The Atlanta Hawks, in partnership with the College Park Skyhawks, welcomed over 250 coaches from across Georgia to the 14th Annual Coaches Clinic. Held at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex, the Hawks’ official practice facility, the free clinic provided a hands-on, professional development experience focused on empowering coaches at every level of the game.
From high school and AAU programs to collegiate teams, coaches from across the state gathered to learn directly from NBA and G League professionals in an atmosphere that blended learning, mentorship, and community connection.
“This has been a staple for 14 years now,” said Jon Babul, Vice President of Basketball Programs for the Atlanta Hawks. “It’s something we really look forward to each fall as basketball season ramps up. Everyone’s mind is starting to gear toward hoops, and this clinic is our way of kicking off the season and giving back to the coaching ecosystem.”
The numbers speak for themselves. Since its inception in 2011, the clinic has supported over 5,500 coaches with Babul estimating that their collective reach could touch tens of thousands of young athletes across the region.
“Even if each coach works with just 10 players, that’s potentially 50,000 kids we’re positively impacting through better coaching,” he added.
The clinic drew a wide-ranging group of coaches, including representatives from GHSA boys and girls programs, AAU organizations, and collegiate teams. Coaches traveled from across the state to participate, creating a unique blend of perspectives and experiences in the gym.
“It’s a healthy mix,” Babul said. “And what’s great is that we see many of the same coaches coming back year after year. That tells us the clinic is really making a difference.”
A key highlight of this year’s event was the integration of the College Park Skyhawks coaching staff, aligning with the G League team’s core mission of development.
Each attendee left with a Hawks-branded backpack filled with a T-shirt, coaching journal, skills and drills packet, and a Skyhawks dry-erase clipboard, but the learning doesn’t end there.
“We hear the same thing every year ‘Can you do more?’” Babul said. “We try. We share practice plans, clips, and content online through our Hawks at Home platform. While 300 are here in person tonight, thousands more will benefit virtually.”
Through Hawks.com, YouTube, and virtual clinics, the organization continues to extend its reach beyond the gym, leveraging technology to scale its impact statewide and even beyond Georgia.
“We have coaches on our staff like Kari Korver, who bring unique experiences and perspectives,” said Babul. “Everyone on that court tonight has a different journey. And the beauty of it is, they were once where these coaches are now. There’s a mutual respect and a connection because we’re all in this to grow the game.”
