LEARN. PLAY. GROW.
We are a team of talented coaches and trainers spreading the joy and benefits of basketball.
About BASKETdemics
BASKETdemics is an organization founded by Deborah Ziozis and Danene Hopson. Both founders are former Division I college basketball players who have enormous passion for assisting the “whole student athlete.”
BASKETdemics was created to offer young athletes the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of basketball, the importance of nutrition, sports psychology, and the math (statistics) associated with performance, evaluation, and decision-making. Whether the athlete plays for leisure or is serious about the sport, all of the these lessons transfer to important life skills.
The goal of BASKETdemics is to build a fun and engaging camp atmosphere for athletes and their families. It is a great supplement to AAU basketball and that vicious cycle of traveling and playing games without much time to focus on skills.
BASKETdemics will keep athletes physically active and educationally stimulated, while also teaching the importance of health and nutrition. Additionally, our emphasis on sports psychology will assist with focus, confidence, goal setting, and emotional control.
Our goal is to also accommodate those athletes that may be experiencing financial challenges. Please sponsor an athlete.
BASKETdemics is fiscally sponsored by Uplift, Inc., a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Once your donation is received, we will send you a letter of receipt for your records.
Data that support why we exist:
- In Baltimore City, data from 2019 (pre-pandemic) suggested that that students who did not participate in sports had a graduation rate of 62.9%. Meanwhile, students who participated in sports all four years of high school had a graduation rate of 98.5%.
- Sports education offers a unique opportunity for character-building in students. The benefits of sports education go beyond just physical health. It has been found to play an important role in building character and teaching values essential for success in life.
- According to the 2022 United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth, only 21 percent of US children and youth 6-17 meet the guideline of 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
Hear from one of our supporters:
Felisha Legette-Jack, Head Coach, Syracuse University Women's Basketball Team
"I am delighted to endorse the BASKETdemics program offered by Danene Hopson and Deborah Ziozis. Having known these Phenomenal Women for 40 years, I can attest to their dedication, passion, and expertise in all aspects of the game of basketball.
The program they have created integrates comprehensive basketball instruction with individual development strategies. Participants can expect to engage in a holistic learning experience encompassing basketball drills, sports nutrition, sports psychology, and statistics. Through this multifaceted approach, participants not only enhance their basketball skills but also sharpen their math abilities, particularly in the realm of statistics.
Danene and Deborah have a unique ability to connect with students of all ages and skill levels. Their coaching style is encouraging, motivating, and supportive, creating a positive learning environment where students feel empowered to take on new challenges and push themselves to reach their full potential. With them at the helm, you can trust that your child will receive top-notch instruction and guidance that will set them up for success both on and off the court.
I highly recommend BASKETdemics to any student looking to enhance their basketball skills, gain comprehensive knowledge of the sport, enhance their math abilities through statistics, and most importantly, enjoy a fun learning experience."
combined years in education and coaching
percent of student athletes received college scholarships
percent of student althetes graduated high school and enrolled in college or trade school
About BASKETdemics
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission
Equip student athletes with the skills that will assist them on the court, in the classroom, and in life.
Our Vision
Student athletes and their families will have another option to learn and grow from dedicated former athletes that have experienced this dream and will utilize all resources necessary to foster growth.
Training
Our Training Includes
Offensive & Defensive Skills
Health & Nutrition
Team Building
Math (Statistics)
Sports Psychology
Sportsmanship & Competitiveness
Sport psychology helps athletes overcome problems, enhance their performance, and achieve their goals
Sport psychology focuses on the ability to use mental and emotional techniques and strategies to help athletes concentrate better, deal more effectively with competitive stress, and practice and train more efficiently.
