The Man Behind Team Final: Rob Brown

Rob Brown is the director of the Nike EYBL team, Team Final. Team Final is one of the Top EYBL teams in the nation and is a total NBA factory, producing players such as, Tyreke Evans, Dion WAiters, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

How do you do discover and recruit players?

Well, we discover players many different ways. National or regional scouting services, social media outlets, school coaches, but mostly ex players or parents of alumni turn us on to a lot of players too.

What are some of the things you look for in a player?

Depends on the age and grade of the player. If he is young you have to weigh his potential versus how impactful he is currently. You look for what a player specializes in, but most importantly how much does he value winning. Knowing how to win is a skill too.

Who are some of the best players you have coached?

I’ve had some many players be the best at their own certain things . Tyreke Evans was so dominant offensively . No one could stay in front of him. Dion Waiters played w a confidence that no one was beating him. Mike Kidd Gilchrist played some hard , he didn’t let you beat him. And Rondae Hollis Jefferson had so many all around tools. After transitioning to being the “director only” I still feel I coach guys , but those are the guys I was in the trenches with on the sidelines that really stood out. 

How important is team chemistry to you?

Team Chemistry is so important now because in the EYBL coaching and scouting is at such a high level. The kids have to play for one another . They have to love , not just like playing with each other.

How do you get great players to come together and play for one another, instead of playing for themselves?

It’s starts at practice I believe . All these kids know each other and played against eachother for so long . I believe it’s the culture that they have to buy into and that starts at our practices.

What do you think is the most important trait you must have if you want to be a winning team?

We before me. If we win together we shine together . Most of our player come from winning high schools so they value winning. 

How did you discover coaching was your passion?

Basketball has always just been something I did since I was young. Some of the best people I’ve met in my life came to me through basketball. And I’m at the age where I can’t play anymore , so I coach. 

Are there any coaches that you look up to?

I look at a lot of different guys and take things away. I like how coach Wright at nova has built his program. Tony Bennett at UVA. Coach Few at Gonzaga. But I take something away from pretty much everyone. 

If you could meet any coach, who would it be?

Meet? I don’t think about meeting anyone really. I love spending time with Mike Hopkins at UW, the Nova guys, the Cuse guys.

What should athletes do if they want to play for your team?

 I think kids have to be ready to work their asses off. Team Final competes at the highest level of grassroots basketball and you may be good around here , but let’s see how good you are against Takeover or the Soldiers. Let’s see if you can guard a Houston Hoop player!!