Tarik El‑Bassiouni
Head Varsity Coach

Born and raised in Stroudsburg, Tarik El‑Bassiouni has been part of the basketball program since fourth grade. He played four years on varsity, three as a starter, and two as captain, leading his teams to four league championships, a district championship, and a state quarterfinal appearance against Kobe Bryant’s Lower Merion squad. A multi‑sport athlete, he also excelled in tennis, winning district and state titles. By the end of his high school career, El‑Bassiouni ranked third all‑time in scoring with 1,400 points, second in assists, and second in steals.

He continued his education at the University of Miami, where he studied business, law, and finance. Though he attended on a tennis scholarship, his passion for basketball drew him back to the court. After earning a spot through open tryouts, he played alongside future NBA players, competed at Madison Square Garden, won a Big East championship, and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16, experiences he calls some of the best of his life.

El‑Bassiouni began coaching under his mentor, Shawn Thornton, serving six years as a varsity assistant before stepping back to raise his family. He returned as head coach four years ago, determined to restore Stroudsburg Basketball to its proud tradition. Influenced by Thornton and Ed Hagy, his coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, accountability, and building success both on and off the court.

His proudest milestones include guiding the varsity team back to the district playoffs and semifinals for the first time in years, expanding the feeder program from 50 to more than 130 players, and reviving the Mountie Camp; originally established by longtime Stroudsburg coach and teacher Bill White, whose legacy continues to inspire the program. Today, the camp brings nearly 90 athletes together each summer. For El‑Bassiouni, these accomplishments represent more than basketball; they embody identity, community, and continuity. 

Family plays a central role in his journey. His wife and children embrace “basketball season mode” alongside him, making coaching a shared commitment. He hopes his players remember him as a coach who cared deeply, demanded effort, and believed in their growth as athletes and people.

El‑Bassiouni sees Stroudsburg Basketball as more than a team, it is a community. He believes the program’s strength lies in volunteers, families, and supporters who give back. His ultimate goal is to one day hang another banner in the gym, honoring both the athletes and the community that make Stroudsburg special.

For him, Stroudsburg Basketball is built on three pillars: Passion, Pride, and Tradition. Values he strives to uphold every season.

David Clowney
Varsity Assistant Coach

David Clowney’s journey with Stroudsburg Basketball began as a player, where he captained the team during his senior year. Though he never imagined himself coaching, his love for the game drew him back after college. What started as volunteering quickly became a calling, and today Clowney has spent nearly a decade on the sidelines, shaping players with the same passion he once carried as an athlete.

At Coastal Carolina University, Clowney pursued track and field rather than basketball, an experience that taught him the discipline and accountability required to compete at the highest levels. Those lessons now guide his coaching style, where he sets standards and holds players accountable to their goals, whether they dream of playing at the next level or simply want to succeed in life beyond the court.

Clowney’s impact on the program is rooted in consistency and care. He believes every player deserves to be challenged to reach their potential, and he takes pride in helping athletes grow into men who understand responsibility and resilience. His family has been supportive throughout his coaching career, recognizing the sacrifices required to balance time, passion, and impact.

For Clowney, coaching at Stroudsburg is more than basketball — it’s about legacy. He hopes to be remembered as a coach who genuinely cared for each individual, taught the game with passion, and created an environment where players had fun while striving to be their best selves.

Eric Bomboy

Varsity Assistant 

Eric Bomboy has deep roots in Stroudsburg athletics. As a student‑athlete, he played basketball as a guard for the 1990 and 1991 league championship teams and football as a quarterback and defensive back for the 1989 and 1990 league championship squads. His experiences on both the court and the field gave him a strong foundation in teamwork, discipline, and leadership.

Bomboy continued his athletic journey at Moravian University, where he played football from 1991 to 1994 while earning his degree in education. For the past 30 years, he has served as a teacher in the Stroudsburg School District, blending his passion for sports with his commitment to education.

His coaching career spans decades and multiple programs. Bomboy has been an assistant coach for Stroudsburg High School boys basketball across several eras (1994–1999, 2009, and 2023 to the present), head coach of the girls basketball team from 2000 to 2003, and assistant coach for football from 1994 to 1999 and again from 2004 to 2008. His longevity and versatility reflect his dedication to supporting athletes across sports and generations.

Family is central to Bomboy’s life. His wife, Ashley, is a music teacher in the Stroudsburg School District, and his sons Colton and Gavin are active in cross country, track, and the Stroudsburg High School Marching Band’s drumline. He hopes to be remembered as a coach who invested in both the athletic and personal growth of his players, carrying forward the same pride and tradition that shaped his own journey.

