Ballers Bridge sits down with the CEO and Founder of the Oakland Rebels, Melvin Landry.

Melvin Landry has played a key role in helping young men from the Oakland area reach their potential both on and off of the court. Along with NBA rookie sensation Damian Lillard, Landry’s organization has produced countless athletes who excel on the court and are champions in the community.

How did the Oakland Rebels come to be?
I used to work at the Bushrod Community Center here in Oakland a while back, and a group of parents wanted me to start a recreation team so the kids could constantly play the game they love. As time went on, the parents wanted to do more, and we eventually evolved into an AAU Team (Oakland Rebels). So I have been at this for about 26 years.

What is your favorite part about coaching?
To see the kids actually improve in everything that they are doing: improving their basketball skills, attitudes, and academics. We work to instill discipline within the kids that will help them be successful on and off of the court.

Who should we look out for on your 17U team this coming AAU season?
A couple of kids on the team: Temidayo Yussef, Joey Frenchwood, and Derrick Clayton will play big time roles for the 17U team.

Did you always know that Damian Lillard would be a special player? 
I was his first coach when he joined the Rebel organization. He was always athletic and really quick, but he needed to develop his body and his overall skill-set. But the thing about Damian was that he always stayed in the gym. Any time you do that, you are going to get better. The kids nowadays – from 1987 on up – don’t have priorities. Video games and friends are their main priorities and basketball usually falls 3rd in line. Kids have way more skill then they did in the past, but they don’t work nearly as hard.

AAU makes a big difference in young men’s lives. Talk about the impact that basketball has on the Oakland area.
Oakland is a basketball city. It has allowed several kids the opportunity to go to college. Whether it is an academic or an athletic scholarships, the game of basketball has changed many young men’s lives in the Oakland area.

Talk about the Student Athlete Academy?
This is the educational branch of our organization.  Kids turn in report cards, and we constantly monitor how they are doing in school. We are on top of any academic situations that may come up throughout the year, and we help the kids navigate their way through problems.