Meet the team

Our coaches. Your people.

More than basketball coaches. Our team brings playing experience, education, mentoring and a shared belief in what young people can become.

Smethwick Sparks players and coaches standing together on court

The people behind the programme

Our coaches combine elite playing backgrounds, professional qualifications and a deep commitment to developing young people on and off the court.

Dailian Mason, founder and head coach of School of Skill, on court

Dailian Mason

Founder · Head Coach · Educator

Former professional basketball player and qualified teacher, Dailian Mason founded School of Skill to create the kind of pathways that shaped him—on the court, in the classroom and in life.

He leads our programmes with a player-first philosophy, combining high standards, structure and care to help young people build skills, character and confidence for the future.

Ex-Professional Player
Qualified Teacher
Youth Development Expert

Meet the coaches

Dom Lofters, England Talent Pathway Coach · National League Head Coach

Dom Lofters

England Talent Pathway Coach · National League Head Coach

Dom helps young players understand the game at a deeper level. Drawing on his England Talent Pathway and National League experience, he develops decision-making, game awareness and the habits players need to perform under pressure.

Dijon Thompson, Former NBA Player · UCLA Alumnus

Dijon Thompson

Former NBA Player · UCLA Alumnus

Dijon brings NBA and European professional experience to selected School of Skill camps. He gives players first-hand insight into college and professional basketball, the standards those environments demand and how to prepare for the next level.

Ezikiel Cameron, U12 Coach of the Year · Smethwick Sparks Youth Head Coach

Ezikiel Cameron

U12 Coach of the Year · Smethwick Sparks Youth Head Coach

Ezikiel leads the Smethwick Sparks youth team and was named Basketball England U12 Coach of the Year. He brings energy, clear teaching and a strong understanding of how to help young players build confidence, fundamentals and a lasting love of the game.

Different backgrounds. One standard.

We coach the player in front of us. Every day we set the standard: work hard, show respect, take responsibility and keep getting better. We challenge, support and believe in young people—so they can believe in themselves.

A coach giving tactical guidance to young basketball players during a game