Private Basketball Training & Coaches in Smithfield, NC

Coach Chuck Paylin is the founder of Showtime Athletics, a youth development organization established in 2011. Through basketball, mentorship, education, and character development, he has helped young athletes build confidence, discipline, leadership skills, and a strong work ethic. His focus is creating opportunities for youth while developing successful student-athletes both on and off the court.

My passion for basketball has only grown stronger in my 20 years of playing . I'm dedicated to cultivating a supportive environment where players can refine their skills, build confidence, and develop a deep love for the game. Let's work together to unlock your full potential on the court.

"Josiah had an awesome tournament shooting the ball. Game 1-14 points (4 3PM) Game 2-14 points (2 3PM) Game 3-9 points (1 3PM) I’ll send you the highlights. You can see him stepping and jumping into his shot like you were showing him. Appreciate ya Coach JJ!

With more than 15 years experience, I have dedicated much of my time coaching, training, and mentoring young athletes in the game of basketball. Having a profound comprehension and love for the game, allows me to develop a workout routine tailored to individual needs, fostering both athletic growth and an enjoyable atmosphere to learn a new skill. Perfecting the athletes craft is always my mission.

" Coach RJ is an excellent basketball coach. He was very knowledgeable and great at breaking down skills - ensuring my son understood the drills. He is focused and encouraging and helped improve and sharpen my son’s game. Jaelen Nehls - Wake Forest Highschool

Hello family!!! I’m Ja and I’m currently playing simi professional basketball for the Carolina kings. I would love to help better the youth in my community get better at the sport they love playing.

"Ja honestly made basketball fun for me again😂😂ik it sounds crazy but he honestly did.! Thank you man!!

Professional basketball player and coach with experience at collegiate and pro level. I am a graduate of NC state, JMU and Georgia Tech. I am very passionate about player development and creating a competitive environment where players can improve.

Jaylon Gibson – Basketball Coach & Instructor Hi! I’m Jaylon Gibson, a former collegiate basketball player from , with experience competing at the Power Five, Division I, and Division II levels. Basketball has been a major part of my life for over a decade, and I love helping young athletes grow in skill, confidence, and love for the game. Standing 6’10” and playing primarily in the frontcourt, I was a 3-star high school prospect, ranked among the top players in North Carolina. I attended Grace Christian School, where I averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds per game as a senior, leading my team to the state playoffs. I also competed on the AAU circuit with UC27 Carolina DreamChasers and Team Wall Elite, gaining experience against high-level competition nationwide. At the collegiate level, I began my career at NC State, competing in the ACC and learning the daily habits, discipline, and preparation required at the highest level of college basketball. I later transferred to Winston-Salem State University, where I had a breakout season and was named to the All-CIAA Frontcourt Team and All-CIAA Tournament Team. That year, I ranked top-10 in the CIAA in both scoring and rebounding, earned multiple CIAA Player of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week honors, and helped my team compete at a championship level. I also spent time at UNC Greensboro and Charleston Southern, where I continued developing as a player and teammate. At Charleston Southern, I recorded a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double before a season-ending injury. That experience strengthened my understanding of resilience, recovery, and mental toughness lessons I now pass on to the athletes I coach. My Coaching Style My coaching style is positive, structured, and encouraging, while still holding athletes to a high standard. I believe players learn best when they feel supported, challenged, and confident. I focus on teaching the why behind skills, not just the motions, so athletes can apply what they learn directly to games. I emphasize: - Strong fundamentals (footwork, balance, shooting form, defensive positioning) - Basketball IQ (spacing, decision-making, reading the game) - Confidence and effort (playing hard, staying coachable, learning from mistakes) - Game-ready skills that translate to real competition Because I’ve played at multiple collegiate levels, I’m able to tailor instruction to each athlete’s experience level and explain how skills progress as competition increases. Lesson Format & What to Expect Each session is organized, engaging, and age-appropriate, typically including: - Dynamic warm-up and movement prep - Skill development (ball handling, shooting, finishing, defense) - Position-specific instruction (especially helpful for post players and wings) - Game-like drills and competitive reps - Positive feedback and teaching moments I also can give advice on what to look for when seeking to play for a good basketball program at any level. I work with athletes of all skill levels, from beginners learning the basics to more advanced players preparing for middle school or high school competition and seeking college scholarships. My goal is for every athlete to leave sessions better than they arrived more confident, more skilled, and excited to keep improving. Why I Coach Basketball has given me incredible opportunities and lifelong lessons. Coaching allows me to give back by investing in the next generation of athletes. I care deeply about player development not just as basketball players, but as young people learning discipline, teamwork, and confidence. If you’re looking for a coach who brings high-level playing experience, intentional teaching, and genuine care for each athlete, I’d love to work with you!

I’ve played most sports growing up, but basketball has stuck with me the most. I grew up playing with and against some of the best players from across the world. Most of my peers are still currently playing professionally, either in the NBA or overseas. I went to private school for basketball and eventually found my way to NCCU from 2013-2016, when we made it to the NCAA tournament 3 years in a row. I just moved back to the RDU area from Phoenix, AZ, and excited to give back everything I know!

I bring 20 years teaching basketball, combining tactical insight, technical skill development, strength-conditioning, and a deep passion for the game. I deliver individualized plans that build fundamentals, court IQ, and confidence within a disciplined, approachable framework.