About Young Buckets
Founded in 2015 by Andres Marmolejo, Young Buckets Academy began its journey with a mission that went beyond just basketball – it was about forging a legacy of excellence, both on the hardwood and in life. The academy’s inception was a testament to Andres’s commitment to honing his craft and his aspiration of becoming a distinguished head basketball coach. However, as with everything Andres undertook, the scope quickly expanded. It wasn’t just about his growth, but about uplifting the entire basketball community. Young Buckets Academy stands out for its holistic approach. While basketball skills training is a core pillar, the academy recognizes that mental resilience is the bedrock upon which great players are built. Players of all ages and skill levels are groomed to face the pressures of the game, to bounce back from defeats, and to constantly push their limits. But Young Buckets’ influence isn’t confined to just players. Recognizing the crucial role of coaching and program management in shaping future stars, the academy extended its expertise to basketball programs.From helping institutions like Lincoln Park High School and Lake Forest Country Day in their early days with consulting, Young Buckets now aids basketball programs in hiring the right coaches, creating progressive year-to-year development curricula, and imparting cutting-edge training and team concepts. The transition from a consulting entity to a full-fledged academy was spurred by a simple observation – the budding talents in the Chicagoland area needed more. More gym time, more exposure to quality coaching, and more avenues to sharpen their skills. Young Buckets Academy stepped up to that challenge, evolving into a beacon for aspiring basketball legends in Chicago and beyond. In essence, Young Buckets Academy is not just a training institution. It’s a movement. A commitment to elevating the game of basketball by nurturing talents, guiding coaches, and reshaping how basketball training is approached. Under Andres Marmolejo’s visionary leadership, the academy is not only crafting skilled players but is building characters, leaders, and legends.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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”.
Single session: $50
Pack of 5 sessions: $200
Unlimited training for 10 weeks: $1000
While I’m present 90% of the time, there are instances where I train alongside past players I’ve coached or with coaches who 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.
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.