Frequently Asked Questions

  • Academy Sports Collective is a youth basketball training program based in Gibson City, Illinois, founded by Ryland Holt — a current professional player who played college basketball and professionally in Europe. ASC exists to bring high-level coaching, mentorship, and structured development to athletes in rural and underserved communities.

  • While we hope to add coaches VERY soon, all training is led by Ryland Holt, founder and head coach. Ryland is an active professional basketball player who grew up in Gibson City and built a path forward through the game. He coaches because he believes guidance — not just talent — is what separates athletes. 

  • Our programs are primarily designed for youth athletes, though we also offer a men's rec league for adults. Training sessions are tailored to the individual regardless of age or skill level — every athlete has a different starting point.

  • We are based in Gibson City, Illinois. Training programs currently take place at GCMS school facilities. Locations for individual and group training sessions are felxible, we can come to you! Specific location details are provided upon registration.

TRAINING & PROGRAMS

  • We currently offer: individual (1-on-1) training, group workouts, a 6-week summer shooting program, and a men's recreational league. A youth 3v3 tournament or league is also in development.

  • It's a structured, progressive program focused specifically on shooting mechanics, consistency, and in-game application. Athletes are evaluated at the start and finish so progress is measurable. It runs as part of our summer programming — check the Training page or contact us for current dates and availability.

  • Individual (1-on-1) sessions are fully customized to your athlete's specific needs, weaknesses, and goals. Group sessions cover skill development in a competitive team environment where athletes push each other. Both are coached directly by Ryland.

  • Every session is built around fundamentals — shooting mechanics, ball handling, footwork, and decision-making. Beyond skills, we emphasize accountability, effort, and mindset. Our goal is to develop athletes who are better in the gym and better off the court.

  • Yes. Part of our shooting program includes an initial evaluation and a progress report so athletes and parents can see concrete improvement over the course of training.

REGISTRATION & BOOKING

  • You can book directly through the Training page at academysportsco.com/training or reach out via email at Academysportsco@gmail.com or by phone at (217) 781-2134.

  • Spots are limited, especially for individual sessions and the summer programs. We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred time slot.

  • Reach out to us directly and we'll work with you. We want every athlete and family to feel confident before committing.

  • Please review our full Terms & Conditions at academysportsco.com/terms-and-agreement for our cancellation and rescheduling policy.

COST & PAYMENT

  • Pricing varies by program and session type. Current rates are listed on the Training page. You can also contact us directly for a full breakdown.

  • Our mission is to make quality coaching accessible regardless of background. If cost is a barrier, reach out to us directly — we'll do our best to find a solution.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Basketball shoes, athletic clothing, a water bottle, and a basketball if they have one. Most importantly — a willingness to work and be coached.

  • We ask every athlete to come ready to receive feedback and put in effort. Our environment is challenging but supportive. We don't measure success only by performance — we measure it by growth.

  • Parents are welcome. We believe transparency builds trust, and we want families to see the environment and culture we're building firsthand.

  • Your child will be coached by an active professional basketball player — not a former player, not a trainer with a highlight reel. Someone currently competing at a high level, bringing those lessons directly to your athlete. We also focus on long-term development over shortcuts, which means building real skills and real character, not just short-term results.

  • Reach us at Academysportsco@gmail.com or (217) 781-2134. You can also fill out the contact form at academysportsco.com/contact.