Coach CJ Appleton

Three pillars: fundamentals, mentality, and experience.

CJ Appleton is a former Division 1 athlete and current Duke University professor who has spent over a decade dedicated to elite basketball development. As a Nike Sports Camp director and seasoned coach at the AAU and high-school levels, he founded Jumpstart Hoops to bridge the gap between weekend rec leagues and competitive prep basketball.

Under his guidance, hundreds of young athletes have transitioned from recreational play onto competitive middle-school and high-school rosters. His Jump Start Hoops curriculum is based on three pillars: fundamentals, mentality, and experience.

Too often we view young players as either “having it or not” but Coach CJ believes that most young players can be taught “it” under the proper circumstances.

Jump Start Hoops builds the fundamentals young players need to move with confidence, while reinforcing an assertive, growth-minded approach through active learning. Just as importantly, we create a fun, engaging environment that helps athletes fall in love with the game—because players who love basketball are motivated to keep improving. Through these three pillars, Jump Start uniquely prepares young athletes for success in middle school, high school, and beyond.