Saveon Jackson
Junior Varsity Head Coach

Saveon Jackson’s love for basketball began with his cousins and older brother, who inspired him to play. He went on to compete for Stroudsburg High School, where his favorite memories include battling in EPC and district playoffs. His standout season came as a senior, when he embraced leadership and consistency on the court.

Jackson has been part of Stroudsburg Basketball for over a decade — seven years as a player and now three years as a coach. He credits mentors Tarik El-Bassiouni and Rich Baker for shaping his approach, emphasizing conditioning, effort, and discipline. For Jackson, success is defined not only by improvement each game but also by staying out of trouble and maintaining strong grades off the court.

One of his proudest coaching moments came when his team rallied from a 20‑point deficit in the fourth quarter against Pocono Mountain East, a comeback that reflected resilience and belief. He now supports athletes by sharing lessons he learned late in his own career, reminding them of the extra work required to reach their goals and the importance of preparation.

Jackson believes high school coaches play a critical role in shaping a player’s path to success. He hopes to be remembered as a coach who always went the extra mile whether helping athletes on the court or guiding them through challenges off it. His legacy is rooted in effort, mentorship, and the belief that every player deserves a chance to grow into their best self.

Micaiah Brown
Junior Varsity Assistant

Micaiah Brown grew up in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, where he played basketball as the starting point guard for the high school team. During his senior season in the playoffs, he hit six three‑pointers to advance his team to the next round — a moment he remains proud of. His experiences in football, and watching his father coach, shaped his style and focus on toughness.

Brown has been part of the Stroudsburg program since 2018 and has now been coaching for two years. A big mentor for him has been Coach Dave, whose energy and competitiveness inspired Brown’s own approach. His core values center on toughness, both physical and mental, and he believes success is all about hustle, how much more can be accomplished with the 24 hours given each day.

One of Brown’s proudest moments as a coach has been watching players grow into their potential. He recalls seeing Tae El‑Bassiouni in the gym since his own sophomore year, and later watching Tae break his personal record for three‑pointers in a season as a freshman. 

Brown’s family has been supportive throughout his journey, and he hopes his players will remember him as humble and positive.

Coaching at this level, Brown believes, is a blessing. He hopes one day to put a banner up and be part of that story, leaving a legacy of impactful messages and encouragement for every player he mentors.

Alex Roman
Freshman Head Coach

Born and raised in East New York, Brooklyn, Alex Roman grew up playing as many sports as he could, developing toughness and resilience that would later define his coaching style. He went on to play Division II basketball at Dowling College in the late 1990s, an experience he describes as one of the best of his life. Competing at that level taught him discipline, balance, and perseverance, while also allowing him to earn multiple degrees.

Now in his third year coaching Stroudsburg Basketball, Roman finds coaching to be one of the most rewarding jobs he has ever had. Everything he teaches is rooted in toughness, a quality he believes is often overlooked in today’s youth. He credits mentors and his own playing experiences for shaping this philosophy, emphasizing that toughness is not just physical but also mental, preparing athletes for challenges both on and off the court.

One of his proudest moments as a coach comes when he sees his players outside of school, excited to share their accomplishments, goals, and plans. These encounters remind him of the lasting impact coaches can have beyond the game. Roman’s wife has been a cornerstone of his journey, providing the support that allows him to dedicate time and energy to the program.

Roman hopes his legacy reflects both toughness and care. He wants to be remembered as a coach who truly invested in his players, pushing them to give 100% effort while also showing them that they had someone who believed in their growth as athletes and as people.

Benjamin Cumbo Jr.
Middle School Head Coach

Benjamin Cumbo Jr. built his path in basketball through resilience. Though he was cut from community college ball and never played middle or high school basketball, he went on to play professionally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, finishing in the finals for the G League Mad Ants in Indiana. Those early setbacks shaped his passion for skills and development training, where he turned “no’s” into “yes” for other kids. His college years at Odessa were difficult, often spent on the bench, but they taught him perseverance and the importance of preparation.

Cumbo’s coaching journey began at PG Community College, where he worked with girls’ teams and quickly realized the need for stronger skill development at younger levels. He went on to coach at HD Woodson, Shabach Academy, National Christian, and the Pro‑Am Washington Fusion, working alongside streetball legends and overseas professionals. Those experiences inspired him to found Dream Grind Believe (DGB) Skills & Development, a program built on identity, purpose, and realistic planning for players.

His impact extends beyond the court. Cumbo emphasizes giving athletes a sense of duty and honor, helping them see basketball as a vehicle for changing their family’s future. He believes in guiding youth toward realistic goals, instilling patience, and modeling calm leadership. One of his proudest memories is leading an underdog AAU team on the Under Armour circuit to an 11th‑place finish, ranking second in scoring despite having no sponsors or big‑name players a testament to grit and belief.

