About Coach

Born and bred in the heart of San Antonio, Texas, Andres Marmolejo’s love for basketball was not just evident but legendary. Scoring over 1,000 points in a single season, Andres left an indelible mark in the annals of San Antonio’s basketball history. His remarkable talent and passion for the game ensured that his name would be forever etched on the leaderboards, as he proudly still holds a position among the top 10 most points scored in a single game. San Antonio might have been where his basketball journey began, but it certainly wasn’t where it would end. A new chapter awaited in the Windy City. Andres made the bold move to Chicago, joining Oakton Community College’s basketball team under the tutelage of the esteemed Coach Steve Pratt. His ambition was clear: to ascend to the Division I ranks of college basketball, and with every dribble and every shot, he inched closer to his dream.
The culmination of his relentless pursuit, hard work, and undying passion came when he secured his position at Louisiana Tech. Under the watchful eyes of Coach Kerry Rupp and Assistant Coach Bob May, Andres not only achieved his goal but thrived. At Louisiana Tech, he refined his skills, showcasing his prowess and commitment to the game that had been his life’s guiding force.

Andres’s journey is not just about points on a board; it’s about perseverance, dedication, and the unwavering belief in one’s dreams. Today, as a basketball trainer, he brings to the table not just his skills but the wealth of experiences, lessons, and stories from his illustrious journey from San Antonio to Louisiana Tech. Andres Marmolejo is a testament to what passion combined with dedication can achieve, and through his training, he hopes to inspire and cultivate the next generation of basketball legends.

Young Buckets Academy

5.0

Based on 16 reviews

review us on

Glen Bridarolli

23:33 03 Jan 24

Coach Andres Marmolejo, “Dre” … took on Sam and Ellie in 5th Grade. Out of shape, very little skill, no IQ and no experience. They did have a work ethic and a love for basketball. Coach Dre worked with them, held them accountable, gave them opportunities, exposed them to older, better players and when the time was right, put them in game situation's. His philosophy of “foundation building” and focusing on step-by-step progression of skill development aligned with our families values. Both Sam and Ellie are currently playing AAU, School and Feeder Basketball. They are on a trajectory for High School Varsity Basketball. Which is both of their goals. I HIGHLY recommend Coach Dre …. BUT only if you value 360 degree development that takes time … if you expect quick results without honest effort, Coach Dre is not the guy for you.

Andres Marmolejo

18:43 02 Jan 24

Rory Haas

18:43 02 Jan 24

Coach Dre's basketball program is simply exceptional. His passion, expertise, and dedication to the sport shine through in every session. He has a unique ability to connect with each athlete, helping them to not only improve their skills but also to grow in confidence and teamwork. The drills are challenging yet fun, and I've seen a tremendous improvement in my game. Highly recommend to anyone looking to take their game to the next level.

Quinn Niego

01:49 10 Nov 23

Great program! Highly recommend.

Debbi Bishop

22:47 08 Aug 23

Andre is the BEST! He really cares about the kids he coaches, and helps them through all aspects of their life, not only basketball. He makes it fun and focuses on skills training… plus he is a great shooting coach. He’s very knowledgeable about all things Basketball and I really trust his opinion on direction for my son.

Laura Trevino

16:19 03 Aug 23

We love this basketball program! They focus on developing the individual players, not just teams. Coach Andres is exceptional at providing top-notch training, play-making and translating skills into game play. He's a master at diagnosing what can help each player maximize their skills and talents. He cares about the players - something you don't get at cookie-cutter programs. There is a family atmosphere and we know the boys are learning both basketball and life skills.

Allen Vaysberg

13:11 18 Jul 23

My son for 1 year went to another place (will remain nameless because I don't have anything nice to say). Coach Dre was recommended by a basketball coach because he had his own daughter in Young Buckets. We went to try it and I finally found the REAL basketball academy. My son understood the difference right away and even though it was hard we signed up. Since then he made his school basketball team and was a starter, and is routinely beating kids from the other program. If you want your boy or girl to learn basketball and excel in it - you should call Coach Dre.

Charlie Markee

02:54 18 Jul 23

I’ve been with Young bucks since I was in 6th grade. The development that I’ve made while playing for the program has been ridiculous. Coach Andres really believed in me. It gave me the confidence that I was lacking. The environment around the team is one of the best things. Constantly working to get better as well as knowing when to have fun. I am super thankful for Andres he has been the most influential coach I have ever had. This is an incredible program.

Rachel Lieberman

21:13 17 Jul 23

YBA is a really welcoming community and truly is a family. Coach Andres is incredibly friendly, kind, and passionate. Being a part of the YBA community has not only helped to improve my skills as a player, but also as a leader and person. The best basketball community, atmosphere, and training I’ve had.

Deuce Rayner

19:02 17 Jul 23

Pittman Alley

17:30 17 Jul 23

Young Bucks has allowed me to develop as a player but, more importantly, as a young man. Andres meticulously plans each practice to suit the needs of everyone in the gym to create a fun environment that helps determined players get better. This year will be my eighth as a part of YBA. Andres has helped elevate my game, as I attempt to play at the collegiate level, but he also reminds me of the difficulties the process will entail. This tailored approach by Andres leads me to recommend this program to anyone willing to put in the hours and see results.

Family Brown

17:01 17 Jul 23

The Young Buckets Academy is a great place to help mold young men and women into great players. Coach Dre is very passionate, knowledgeable and caring when it comes to his players. I would recommend any parent that’s looking for a place to help bring out the best in their child to consider The Young Buckets Academy!!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the training schedule?

All training and weekend game schedules are communicated through our “Team Snap” app, which can be downloaded on any device from the app store. Once registered, you will be connected and can sign up for workouts accordingly.

How do I register my child for the training?

You can register on our dedicated registration page where you can input all necessary information. Upon completion, you’ll receive a link to connect to “Team Snap”.

What are the costs associated with the training?

Single session: $50

Pack of 5 sessions: $200

Unlimited training for 10 weeks: $1000

Is Andres present at all training sessions?

While I’m present 90% of the time, there are instances where I train alongside past players I’ve coached or with coaches who’ve played at the collegiate or professional level. On rare occasions when I’m unavailable, our highly skilled team of trainers, who are well-versed in the latest training techniques, take the helm.

Are there any prerequisites for joining?

There aren’t any strict prerequisites. We cater to all skill levels. Whether your child is a beginner or already advanced, our program is tailored to meet them where they are and help them elevate their game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us