Coach's Corner: "Building More Than Players "

Building More Than Players: The Vision of Coach David Montgomery

Nearly three decades in grassroots basketball have made Coach David Montgomery (@CoachDMonty) a name known for development, discipline, and impact. His résumé speaks volumes: athletes under his guidance have played in power conferences such as the Big XII, Big Ten, SEC, and Big East. He’s had players compete in the Final Four, reach the NCAA Championship Game, and even bring home back-to-back NIT titles. Seven of his former athletes earned Hillsborough County Player of the Year honors in Florida, with one winning it twice. His coaching tree even extends to the NBA, with three of his former players reaching the league.

But the numbers only scratch the surface. For Coach David, the deeper purpose—his “why”—is about giving young men opportunities they might otherwise never have. Many of his players become the first in their families to attend college, let alone earn a degree. To him, basketball is the bridge, but education and lifelong relationships are the real victories. “Helping kids gain a free education and building lasting bonds,” he explains, “that’s what drives me every single day.”

Now serving as the top assistant at Next Level Academy, a nationally ranked prep school in Atlanta, GA, Montgomery is pouring that mission into a stage designed for growth. Prep schools have long carried mixed reputations, but he sees their value in today’s game as undeniable. He points out that they’ve evolved into a legitimate and necessary option—especially now, when the transfer portal has reshaped the college basketball landscape. With players constantly moving around, stability and development have never been more important, and prep programs give athletes a structured platform to prepare. They provide national competition, disciplined systems, and exposure that can make the difference between being overlooked and earning a real shot.

The journey hasn’t been without adversity, but Montgomery has always met challenges with resilience. His approach to building teams is simple but demanding: he looks for players who combine talent with buy-in, young men willing to play for something bigger than themselves. His system emphasizes discipline, unselfishness, and effort—qualities that not only win games but prepare athletes for the next chapters of their lives.

At the end of the day, the rewards for Coach David aren’t trophies or accolades—they’re phone calls and messages from former players, years later, thriving in life because of the lessons they carried from his program. “That’s the payoff,” he says. “Knowing you’ve played a part in helping someone accomplish their dreams.”

To those still chasing their next step, his advice is clear and powerful: believe in yourself, outwork the doubt, stay coachable, and never underestimate the importance of attitude and effort. His mission and vision have remained consistent for nearly 30 years—impact. “If I can help even one kid change their life through this game, then I’ve done my job.”