Our coaches
Meet
the team
A mix of international, professional and home-grown coaches, several of whom came through Players First programs themselves.
Founding Director & Head Coach
Mike Torres
Born and raised in Washington Heights, New York, Mike found his refuge in basketball, and it taught him resilience, discipline and teamwork.
A US Navy veteran, Mike founded Players First in 2017 and HSBN in 2021. He has spent almost 15 years in grassroots and junior basketball, and more than a decade identifying, developing and placing players into US high schools and colleges, including NCAA Division I programs.
- United States Navy, 2008–2012
- VBL player, 2014–2017: Northeast Bushrangers 2014; Coburg Giants 2015–2017
- Director of Coaching, Coburg Basketball Association, 2017–2021
- Basketball Victoria State Program SDP Hub Lead, 2018–2021
- Big V Youth League Head Coach, Coburg 2021; Diamond Valley 2022 & 2023
- Bachelor of Sports Management, Victoria University
"Mike has a gift for recognising each player's motivations and talents. He challenges them and helps them to develop these qualities, so his teaching is a positive experience for students of all abilities, from beginners to professional athletes."
Players First parent
The coaching team
On the court and in the gym
William Al Haddad
Former Syrian national team captain with nearly 20 years of coaching. With Players First since 2021.
Mitchell Lester
A Players First alumnus who coaches on court, in the gym and in HSBN. He also captains the Darebin men's team.