Players
First
Basketball
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My Story
Mike Torres
Founder & Head Coach
Experience:
BigV Youth League Head Coach
Coburg 2021
Diamond Valley 2022 & 2023
Darebin 2025
Basketball Victoria State Program
SDP Hub Lead 2018-2021
Vic Metro Assistant Coach 2020-2022
Born and raised in the vibrant yet challenging neighborhood of Washington Heights, New York, I grew up navigating the pressures of peer influence, gang violence, and drugs. Basketball became my refuge—a passion that not only saved my life but also taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, discipline, and teamwork.
In 2017, I founded Players First Basketball to create the kind of environment I wish I’d had growing up. Our mission is to provide athletes of all levels with professional coaching, skill development, and—most importantly—the mentorship and support needed to excel both on and off the court. At Players First Basketball, we strive to nurture a love for the game while equipping players with the tools to thrive in sports and in life.
Our Story
Players First Basketball began as a small training session on Sunday nights with just 8 players. What started as a passion project quickly grew into a program recognized for delivering some of the best basketball knowledge and skills training available.
Nearly eight years later, Players First Basketball has grown to train over 500 athletes. Our program’s success speaks for itself:
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4 players have gone directly to U.S. universities.
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7 players have completed high school in the U.S.
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A U.S. tour is scheduled for April 2024.
At Players First, our approach is simple but effective:
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Focus on fundamentals and game-ready skills.
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Simplify the game and teach players the why behind every move and decision.
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Emphasize life skills that go beyond the court.
Our greatest impact comes from our ability to connect with young athletes, helping them grow both as players and individuals. At Players First Basketball, it’s not just about the game – it’s about empowering kids to succeed in life.
Our Services
Our year-round training program is designed to help players develop their skills consistently, both on and off the court. With a focus on fundamentals, game-ready skills, and understanding the why behind every move, we simplify the game to help athletes perform at their best
Club/Team
At Players First Basketball, we offer specialized club and team training designed to elevate your group’s performance to the next level. Clubs and teams train in our proven system, receiving expert coaching focused on fundamentals, game-ready skills, team dynamics, and basketball IQ.
Private Training
Our 1-on-1 private sessions are designed to provide personalized coaching tailored to each player’s unique needs. These sessions focus on refining individual skills, improving technique, and building confidence on the court.