OFFENSIVE SKILLS Training
- Ball Handling,
- Shooting Form,
- Passing Development,
- Proper Footwork,
- Finishing
DEFENSIVE SKILLS Training
- On and Off Ball Defense,
- Help Defense,
- Rebounding Techniques,
- Proper Footwork,
Stats (statistics) allow teams, coaches, athletes, and analysts to understand performance, evaluate strategies and make informed decisions
In basketball, various statistics are used to ascertain the performance of a team or a player (analysis). For example, a player can have various statistical values - a player can have an average point per game (PPG), free throw percentage, average assists, average three point shooting, steals per game (SPG) and the like.
Proper and consistent health and nutrition provide many benefits
Nutrition for youth athletes must meet the demands of growth and development as well as increased physical activity. Proper sports nutrition helps to sustain energy during exercise, ensures normal blood glucose concentration, prevents hunger, preserves muscle mass and accelerates recovery.
Perform Better — Sports nutrition can help young athletes reach their full potential by giving them the energy and strength they need to perform at their best. Proper fueling can also help reduce the risk of injuries. Your body is better equipped to cope with physical activity when you're well-nourished.
Derrick Green, Sr.
Parent
I am happy to give my endorsement for Danene and BASKETdemics. My son Derrick Green Jr. played for Danene from 10 years old through high school. I appreciated how she focused on the fundamentals and details of the game. What I appreciated more was how she truly cared for our children and the family atmosphere that was created. My son earned a Division l athletic scholarship because of his hard work and because he had a coach that cared.
Peggy Kostopoulos
Parent
Coach Z ran a series of one day clinics for our youth girls basketball program and their parents. Her passion was contagious. She provided skill instruction while emphasizing and modeling the importance of schoolwork, teamwork, healthy competition, nutrition and the spirit of having fun! For the parents, she provided vital information and resources to make the best decisions for our children's participation in sports and the value it plays in academics.
Tarek Ali
Retired NYC DOE Assistant Principal Health & Physical Education/Athletic Director
2x Olympian - Egyptian Water Polo Team
I am proud to endorse the BASKETdemics program owned by Danene Hopson and Deborah Ziozis. As highly respected and accomplished individuals in the basketball community, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to help young athletes excel in all aspects of the game. With their guidance and support, students will no doubt reach their full potential and achieve their goals.
LaTanya Brown
Parent
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for my son's former coach Danene Hopson. I met Danene in 2009, and I was immediately impressed with her coaching skills and her ability as a woman coach to gain the respect of the young men on her team. She helped many of them earn scholarships but most importantly she taught them life skills to help them navigate through their lives.
DeZmin was an eight year old shy athlete who played many sports over the years, then he played for coach Danene...he developed into a dominant key player who helped the team with its success. I contributed his growth to his hardworking efforts and Danene's dedication and determination that enabled him be successful on and off the court.
It is without hesitation that I would endorse Danene Hopson for BASKETdemics.
Team
CHECK OUT OUR HARDWORKING TEAM
Danene Hopson
Co-Founder & Coach- Senior Therapeutic Sales Specialist
- USA Basketball Youth Development Certification
- Former DI Women’s College Basketball Official
- Former DI Basketball Player, Syracuse University
- Coached Boys AAU Basketball
- Coached Girls Varsity Basketball
Deborah Ziozis
Co-Founder & Coach- Retired Assistant Principal, NYC Department of Education
- NYS Certification in Health & Physical Education
- USA Basketball Youth Development Certification
- NASM Certified Sports Nutrition Coach
- Former DI Basketball Player, CUNY Queens College
- Coached DI Women’s Basketball
- Coached Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball
Derrick Green, Jr.
Lead Trainer & Coach- Student Safety Assistant, Perry Hall High School
- Boys Varsity Basketball Coach, Perry Hall High School
- Rehabilitation Coordinator, Sara’s House Mental Health Services
- Owner of Greenland Athletics Society
- Former Professional Basketball Player, Mad Foxes, Yerevan Armenia
- Former DI Basketball Player, Jacksonville State/Maryland Eastern Shore
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you!
Email Us
contactus@basketdemics.com