Coaches

Joel Jones is the Founder & Program Director of Get Better Hoops and a former professional basketball player whose career spanned 14 years across seven countries. A College Hall of Fame inductee and FIBA-certified coach, Joel has dedicated his career to developing athletes at every level of the game.

He has coached professionally in Puerto Rico, served as a collegiate coach at Southwestern College, and was formerly an assistant  varsity coach at St. Augustine High School in San Diego. Joel has also represented Puerto Rico internationally in FIBA competition and continues to lead youth basketball camps around the world.

Known for his ability to develop players both on and off the court, Joel has become one of the most respected basketball trainers on the west coast, working with youth, high school, college, and professional athletes. His approach combines high-level skill development, basketball IQ, discipline, confidence, and real-game application to help athletes reach their full potential.

Coach Lawrence’s coaching journey began in 1997. He was 4 year Varsity Basketball player at Montgomery High School, and team captain for three of those years, achieving team MVP and All-League Honors. He was also a three year varsity Football player and in two of those years with Team captain MVP and first team all-league honors.

He had the pleasure of being a part of the Get Better Hoops program and Coaching staff since its inception in 2013.

“My Goal is to help young players use basketball as a vehicle to prepare them for life. There are countless lessons to be  learned while playing this game that can prepare you for life’s challenges.  Character development, preparation and preparedness building, discipline, pressure handling, high level enthusiasm, Self motivation skills, how to have maximum effort and a willingness to learn. Showing players how to learn in a stressful and uncomfortable environment. Overcoming challenges quickly and adjusting in a fast paced situations both on and off the court. Like I say to all the players “discipline before skill”. i’m excited to lead and inspire players to achieve their ultimate potential.”

Coach Mike’s coaching journey began in 2000. He was a 3-year Varsity captain, MVP, and All-League player at Kearny High School. Shortly after graduating, he took on the role as Freshman head coach. In 2002, after a brief college football career, he was led back to basketball as the League Director of The San Diego Super60 college showcase, where they provided opportunities for San Diego’s best basketball players to gain exposure from college coaches and scouts from all levels.

Since then, he’s gone on to experience the game from nearly all perspectives: as a player, coach, journalist/broadcaster, referee, trainer, father and fan - He considers himself a passionate student and ambassador of the game. Most recently, He’s been on the coaching staff for San Diego Prospects, Get Better Hoops and head coach for Victory Christian Academy - Boys Middle School.

“My philosophy is to use basketball as a classroom for life. There are countless lessons learned while grinding in the gym which prepare us for life’s challenges. A great attitude, high-level enthusiasm, maximum effort and a willingness to learn matter most when it comes to overcoming these challenges - both on and off the court. 

I look forward to being apart of your journey.“

Coach Brandon Alvarado began his basketball career nearly 30 years ago, participating in AAU with the Rising Stars and San Diego Cougars. He earned a basketball scholarship playing for Saint Augustine High School, before finishing at Marian Catholic High School (now Mater Dei High School) where he was achieved First Team honors his Junior and Senior Year.

After High school, he started his own AAU girls’ basketball team, The Panthers, Becoming one of the top teams in Southern California, they went to win many tournaments and league Championships including the West Coast National Championship.  Most of his former players are now successful college basketball players including his daughter, Alyssa Marie Alvarado, who currently plays for Dominican University of California. 

Coach Brandon continued his coaching career into High School, coaching the girls’ varsity basketball team for Hilltop High School for five years.  During that time, he led the team to four playoff appearances and two league titles. 

Brandon’s personal playing and coaching experience, along with his love and passion for the game are huge assets to the Get Better Family.