CAMP STAFF
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
STEVEN “COACH JOE” MCELROY
Farmington Hills Harrison (’02)
Wayne State University
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
Armada High School (’21)
Trine University Men’s Basketball (’25)
PATRICK KIRBY
UD Jesuit High School (’18)
Hope College
CAITLIN SMITH
Troy High School (’19)
Central Michigan University (’23)
COACHING STAFF
DAVIS ARBEITER
Royal Oak High School (’23)
KIA BENSON
University Prep High School (’12)
Western Michigan University (’23)
COLLIN CREGER
Almont High School (’20)
Michigan State University (’24)
JASON GILBERT
Royal Oak High School (’22)
Wayne State University (’26)
BLAKE GOODMAN
Novi Christian Academy (’21)
Siena Heights University Men’s Basketball (’25)
JASMINE HENDERSON
Chandler Park Academy (’14)
Oakland Community College (’23)
GABE KARAMANIAN
Seaholm High School (’21)
Michigan State University (’25)
HAYDEN MAHAKIAN
Central Michigan University (’23)
THOMAS ROMITO
Royal Oak High School (’23)
EDDIE SKALESKI
Royal Oak High School (’24)
DJ THOMAS
Royal Oak High School (’22)
Point Park University Men’s Basketball (’26)