Meet Our Coaches
Senior Coaches
Coach Yazi
About Coach Yazi:
Coach Yazi grew up in Sakarya, Turkey and found his passion for basketball at a young age. As a youth basketball player, he began excelling at the sport. “When I was about 10 years old, I could tell I was a bit different from all my teammates. Other teams would start recognizing me and I started getting a few awards for my play.” At 18, he received a full-ride scholarship to play in the top level of collegiate basketball in Turkey. He spent a total 4 years playing at Bahcesehir University. After that, he went on to play 6 years of professional Basketball. Today, along with being a coach, he is a personal trainer.
Coach Yazi’s Favourite Quote
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.“
– Tim Notke
Coach Neha
About Coach Neha:
Coach Neha is one of the most decorated and accomplished coaches in our program. She grew up in India and has played at the highest levels of basketball in her nation, including playing at the national level. Shortly after finishing her youth career in India, she moved to Australia, where she spent the bulk of her adult career playing semi-professionally in one of the top leagues in the nation. During this time, Coach Neha entered the world of coaching, receiving mentorship and training from experienced NBL and NBA coaches. Through her deep basketball connections, she helped many U12 – U18 players from her home country gain international exposure through the Australian College of Sport. This is one of the accomplishments she prides herself most on. Much of her coaching experience, however, comes through her outstanding work with children with developmental disabilities. Coach Neha believes, “Basketball is more than a game; it’s a bridge to learning, growth, and positivity. I feel like it’s an obligation for me to ensure that everyone can experience this wonderful sport.” Currently, Coach Neha is one of the senior coordinators of our Adapted program at Wave Basketball.
Coach Neha’s Favourite Quote
“Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”
– John Wooden
Coach Matt
About Coach Matt:
Coach Matt grew up in Langley, British Columbia and has always had a passion for basketball. He began his coaching journey in 2013 and has been coaching local youth basketball ever since. Coach Matt’s early coaching experience came with older, high-level basketball players, but he quickly transitioned to working more with younger athletes. Specifically, much of Coach Matt’s coaching experience is with children with developmental disabilities. He explains, “I truly believe basketball is meant for everyone. Individuals of all abilities can benefit from this sport, be it through improving their physical health, learning the many life lessons basketball can teach, or just by adding a bit of fun into their days.” Since joining Wave Basketball, coach Matt has been integral to our Adapted Basketball programs. “My aim,” Matt explains, “is to foster an environment where all athletes feel valued and part of a team.” This philosophy has not only improved his athletes’ basketball skills but also their confidence and social skills, reflecting the great impact of his approach. Coach Matt attests that “The greatest victory in coaching is witnessing your players’ personal growth on and off the court.” Currently, along with Coach Neha, Coach Matt is one of the senior coordinators of our Adapted Basketball program.
Coach Matt’s Favourite Quote
“Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.”
– Michael Jordan
Junior Coaches
Coach Harb
About Coach Harb:
Coach Harb Grew up in Surrey, British Columbia. He is one of our most experienced junior coaches, having spent the past 6 years coaching a plethora of different sports. However, he has spent most of his time coaching basketball. He has worked with children as young as 18 months, all the way up to as old as 19 years. Recently, he has ventured into the realm of coaching youth with developmental disabilities. His interest in this field was sparked whilst completing coursework for his Kinesiology degree, which he is obtaining from the University of British Columbia. He explains that “it’s simply deplorable that so many children are overlooked and denied access to something [sport] which is a fundamental right for all kids.” Outside of basketball, coach Harb also has experience working with youth who have developmental disabilities in a physiotherapy and rehabilitation setting. He has become super passionate about making a difference in the community and working with this population. He hopes that one day, he can use his education to help provide equitable, appropriate, and engaging sporting opportunities for individuals of all abilities.
Coach Harb’a Favourite Quote
“If you are afraid to fail, you will never do the things you are capable of doing.”
– John Wooden