Coaches & Programs
Meet Our Coaches
About Coach Saad Fadl-Alla
Co-Founder, Gray’s Park Basketball Academy
Coach Saad Fadl-Alla is the cofounder of Gray’s Park Basketball Academy and has spent his life around the game and the community it fosters. Growing up in Vancouver, Saad understands firsthand the role that sport can play in shaping confidence, character, and connection.
As a student athlete, Saad helped lead his high school team to a City Championship in 2001 and consecutive Provincial Championship appearances in 2001 and 2002. It was one of the most successful periods in the school’s history and an experience that helped shape his belief in teamwork, discipline, and shared responsibility.
Saad went on to play four years at Capilano University under Hall of Fame coach Paul Eberhardt, who is also the current President of BC Basketball. During his college career, Saad served as team captain, led the league in assists, and became known for his work ethic and defensive mindset. He was named Defensive Player of the Year in all four seasons, an achievement that reflected consistency, commitment, and leadership.
After his playing career, Saad moved naturally into coaching. He spent more than eight years coaching high school basketball, guiding his teams through challenging seasons and meaningful growth. One of his proudest moments came during a playoff run that led his team back to the Provincials after defeating three top-ten-ranked teams. For Saad, the achievement was less about wins and more about watching players believe in themselves and each other.
Today, Coach Saad remains deeply involved in community basketball, youth development, and mentorship. He is a proud partner of the Vancouver Bandits Foundation and played a key role in renovating the Gray’s Park outdoor court. The court is now home to the annual Gray’s Park Tournament, an event that brings families, players, and neighbours together to celebrate basketball and community.
As a coach and founder, Saad’s focus is simple. Create a positive environment where kids feel supported, respected, and excited to learn. His goal is not just to develop better basketball players, but to help young people build confidence, character, and a lifelong love for the game.
About Coach Chris Porteous
Co-Founder, Gray’s Park Basketball Academy
Coach Chris Porteous is a co-founder of Gray’s Park Basketball Academy and brings a rare blend of elite basketball experience, steady leadership, and genuine care for young athletes. Born and raised in Vancouver, Chris has deep roots in the local basketball community and a strong belief in using sport to drive positive growth.
Chris made history at Kitsilano Secondary School, becoming a three-time Provincial Champion and Provincial MVP. He remains the only player in British Columbia history to achieve that distinction. His success came from discipline, teamwork, and a deep understanding of how the game should be played.
He continued his basketball career at Capilano University, winning a fourth consecutive Provincial Championship while playing under Hall of Fame coach Paul Eberhardt. It was there that Chris played alongside Coach Saad Fadl-Alla. Their shared experiences as teammates laid the foundation for a lifelong friendship and the coaching philosophy that would later become Gray’s Park Basketball Academy.
After his playing career, Chris transitioned naturally into coaching. As Associate Head Coach with RainCity Basketball, he worked closely with young athletes, helping them build strong fundamentals, confidence, and respect for the game. His coaching style is calm, patient, and encouraging, with a strong emphasis on effort and personal growth.
As co-founders, Chris and Saad share the same vision and values. They believe in teaching the game the right way, creating a positive and supportive environment, and helping kids grow both as players and as people. Kindness, fun, and respect guide every session and every interaction.
Beyond basketball, Chris is actively involved in youth mentorship through the Safe Schools program. His compassion, consistency, and leadership make a meaningful impact on students and families every day. His experience and character make him not only a trusted coach but a role model within the Gray’s Park Basketball Academy community.
Skills Training and Development Programs
Led by Coaches Saad Fadl-Alla and Chris Porteous
At Gray’s Park Basketball Academy, our skills and development programs are designed to meet athletes where they are and help them grow at the right pace. Players progress through clearly defined levels based on age, experience, and readiness, ensuring they are challenged without feeling overwhelmed.
Each level focuses on both skill development and play development, because kids learn best by practicing skills and then applying them in real basketball situations.
Beginner Program
Level 1 | Ages 6–10
Our Beginner Program is designed for young athletes ages 6 to 10 who are just starting their basketball journey. Whether it is their first time picking up a basketball or their first experience in a structured sports environment, this program provides a fun, welcoming, and supportive introduction to the game.
Each session is thoughtfully structured to support athletes at this stage of development. The first half of the session focuses on foundational skills such as dribbling, shooting, passing, footwork, and basic defensive movement, all taught through engaging and age-appropriate activities. The second half of the session shifts to play development, where athletes apply what they have learned through guided games and basketball-based activities.
Our coaches emphasize encouragement, patience, and positive reinforcement. Athletes build confidence, coordination, and teamwork while learning alongside peers in a setting that prioritizes fun, effort, and enjoyment of the game. The goal at this level is simple. Help kids feel comfortable on the court and excited to keep playing basketball.
Intermediate Program
Level 2 | Ages 10–13
Our Intermediate Program is designed for athletes ages 10 to 13 who have completed at least one Beginner Program session at Gray’s Park Basketball Academy or who already have a solid foundation of basketball skills and experience.
At this level, athletes begin to deepen their understanding of the game. Sessions focus on developing basketball IQ and advancing play development in a more structured and competitive environment. Players learn how the game flows, how to move without the ball, and how to make decisions that help their team succeed.
Key areas of focus include offensive movement, spacing, screening, cutting, shot selection, transition offence and defence, and foundational defensive principles. Through structured drills and guided gameplay, athletes are encouraged to read the game, communicate with teammates, and play with greater confidence.
Coaches create a supportive but challenging environment that promotes growth, accountability, and teamwork. Athlete readiness is continually assessed to ensure each player is placed in a program where they can succeed. If a player is not yet ready for intermediate play development, families may be encouraged to complete an additional Beginner Program session to support continued progress.
High School Program
Level 3 | Ages 14–18
Our High School Program is designed for athletes ages 14 to 18 who want to prepare for the school basketball season and stay sharp year-round. This program supports players seeking to maintain consistent training, improve performance, and compete with confidence in a focused, challenging environment.
Sessions emphasize advanced skill work, play development, and basketball IQ at game speed. Athletes work on concepts that directly translate to high school team play, including offensive sets, spacing, screening actions, transition offence and defence, defensive principles, and team strategies.
Players are challenged through high-intensity drills, situational gameplay, and competitive scrimmages that reflect the pace and physicality of school basketball. Coaches provide detailed instruction, feedback, and accountability to help athletes refine their skills and better understand their role within a team setting.
Whether athletes are preparing for tryouts, training during the offseason, or staying game-ready throughout the school year, this program is designed to help players compete with confidence and continue developing at a high level.
We’d Love to Hear From You
At Grays Park Basketball in Vancouver, BC, we’re passionate about shaping the future of young athletes through the game we love. Our youth basketball programs are built on teamwork, discipline, and fun helping players grow their skills while gaining confidence that lasts a lifetime. Whether your child dreams of competing or simply wants to enjoy the sport, we provide the guidance, structure, and encouragement they need to succeed.
Ready to take the next step? Join the Grays Park Basketball community today and experience why families across Vancouver trust us for premier youth basketball training. Contact our friendly team to learn more about registration, schedules, and upcoming programs!