WHY MESA EXISTS
I built Mesa out of a genuine love for the game and a deep commitment to helping others grow through it. Training has always been a passion of mine, something I poured myself into throughout my playing career and beyond. Long before Mesa had a name, I was in the gym during offseasons, working with players, refining my craft as a trainer, and developing an approach that was intentional, creative, and results-driven.
What started as a passion grew into a program. Mesa is rooted in the same community I grew up in, and that connection matters deeply to me. This is not a program built from a distance. It is built from the same courts, the same neighborhoods, and the same hunger to be great.
Over five years and hundreds of athletes later, from 4-year-olds picking up a ball for the first time to adult professionals sharpening their edge, Mesa has become a place where real development happens. No shortcuts. No gimmicks. Just consistent, intentional work that produces results on and off the court.
PLAYING CAREER
I competed as a point guard at the Division I level, suiting up for two of college basketball's most storied programs: St. John's University and Butler University, both members of the prestigious Big East Conference. Competing in one of the most demanding conferences in the country, I trained alongside and against elite talent day in and day out, developing a deep understanding of the game at its highest collegiate level.
I went on to continue my career internationally in Greece, where I'm currently playing professionally. European basketball puts its emphasis on skill, IQ, and fundamentals, and living in that system every day keeps me sharp on what actually holds up at the highest level. That combination of American Division I intensity and European technical discipline is the foundation every Mesa session is built on.
St. John's University
Division I • Big East Conference
Butler University
Division I • Big East Conference
Trainer
JOE OWENS
About Coach Joe
Joe is a dedicated basketball trainer whose passion for player development was sparked early, shifting his focus to coaching and skill work after injuries redirected his path. A former point guard and four-year varsity player at Amityville Memorial High School, Joe brings a player's perspective to every session he leads.
Joe has trained athletes of all ages and skill levels, with a track record that includes developing Division I and professional players. Among those he has worked with is Zakai Zeigler, the standout Tennessee point guard and two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year who holds the Tennessee career assists record. Joe has also gained experience working with Hoop Group Camps, developing high-level talent in a competitive setting alongside some of the top players in the region.
His ability to connect with athletes, identify areas for growth, and deliver results-driven training makes Joe a valuable asset to any player looking to take their game to the next level. His commitment to the craft and genuine investment in each athlete's development set him apart as a trainer.
Trainer
COACH Z THYBULLE
About Coach Z
Zhaneia "Z" Thybulle is a college basketball coach and player development specialist. A Long Island native and Elmont Memorial basketball standout, Coach Z built her playing career at the Division I level, competing at both UNC Wilmington and Wagner College. During her time at Wagner, she became a key contributor and leader for the program.
After her playing career, Coach Z transitioned into coaching, bringing her experience as a point guard, competitor, and leader into player development. Going into her 4th year coaching at both the D1 and D2 level, Coach Z continues to focus on player development, relationship building, and creating an environment where athletes are challenged to grow every day.
Coach Z believes great coaching starts with relationships. Her goal is to challenge athletes, build confidence, develop discipline, and give players the tools to become better basketball players, teammates, leaders, and people.
Trainer
STEVEN PAPADIMITROPOULOS
About Coach Steven
Steven is a dedicated basketball trainer with four years of coaching experience at Hoop Lab, where he has worked with athletes of all ages and skill levels to develop their game. His ability to connect with players at every stage of development has made him a versatile and reliable trainer for athletes looking to improve.
Steven also brings four years of experience working within the women's basketball program at St. John's University. Being immersed in a Division I environment gave Steven an inside look at elite player development, high-level preparation, and the competitive standards that separate good players from great ones. From film study and scouting to on-court workouts and skill development, Steven was involved in all aspects of what it takes to prepare athletes to compete at the highest level. That experience shapes every session he runs, bringing a collegiate level of detail and intensity to every athlete he works with.
As a former varsity player at Long Island Lutheran High School, Steven combines firsthand playing experience with years of coaching and training expertise. His passion for teaching, attention to detail, and commitment to helping players improve make him a trusted mentor for athletes looking to elevate their skills, confidence, and understanding of the game.
Trainer
ZAIN AMJAD
About Coach Zain
Zain is a dedicated basketball trainer and coach with a passion for helping players develop their skills, confidence, and overall understanding of the game. Having experienced the game as both a player and coach, he understands that real development goes beyond simply running through drills. His approach is centered around purposeful training, attention to detail, and teaching players how to translate the skills they develop in workouts into real game situations.
Through his experience coaching with Rising Stars Youth Foundation, including serving as an AAU head coach, Zain has had the opportunity to work with athletes across a wide range of ages and skill levels. He has trained players from youth basketball through the high school and collegiate levels, allowing him to understand how to adjust his approach to each athlete's individual needs. His training emphasizes ball handling, footwork, finishing, shooting, change of pace, decision-making, basketball IQ, and the physical tools necessary to become a more complete player.
What sets Zain apart is his ability to build a genuine connection with every athlete he works with. He believes players should understand not only how to perform a skill, but why and when to use it. He creates a positive but competitive environment where players are encouraged to work hard, make mistakes, learn, and build confidence in their abilities. His goal with every session is simple — help each player leave the gym better than they came in.
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