JOHN FERRIS

Jon Ferris is a seasoned basketball coach and former professional player dedicated to using sports as a platform for teaching life skills. An honorable mention McDonald's All-American in high school, Jon earned a full NCAA Division I scholarship to play at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. After his career at Canisius College, which included winning the MAAC 6th Man of the Year award in 2004, his professional career took him to the NBA Free Agent Summer League and then overseas to Lebanon, Holland, and Finland, where he won the Finnish Cup Championship and the West Asian Championship. Upon returning to the United States, he played in the American Basketball Association (ABA).

Jon has been coaching basketball since his high school years, training kids at summer camps and community events. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Canisius College and a Master's Degree in Education from LeMoyne College. Employed by the United States Secret Service since 2010, Jon balances his professional career with his passion for coaching.

In 2007, Jon founded Next Level Athletics (NLA) in Syracuse, NY, focusing on 1-on-1 training. Later, he established A Level Above Hoops, LLC (ALA Hoops), in Buffalo, NY, continuing it in Northern Virginia since 2017. Throughout his playing and coaching careers, Jon has coached countless student-athletes in individual, small group, and camp-style programs, preparing them for various levels of competition.

Jon's coaching philosophy centers on using basketball to teach leadership, character, mental toughness, teamwork, and respect. He tailors his approach to each player's learning style, fostering a positive connection to ensure success both on and off the court. Jon believes basketball is about more than just athletic talent and ability; it's about learning important life lessons that players can apply in the real world.