Our Coaching Staff
Andres Marmolejo
Founder & Executive Director
Illinois Pro Academy
Coach Andres is the Head of the Basketball Program at Lake Forest Country Day and an Assistant Coach at North Park University, leading a player-development model built on clarity, consistency, and competitive accountability. His work spans the full athlete pathway, developing players from the grassroots level through college, pre-draft preparation, and the professional ranks by emphasizing decision-making, skill efficiency, and game-ready habits that translate across levels. He is also the founder of YBA and Illinois Pro Academy, building highly competitive Illinois-based national teams on the adidas 3SSB circuits in environments designed to mirror the pace, physicality, and demands of elite basketball. What separates his approach is a commitment to teaching the game, maximizing meaningful reps, and preparing athletes not just to reach the next level, but to sustain success once they get there.
Dee Habib
Head Coach – 15U
Illinois Pro Academy
Coach Dee Dedicated basketball trainer with experience developing athletes at all levels. From youth to collegiate and professional. Specializing in player development, skill enhancement, and mentorship. Known for creating tailored training programs that improve performance, confidence, and basketball IQ. Very Passionate about building discipline, mental toughness, teamwork, and work ethic both on and off the court and most importantly In Life. Coach Dee has worked with many top athletes coming out of Chicago and the state of illinois in the last 5 years. Specializing in basketball training and cultivating player growth and development since 2021. He has worked with Pros such as Terrence Shannon jr (Minnesota Timberwolves), G-leauge athletes Coleman
Hawkins (Grand Rapids Nuggets) and top overseas athletes such as Davion Warren who’s now over seas in Mongolia. Marcus Domask former Illinois guard who’s now in Germany. All Guys who have went on to have successful D1 college careers and also in there pro years right now dominating at the highest level. Plenty of College athletes such as Illinois university Guard Kylan Boswell, Ty rogers Keaton Kutcher Aj redd and many more high school and young athletes around the country.
Sergio Perez
Head Coach – 16U + 17U
Illinois Pro Academy
Sergio Perez is the founder of SBT and a highly respected basketball coach specializing in skill development for high school athletes. With years of experience training players at various levels, Sergio has helped countless athletes refine their fundamentals, elevate their basketball IQ, and reach their full potential on the court. His proven approach has led many of his players to earn opportunities to compete at the college level.
Sergio’s training philosophy emphasizes discipline, consistency, and attention to detail, focusing on game-realistic skill work that translates directly to competition. Beyond player development, he is committed to mentoring athletes, teaching accountability, work ethic, and confidence qualities that prepare them not only for college basketball, but for success beyond the game.
Matt Smith
Director of Operations
Illinois Pro Academy
Smith joined Illinois Pro Academy bringing a strong background in organizational leadership and athletic program management, previously serving as a director with the Northbrook Park District where he oversaw daily operations, program development, and community engagement initiatives. A graduate of Riverside Brookfield High School, Smith was a multi-sport athlete in basketball and football, earning All-Conference honors and developing the competitive foundation that continues to shape his leadership philosophy.
He went on to graduate from the University of Illinois Chicago, earning degrees in Education and Business Administration, equipping him with a unique blend of player development insight and operational strategy. Within Young Buckets, Smith plays a critical role in overseeing program operations, supporting coaching staff, and driving the organizational structure that allows athletes and coaches to perform at a high level. His work behind the scenes focuses on building sustainable systems, enhancing player experience, and ensuring the program operates with the professionalism and standards of elite basketball organizations.
Mark Smith
Director of Regional Basketball Development & Operations
Illinois Pro Academy — Grassroots & Player Pathway Division
Coach Mark Smith has been coaching college basketball for 5 seasons. Smith is an assistant at North Park University, following a season as a graduate assistant for Trinity International University in 2022. Smith graduated from Trinity International University in 2022 with a degree in Biology/Pre-Med and was a three-time CCAC All-Academic Team recipient and captain of the basketball team. Smith played 5 seasons with the Trojans from 2016-2021, winning a CCAC championship and two NAIA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight appearance in 2017. Smith also played at Riverside Brookfield HS, where he was a 2 time all area player and is the school’s all-time wins leader.
As a Coach, Smith was part of the staff that won the CCIW tournament in 2023, giving North Park University their first ever CCIW Tournament Championship, followed by a Sweet 16 appearance.
Jimmy Bernard
Branding & Marketing Director | CTO
Illinois Pro Academy
Jimmy Bernard serves as Branding & Marketing Director and Chief Technology Officer for Illinois Pro Academy. He oversees brand strategy, digital infrastructure, and media development across all platforms, ensuring IPA’s identity, messaging, and online presence reflect the standard of excellence the program represents. From managing website systems to directing creative media and marketing initiatives, James helps position Illinois Pro Academy as a leader in elite player development and exposure.