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Coaching Staff

OWNER/DIRECTOR: David Newton

Coach David, a Summit native, has been coaching the game since he was just 16 years old. He coached with two local AAU programs during high school. During his college years at Wake Forest, David trained dozens of area players while home for summer/winter breaks. He also joined a prestigious group of trainers under Ganon Baker, a world-renowned skills coach, and coached at camps in a number of different states.

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After graduating in 2014, David immediately launched the Dragon Army AAU program. Our 3 teams have grown to 26... and counting!

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David has continued to expand his basketball knowledge and to provide the best opportunities for his players, bringing in expert coaches/trainers to enhance the program.

YOUTH DIRECTOR: Quayson Williams

Quayson Williams was born & raised in Trenton, with life centered around basketball, family, and school. After a standout career at Eastern Guilford High School in North Carolina, Coach Q accepted a full scholarship to attend The Citadel. After completing his degree in Sports Management and playing D1 hoops for four years, Coach Q moved into coaching. He spent one year with SJ Titans and will be with Dragon Army for his third year now. Coach Q loves to develop guards and teach his players great decision-making.

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Accomplishments: 

High School

  • Player of the year in Guilford County 2013-14

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College at The Citadel (D1)

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  • Ranks eighth among all freshman for points scored in a single season 

  • Holds record of 10 three-pointers made in one game

  • 176 career 3-pointers made ranks ninth in program history 

  • 51st in program history for scoring with 851 career points

HIGH SCHOOL DIRECTOR: Joel Macintosh

Joel Macintosh has found success in basketball for his entire life. After a great high school career at Newark Tech, Coach Joel played four years at La Roche University in Pittsburgh. He then played years of professional basketball and moved into coaching. He has been a successful coach and director of AAU programs for the past four years. This will be his second year with Dragon Army. Coach Joel focuses on creating a positive environment for players to explore their game and develop as a team.

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Accomplishments: 

High School

  • First Team All-Conference at Newark tech

College at La Roche (D3)

  • 1000 point scorer

  • 8th in rebounds in program history

  • Second Team All-Conference

Professional

  • Played in Europe, South America, Central America

  • Played in FIBA International Competition

DIRECTOR OF RECRUITMENT: Dan McHale

Dan McHale spent twenty years coaching in the D1 ranks, and he is bringing his expertise to the Dragon Army program! Coach McHale will be working closely with the 10th-12th grade groups and leading the college recruitment of our athletes. His wealth of knowledge and contacts in the college landscape will give our athletes a leg up in recruitment.

 

Accomplishments: 

Head Coach

  • Eastern Kentucky, 2015-2018

Assistant Coach

  • Louisville (under Pitino), Iona, Seton Hall, Minnesota, New Mexico

BOYS COACH: Joshua Daniell

Joshua Daniell played his high school ball for legendary St. Pat’s, under the Coach Kevin Boyle. Coach Josh then played D1 hoops at Wagner College and went on tour with the Harlem Globetrotters for seven years. As a coach with Marston Elite AAU, he has trained hundreds of players, from beginners to top high school prospects. This will be his first year with Dragon Army.

 

Accomplishments: 

High School at St. Patrick

  • Multiple NJ State Champions

  • Played with Kyrie Irving and numerous other stars

College at Wagner (D1)

  • Four-Year player

Professional

  • Toured numerous countries and continents with the Globetrotters

BOYS COACH: Gary Gentile

Gary Gentile was a star 2-sport athlete in high school, playing basketball and baseball at Hudson Catholic. He grew up under the influence of legendary Bob Hurley. After playing D1 baseball, Coach Gary has had a long career coaching hoops. He coached McNair HS to multiple Hudson Country titles. Currently, e runs the NJ Raptors girls program and has produced multiple D1 players on the girls side. He has been with Dragon Army for the past 5 years.

 

Accomplishments: 

Basketball/Baseball Career

  • 2-sport star at Hudson Catholic

  • Played D1 baseball at St. Peter’s College

Coaching Career

  • Multiple Hudson County chips at McNair HS as Head Coach

  • Head Coach at Ferris HS

Educator/Administrator

  • Current Principal at Snyder HS in Jersey City

  • Long-time administrative leader in Jersey City

GIRLS COACH: Yasmine Robinson-Bacot

Yasmine Robinson-Bacote was a star player at Hillside HS, earning Union County Player of the Year. Coach Yasmine took her talents to the West Coast, becoming an all-time great at Pepperdine University. She won the WCC Player of the Year and led the team to its first ever postseason win. Over the past 4 years, Coach Yasmine has coached hundreds of girls in the AAU circuit and also achieved great success at Randolph High School. She will be returning to Dragon Army for her second year.

 

Accomplishments: 

College at Pepperdine (D1)

  • WCC Conference Player of the Year and 3x First Team All-Conference 

  • Holds program record for most points in a single game

  • WCC conference leading scorer

Professional

  • Played pro ball in Finland

Assistant Coach at Randolph HS

  • Led team to 27-3 record and State Sectional championship

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Our Friends - special clinics 

                        Bob Hurley Sr                           Pete Marston and Roman Hernandez                             Ganon Baker

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