CAMP STAFF
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Our Summer Camp staff is an experienced and passionate group of men and women who are dedicated to player development. All Camp Directors, Lead Instructors, and Staff are trained in concussion & first aid protocols, and are prepared to deliver a safe and exciting camp!
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
AARON SMITH
Director of Youth Engagement & Development – Detroit Pistons
Office: (313) 771-7436
E-Mail: asmith@pistons.com
“Coach” Aaron is a 22 year veteran with the Detroit Pistons Organization. A graduate of the University of Michigan, he is currently the Director of Youth Engagement and Development which includes directing the Pistons Academy’s summer basketball camps. Aaron also travels the state of Michigan as a youth motivational speaker for the Detroit Pistons school assembly program. His positive message and personal story have positively impacted thousands of young athletes. In addition, Aaron has over 15 years of high school basketball coaching experience and is currently the varsity boys coach at Royal Oak High School.
COORDINATORS OF YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
BOBBY GREEN
Coordinator of Youth Engagement & Development – Detroit Pistons
Office: (313) 771-0119
E-Mail: bgreen@pistons.com
After working and volunteering with the Detroit Pistons for two years, Bobby is entering his first year as a full-time employee. He is a 2021 graduate of Western Michigan University where he obtained his Degree in Sports Management & Communication. While at Western, he served as the President of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity and was the head coach of the women’s club basketball team. In his time with Pistons Academy, he has worked as a lead coach, helping in all aspects of facilitating summer camps while also assisting in facilitating free youth basketball clinics as a part of the Detroit Pistons’ Basketball for All program. Bobby brings a great work ethic as well as a wealth of basketball knowledge to the Pistons Academy program.
LISA HINES
Coordinator of Youth Engagement & Development – Detroit Pistons
Office: (313) 444-7963
E-Mail: Lhines@pistons.com
Lisa, originally from California moved to Detroit to attend Wayne State University. Her passion for sports and love for the city kept her in Detroit as she received a Master’s Degree in Sports Management. During her time in Detroit, she was an intern for the Detroit Lions and established an AAU basketball program. Lisa brings a strong basketball IQ and determination to help enhance the Pistons Academy program.
LEAD INSTRUCTORS
Coach Joe McElroy has been involved in youth basketball for 20 years. He has coached youth basketball for several NBA franchises, including the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Memphis Grizzlies. Previously, Coach Joe has served as an assistant coach for Farmington Hills Harrison and Grand Blanc high school varsity basketball teams. In addition to his coaching duties with the Pistons Academy, Joe serves as a personal trainer for aspiring athletes across the state of Michigan.
ALEC ALBRECHT
Trine University Men’s Basketball (’25)
Alec is looking forward to teaching the game of basketball and inspire the next generation of Basketball players. His favorite All-Time favorite Pistons player is Bill Laimbeer.
KAELA WEBB
Florida Gulf Coast University (23′)
Kaela played basketball at Providence, UofD, and FGCU. She is excited to teach younger kids about the importance of basketball and all the opportunities basketball can provide by playing. She loves being around the energy of kids and the carefree, brutally honest personalities. Her All-Time favorite Pistons player is Isiah Thomas. Kaela also just signed her first Semi-pro contract!
MAXINE MOORE
Wayne State University (’23)
Maxine played basketball at Western Michigan University, University of Detroit Mercy, and Wayne State University. She graduated from Wayne State with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. Was a team captain for WSU and Detroit Mercy. She is most excited about being able to create relationships within the Detroit Pistons community, especially with campers. I am very passionate about the game plus I can’t wait to see campers get better! Her All-Time favorite Pistons player is Tayshaun Prince.
HAYDEN MAHAKIAN
Central Michigan University (’23)
Hayden is looking to inspire the kids of Michigan on and off the court. His All-Time favorite Pistons player is Bill Laimbeer.
COACHING STAFF
DAVIS ARBEITER
Royal Oak High School (’23)
Davis just graduated from Royal Oak High School and is attending Central Michigan University in the fall. He is most looking forward to having fun this summer and hopefully being able to make the kids better at basketball and make the experience more fun and enjoyable! His All-Time favorite Pistons player is Isiah Thomas.
MAX YOUNG
Grooves High School (’23)
Max played varsity basketball for the past two seasons. He looks forward to building relationships with kids and helping them gain a passion for basketball. His favorite All-Time favorite Pistons players are Cade and Isiah Thomas. He will attend THE University of Michigan this upcoming Fall.
BLAKE GOODMAN
Novi Christian Academy (’21)
Fisk University Men’s Basketball (’25)
This is Blake Goodman, he plays College basketball at Fisk University in Nashville, TN. He averaged 13.5 ppg 4 reb, 2 steals, one assist. He is most looking forward to meeting and building relationships with kids. His All-Time favorite Pistons player is Richard Hamilton.
FRAN
KIE BRYANT
Michigan State University (’25)
Frankie currently attends Michigan State University studying advertising management. He’s played competitively basketball until high school. However, he helped coach basketball at Adam Butzel complex, taught swimming at Gold Fish Swim School, and was a counselor at Boys and Girls club Lansing. His goal this Summer is to be the best coach I can be, by coming in with a positive attitude each day and encouraging the players as much as possible. Although this is a summer opportunity, I will strive to make this my forever career. His All-Time favorite Pistons player is Chauncy Billups.
THOMAS ROMITO
Royal Oak High School (’23)
This is Thomas (or coach T-Ro) he will be attending THE University of Michigan this fall. He is most looking forward to spending the summer, having a great time and hooping with the best youth basketball players in the area! His All-Time favorite Pistons player is Cade Cunningham.
EDDIE SKALESKI
Royal Oak High School (’24)
Eddie is about to be a Senior at Royal Oak high school. He is most excited to have a fun summer where he can make a positive impact on kids. His All-Time favorite Pistons player is Cade Cunningham.
DALTON DUDAS
South Lyon East (’24)
Dalton plays basketball at South Lyon East high school. He is looking forward to giving the campers a great summer to remember and teach younger kids about basketball. His All-Time favorite Pistons player is Grant Hill.
BRANDON JACKSON – EDWARDS
Frederick Douglass Academy (’24)
Brandon is a 2-year varsity player at Frederick Douglass academy for young men. He is most excited to meet new kids and teach kids the important parts of basketball. His All-Time favorite Pistons player is Ben Wallace.
JADE GOODLOE
Wilberforce University (’25)
Jade played College Basketball Bluefield State University (21 – 23’). She currently plays for Wilberforce University and will be starting her Junior year of College in the fall. She is most looking forward to building bonds with the campers and making them comfortable and enjoying their time. Her All-Time favorite Pistons player is Chauncy Billups.
DYLAN HOFMANN
Royal Oak High School (’23)
Dylan recently graduated from Royal Oak High School. He played 4 years of varsity basketball, broke the scoring record, and was a 2-time captain. He plans to study business at Grand Valley State University next fall. His All-Time favorite Pistons player is Isiah Thomas.
JACOB DUNCAN
Eastern Michigan University (23’)
Jacob is most excited about teaching the youth community about the game of basketball along with building great relationships. His All-Time favorite Pistons player is Tayshaun Prince.