Our Coaching & Training Staff

Laron Johnson
Coach and Trainer

Laron Johnson
Coach and Trainer
- Coach Laron / Trainer with TDBA
- 10+ years coaching
- Hobbies: Attending trainees' basketball games
- Son: Jalan Johnson, also part of TDBA staff
- Instagram: @coachlaron_tdba
- TDBA 2023

Arnold Smith
Coach

Arnold Smith
Coach
Coach Arnold Smith a former collegiate standout at Columbus State University and professional player for Rabat Deperio Malta Europe brings more than 35 years of playing, coaching and training players and teams to TD Basketball Academy. Arnold is from Selm

Joseph Scarlett
Coach

Joseph Scarlett
Coach
A LIFETIMES experience w/ playing, coaching, training, and mentorship in the form of basketball.
Known for his calm, focused approach and deep understanding of the game, Coach Scarlett specializes in developing players of all ages, from beginners learning fundamentals to advanced athletes preparing for collegiate and pro-level competition. His training emphasizes basketball IQ, skill development, work ethic, and life skills that extend far beyond the court.
A mentor, motivator, and true student of the game, Coach Scarlett’s mission is clear: build better players, and even better people. Every drill, every rep, every session is rooted in the belief that the journey matters more than the destination detail your development— and Coach Scarlett is here to walk that path with you.
Known for his calm, focused approach and deep understanding of the game, Coach Scarlett specializes in developing players of all ages, from beginners learning fundamentals to advanced athletes preparing for collegiate and pro-level competition. His training emphasizes basketball IQ, skill development, work ethic, and life skills that extend far beyond the court.
A mentor, motivator, and true student of the game, Coach Scarlett’s mission is clear: build better players, and even better people. Every drill, every rep, every session is rooted in the belief that the journey matters more than the destination detail your development— and Coach Scarlett is here to walk that path with you.

Jalan Johnson
Coach

Jalan Johnson
Coach
What You Do for TDBA
- Skills Trainer
Your Experience
- High School Basketball
- 3-year 7A varsity player (2-year starter)
- Notable Opponents
- Rob Dillingham
- Stephan Castle
- Isaiah Collier
- Coen Carr
Your Hobbies
- Going to the gym and lifting weights
- Going to the gym to get shots up
Why You Do What You Do for TDBA
- I want to stay involved with basketball, even if I’m not suiting up.
- I love spreading my knowledge and sharing what I’ve learned/experienced with those willing to listen.

Samuel Jackson Jr.
Coach and Trainer

Samuel Jackson Jr.
Coach and Trainer
My name is Samuel L Jackson Jr, but I go by Sam or Coach Sam. I’m a passionate basketball trainer with a lifelong love for the game.
A 2015 state champion at Wheeler High School and 2016 graduate, Sam continued his playing career at Georgia Southern University, sharpening his skills and understanding of the game at a high level. For the past five years, Coach Sam has dedicated himself to helping young athletes unlock their potential — guiding numerous players to earn college scholarships. I love developing the youth to help them reach their goals whether that be making their middle school team, high school team, playing in college, or playing professional. It helps give purpose and meaning to my life.
My coaching philosophy is simple but powerful: “It’s not about what you do, but how you do it.”
A 2015 state champion at Wheeler High School and 2016 graduate, Sam continued his playing career at Georgia Southern University, sharpening his skills and understanding of the game at a high level. For the past five years, Coach Sam has dedicated himself to helping young athletes unlock their potential — guiding numerous players to earn college scholarships. I love developing the youth to help them reach their goals whether that be making their middle school team, high school team, playing in college, or playing professional. It helps give purpose and meaning to my life.
My coaching philosophy is simple but powerful: “It’s not about what you do, but how you do it.”