At DeSimone Development, we believe young athletes improve the most when they genuinely enjoy the game.
Based in Long Island, we provide basketball training for ages 4–17 that is structured, high-energy, and fun. Every session blends skill development with game-like drills, keeping players engaged, confident, and motivated to keep improving.
We focus on building strong fundamentals while encouraging creativity and self-expression, helping players develop their own style all whilst having fun!
About James
James has been dedicated to basketball since second grade, developing a deep understanding of the game through years of playing and competing at a high level.
He was a 2x Top 100 player on Long Island, the all-time leading scorer and all-time free throw leader for Clarke Boys Basketball. He then went on to play at the collegiate level at Misericordia University.
James was mentored by Jesse Winter (CEO) at Level Up LI, where he continues to coach today. He currently leads three teams, works across camps and individual training sessions, and also serves as Assistant Director of Basketball at Tyler Hill Camp. Based in Long Island, his approach focuses on building strong fundamentals, confidence, and a genuine enjoyment for the game.
Read below what parents have said about James and his amazing coaching skills.
Hear what Parents and Players have said about DeSimone Development
“James has been an incredible coach and trainer for my son. He is amazing with kids—patient, encouraging, and knows exactly how to keep them engaged while building skills. My son has made huge improvements in his footwork, ball handling, shooting form, and overall confidence on the court. James makes every session productive, fun, and challenging. We’re so grateful for the progress my son has made with him!”
“James has been amazing with my daughter. He creates such a positive and encouraging environment, which has really helped her confidence grow. She’s improved so much in her ball handling and shooting, but more importantly, she actually looks forward to every session. It’s been great to see her enjoy basketball this much. ”
“The group clinics are amazing for my four boys! The drills are focused, fun, and really help the kids understand the game better. Highly recommend!”
“Coach James has been our son’s coach and trainer for over a year and we can’t recommend him highly enough. The growth and development we have seen in our son has been incredible. Coach James is an excellent communicator, teacher, and mentor. He positively engages the kids in a way that perfectly balances having fun with working hard to improve.”
“My daughter asks to go back every week, which says everything. James has done a great job helping her build strong fundamentals while keeping sessions fun and engaging. We’ve already seen great progress.”
“Our experience with James has been incredible! He has is the perfect balance of pushing my kids to work very hard while keeping basketball fun and engaging. He really knows how to teach them the important skills and help improve their confidence. His energy is contagious and my kids look forward to every session (and want to include their friends)!! A bonus is that he’s at their summer sleepaway camp and they can share special memories from both home and camp! Can’t say enough great things about James!”
Unlock Your Child's Basketball Potential with Desmione Development: Expert Coaching Tailored for Young Athletes in Long Island
Unleashing Potential: Our Work in Action
At Desmione Development, we believe every young athlete has a unique spark, waiting to shine on the basketball court. Our image gallery showcases the transformative journey of local youth as they hone their skills, build confidence, and foster a passion for the game. From individual training sessions that focus on personalized techniques to dynamic team practices that elevate teamwork and strategic play, our dedicated coaching creates an environment where talent thrives. We also document your kids journey via our Instagram and TikTok pages.
Elevate Your Game: Discover Tailored Basketball Coaching for Young Athletes in Long Island
Elevate Your Game with Expert Basketball Coaching in Long Island, New York
Connect with Us for Your Basketball Journey
For immediate assistance and to discuss your basketball coaching needs, give us a call. We're here to help you excel, whether you're starting out or looking to elevate your game.
Fill out the form below with any questions or requests, and we’ll get back to you promptly to kickstart your training.
