game? No chance.”

Philosophy: “Do what you can. Give it your all. Be proud of the journey.”

Coach Mary is the wife of Coach Mac and the proud mother of two OGC players, Nathan and Grayson — but to the entire OGC Basketball family, she’s simply known as “Coach Mary” or “Mom.”

As the Team Administrator and Head of Operations, Coach Mary plays a crucial role in keeping the program running at its highest level. She is the engine behind the scenes — organizing team-building events, coordinating travel, making sure every player is fed, hydrated, and equipped, and always keeping the energy of the team grounded and united.

With a professional background as a nurse in drug and addiction rehab, Coach Mary brings compassion, structure, and strength to everything she does. Even while juggling multiple jobs, she still dedicates her time, heart, and focus to OGC. Her presence brings stability, and her leadership commands respect from players and parents alike.

Though the players listen to Coach Mac — everyone knows Coach Mac listens to her. And when Coach Mary speaks, you listen. She doesn’t tolerate disrespect from anyone, because at OGC, respect is the foundation — whether you wear the jersey or not.

Coach Mary ensures no one gets left behind. From snacks and meals to last-minute shoes and rides, she goes above and beyond for every single kid in the program. And when someone asks her how many kids she has?

She counts every OGC player — and proudly gives that number.