Meet Our Staff

Founder

Brian Macon

is the founder of The GEM Basketball Academy and a lifelong student of player development. A former point guard who attended Boston University, Brian brings a deep understanding of the game, leadership, and decision-making to his coaching. He has worked with athletes at every level, including numerous college and NBA players, and built The GEM around the principles of Growth. Effort. Mastery. His approach emphasizes long-term development, accountability, and preparing players to compete at the highest levels on the court and in life.

Senior Trainer

Coach Marvens leverages his experience and love for the game to impact basketball players at all ages. He produces results by dissecting the micro-mechanics of footwork to help players create separation against tight defenses. Marvens moves beyond standard drills to instill game-ready ball handling and finishing solutions. His high-energy approach has made him a pivotal asset in developing the backcourt skills of The GEM’s roster.

Home School Director

Simone Russell leverages over a decade of K-8 experience to drive consistent student growth and academic confidence. She moves beyond standard instruction to design personalized learning environments that maximize engagement and performance. Simone delivers results by prioritizing the whole child to ensure that emotional safety translates into intellectual risk-taking. Her student-centered methods build the autonomy and character necessary for long-term educational success.

Trainer & Coaching Director

Horace Smith specializes in turning athletes into on-court generals. A veteran with two decades of sideline experience, Horrace bridges the gap between raw skill and game-time execution. As the leader of The GEM’s coaching development, he is responsible for maintaining the quality control of the entire program, ensuring every athlete receives pro-level instruction. His specific focus on offensive execution and leadership development produces players who process the game faster than their opponents. Horace produces "coaches on the court" players who understand spacing, timing, and decision-making at an elite level.

Senior Trainer

A master technician who transforms inconsistent shooters into reliable scorers. He specializes in the micro-mechanics of shooting and ball handling to correct bad habits before they become permanent. Junior leverages years of experience to provide visual feedback that accelerates the learning curve for athletes. His detailed and personalized approach ensures that players not only understand the "how" but master the "why" behind elite footwork and shot creation.

Athletic Performance Coach

Sebastian Ochoa specializes in building the functional speed and power necessary for elite competition. As the Athletic Performance Coach he utilizes advanced weight training and VertiMax technology to produce faster acceleration and explosive jumping ability. Sebastian prioritizes athletic efficiency to ensure that every movement on the court is potent and wasted energy is eliminated. His durability protocols protect players from injury and keep them available for game day.

Senior Athletic Performance & Development Coach

Senior Athletic Performance & Development Coach Dominic Lane creates the complete athlete by erasing the line between physical training and basketball skill. He designs comprehensive programming that translates raw gym strength into in-game dominance. Dominic improves vertical explosiveness while simultaneously teaching court spacing and feel to ensure physical gains are used intelligently. His hybrid approach produces durable athletes who maintain elite skill execution even when fatigued.

Coach

Coach Chance Dixon specializes in building the mental framework required for competitive basketball. He works with youth and travel teams to instill a culture where personal accountability drives team performance. Chance focuses on the micro-details of effort to ensure that players develop habits that hold up under pressure. His coaching produces resilient athletes who consistently outwork their opponents and value every possession.

Coach

Coach Darius Dixon brings the discipline of a collegiate athlete to The GEM. A former standout at Webber International University and high school district champion, Darius understands exactly what it takes to transition from the prep level to the college game. He specializes in defensive intensity and team energy, using his own playing career to teach the nuances of elite positioning and court awareness. Darius focuses on transforming passive players into high-motor competitors who understand that effort is a skill that must be mastered.

Coach

Coach Chris Ceus is a master of the fundamentals who builds the technical foundation necessary for future elite play. He specializes in footwork and spacing to ensure that younger athletes develop high-level decision-making skills early in their careers. Chris transforms raw enthusiasm into disciplined execution. His detailed approach instills the long-term habits that prevent turnovers and create intelligent offensive threats..