Dalé Omotoyinbo
Coach Dalé Omotoyinbo brings 10+ years of basketball coaching experience to the HoopStars family, working with all levels of players from youth through high school. In addition to his work running after-school and seasonal basketball programs, as well as his private training sessions on the North Side of the city. Coach Dalé became a partner with Cliff Paul to help young men gain life skills through their experience with AAU basketball as a HoopStars. Coach Dalé is the Head Coach for our boy’s teams for grade school and high school. With a passion for the game and infectious energy for leading and teaching young players. With yearly Jr NBA & USA basketball certifications Coach D’s instruction will add value to your game and further enhance your love of basketball.
Cliff Paul
Coach Cliff Paul has over 10 years of official basketball coaching in his career, but a lifetime of experience in the game. At an early age, Coach Cliff assisted his Mother’s AAU program the HoopStars and coached the younger teams while he himself was still a player. This program was reborn the now Illinois HoopStars. His brothers helped propel his coaching career to new heights as both of his younger brothers continue professional careers. Volunteer Coach at Boys & Girls Club with fraternity while attending University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. NBA, WNBA, Overseas & Professional Practice Experience as an observer and participant. Yearly Jr NBA, USA Basketball, Amateur Athletic Union and Local College & HS Coaching Clinic Participant, Coach Cliff founded the program with the thought of coaches and players all on the same page, with the team name galvanizing a family a basketball enthusiasts, looking to reach the highest levels of playing, coaching and development.
Elliot Engelmann
Director of Player Development
My name is Elliot Engelmann and I am thankful to have coached so many student athletes with Power Through Basketball. I started PTB in March of 2018 because I wanted to help share the knowledge I learned on my basketball journey with players that want to be challenged to achieve their best on and off the court.
For as long as I can remember, basketball has been a huge focal point for my personal development. Basketball taught me many life skills that have been sharpened on and off the court. Focus, communication, hard work and team work are crucial life skills that basketball helped instill in me. Those skills provided me opportunities throughout my professional career.
As a coach, I strive to prioritize those skills with each student athlete that I work with. The journey of self improvement is never ending and basketball can be a great teacher to young players and a good reminder to more seasoned players. I’ve been fortunate to train male and female players ranging from as young as 5 years old with no experience, to collegiate and professional basketball players that are currently under contract over seas.
Collectively the HoopStars program and the Power Through Basketball team will provide skill development opportunities that will help players find some success in games. We will also help teach the game of basketball as a whole. I expect each player to be ready to be coached about opportunities and be willing to fail! All players will compete against themselves and their teammates. Learning how to compete is an essential skill that translates to more than basketball.
Lastly, I think positive change comes in small, sometimes overlooked steps. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this journey.
Coach Elliot Notable Playing Experiences:
Three year varsity starter for Downers Grove South Mustangs from 2003-2006. Set school records for blocks and was part of most winning team in school history that won 3rd in state 2005 with a record of 30-4. Two time all-conference (2005 & 2006), one time all-state player (2006). National Honor Society & full ride Division I scholarship earner for Butler University.
Collegiate career at Butler University, two NCAA Division I Tournament experiences, 1 sweet 16 trip. Privileged to have been coached by two division 1 coaches that won coach of the year at different times. Transferred to Division II Mercyhurst. Two year starter and team was top 25 in Division II 2009.
Played professionally in the ABA (2011), PBL (2012) & NBL (2017 - 2nd round draft pick) leagues within the US & Canada. Averaged 26 points and 13 rebounds in 2011 season and helped team earn first playoff opportunity.
Bernard Price
Coach Bernard Price Jr. started playing organizes basketball at the age of 6, He has been coaching and skill training for 3 years now and is a certified basketball junkie. He loves working and developing all age groups, from kids just starting out to pros needing to work on detailed areas of their game. Coach BP is an Illinois Hoop Stars 14U and 15U head coach a Chicago base AAU program. He is the owner of Bag Camp training a skills Academy. If you are training with coach BP you will master the fundamentals and proper technique needed to play at a high level, while maintaining high Energy throughout your practices and workouts.
Hamza Batti
Coach Batti has been coaching organized basketball for 6 years. Started with the Illinois HoopStars in 2023 after he joined College Preparatory of Americas staff. He also works with the Chicago Bulls as a Team Attendant and apart if the coaching staff for the Bulls KidNation. Longtime lover of the sports, Coach Hamzais around every level of play!
Aidan Pusatera
Coach Aidan Pusatera brings over 15 years of basketball experience to the Hoopstars travel basketball team. His passion for the game began at a young age, leading him to play for Benet Academy, a nationally ranked high school program. Throughout his career, Coach Pusatera has competed across the country, gaining valuable experience at various levels of play.
Since beginning his coaching career last summer, Coach Pusatera has been dedicated to developing players of all ages—from young children to adults. He has also served as a basketball official for three years, further deepening his understanding of the game. Currently, he continues to play competitively at Marquette University in intramural leagues and officiates games on campus.
Coach Pusatera prides himself on instilling a strong work ethic, emphasizing the importance of effort and dedication regardless of the outcome. His coaching philosophy centers on helping players enjoy the game while striving for excellence. Under his guidance, players can expect to engage in competitive drills and learn the most effective strategies for success on the court. Coach Pusatera is committed to helping each player reach their full potential and develop a lifelong love for basketball.
Bilal
Bilal played high school basketball at Islamic Foundation School in Villa Park, and played college basketball at Harper College in Palatine. He graduated from DePaul University and is currently pursuing his master’s in social work at the University of Chicago.