Information About Up Next Youth Basketball Program | Van Nuys

Up Next Basketball Academy

Founded in 2021 as a private training organization and expanded in 2022 to a youth basketball program, Up Next Basketball Academy is a Southern California based youth basketball program, that embodies the “**Win Within**” mindset and attitude, by encouraging our student-athletes to have an inner drive to push and improve their performance daily. Up Next Basketball Academy encourages a love for the sport, inclusive participation, and great sportsmanship. We are dedicated to teaching our athletes skills that will serve them on and off the court. As well as guide them through important lessons about teamwork, discipline, and overcoming adversities. Through sportsmanship, respect, and leadership, we strive to create an environment that will allow all of our athletes to reach their full potential.

At Up Next we understand that growth as a player takes time and patience, and that’s why we are so detail oriented in what we do. There is a strong emphasis on fundamentals and skill development through providing quality instruction in all aspects of basketball. Regardless of goals, skill level, size, etc. there is a place for every child to be apart of Up Next Basketball Academy.

Coach Rashaad Allen - Founder / Director

Coach Rashaad Allen has coaching and skills training experience at the youth, high school and college level. Growing up in Northern California Allen attended and played basketball for Rodriguez High School, in Fairfield Ca. During his senior year, Coach Rashaad led the Mustangs in scoring and steals, earning him Offensive Player of the Year, 1st team All-league, All-City and a league championship.

After graduating from Rodriguez High School, Coach Rashaad attended College of Marin, in Kentfield, Ca. where he played 2 seasons for the Mariners. As a sophomore Allen was an All-Bay Valley Conference (BVC) 1st team member after averaging 12.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game to lead the Mariners to a 16-10 record. Connected on 74% of his free throw attempts and was the squad’s top perimeter shooter with a 43% success rate from beyond the arc.

After 2 years at College of Marin, Coach Rashaad went on to earn a full-ride scholarship to play at NCAA Div II University of Alaska-Fairbanks, where as a senior he was a GNAC All-Academic member and Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Allen, rounded up his college career with a 4.0 GPA graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and was on the Dean’s list, as well as the Chancellors List.

Meet the Team