Cumbo hopes his legacy reflects God, family, and basketball — values that shaped him and now inspire his community. He wants to be remembered as a coach who gave young athletes hope, identity, and the tools to succeed, proving that even the underdog can make it.

Madison Horahan
Middle School Assistant 

Madison Horahan grew up in Lacey Township, New Jersey, where she competed in basketball, soccer, and track. As a high school athlete, she balanced multiple sports and practices daily, learning early how to manage time and responsibilities. Her love for athletics never faded, and coaching became a natural extension of her passion for sports and mentoring.

At East Stroudsburg University, Horahan studied Special Education and Early Education while continuing her athletic pursuits in track, where she ranked eighth in the state as a freshman. Though basketball was not her primary sport in college, her experiences across disciplines shaped her coaching philosophy: preparation, communication, and respect for each athlete’s individual journey.

This is her first year coaching with Stroudsburg Basketball, and she credits Coach Fisher as a key influence. His approach coaching to each player’s abilities without judgment  inspired her to adopt a style that emphasizes growth and encouragement. For Horahan, success is measured individually, with each student striving toward their own goals.

Her proudest coaching moment came while leading a volleyball team to an undefeated season, connecting her athletes with collegiate training opportunities and showing them what was possible beyond high school. Family remains central to her journey; though she now lives away from them, their constant support has fueled her drive to coach and mentor.

Horahan hopes to be remembered as someone who helped athletes love the sport rather than fear it, and as a coach who taught lessons that extend beyond the court. She believes this age is especially influential, with coaches serving as role models during formative years. Her legacy is rooted in fostering resilience, community, and joy in competition.

Cindy Svensson
Middle School Volunteer

Svensson takes pride in fostering community, sportsmanship, and inclusion, believing the program builds both basketball skills and life lessons. She hopes her legacy reflects her energy, positivity, and pride in Stroudsburg, and that players remember her for instilling integrity and resilience, all rooted in the relationships, opportunities, and pride of being part of something bigger than yourself.

A 2003 Stroudsburg graduate, Cindy Svensson grew up surrounded by supportive family, athletes, and coaches who shaped her path. She excelled in multiple sports, earning varsity letters and captaining teams in basketball, soccer, and cross country. On the basketball court, she was a three‑year starter, team captain, and earned All‑Area honors, experiences that gave her a deep appreciation for toughness and teamwork. In soccer, she set Stroudsburg’s single‑season and career scoring records, breaking 100 career goals, and earned numerous all‑area and all‑state honors.

Since beginning her teaching career in 2007, Svensson has coached across multiple levels, including JV girls basketball, middle school soccer, and varsity girls soccer. As head coach of the varsity girls soccer team, she led her teams to MVC championships in 2011, 2012, and 2013, and was named Pocono Record Coach of the Year twice. More recently, she has helped grow Stroudsburg’s 5th and 6th grade basketball program, expanding it from five co‑ed teams to thirteen boys and girls teams.

Her teaching background informs her coaching style, emphasizing patience, inclusion, and confidence‑building. She takes pride in fostering community, sportsmanship, and resilience, ensuring that every player feels part of something larger than themselves. One of her proudest moments has been watching the 5th and 6th grade program blossom, seeing young athletes discover their identity and grow into leaders on and off the court.

Svensson hopes her legacy reflects the joy of giving back to the school and community that shaped her own journey. For her, coaching is about more than wins and losses it’s about instilling values that last long after the final whistle. Players and families alike remember her for her energy, positivity, and belief in every child’s potential, and for building a foundation that strengthens Stroudsburg basketball for years to come.

Willie Watkins

Strength & Conditioning Coach

Originally from New Jersey before relocating to the Poconos, Willie Watkins has carried a lifelong passion for basketball and sports performance. He earned his bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University and a master’s degree from Liberty University in Exercise Science, building a foundation that now guides his work with Stroudsburg athletes.

Now in his second year as Strength & Conditioning Coach, Watkins credits mentors such as Troy Jones, Pat Anderson, and Justin Newell for shaping his philosophy. His core values, effort, attitude, discipline, and accountability are principles he instills daily, reminding athletes that while many factors are outside their control, these qualities never should be.

Watkins takes pride in preparing athletes physically and mentally for the next level. One of his proudest impacts has been hearing from former players who return from college and share how ready they felt for the demands of collegiate strength programs because of their training at Stroudsburg.

Family plays a central role in his journey. Whether watching his stepdaughter compete in track or bringing his young children to lifting sessions and games, Watkins blends his personal and professional life with joy. He hopes to be remembered as a coach who truly cared about the well‑being of athletes, did things the right way, and helped elevate Stroudsburg sports performance.

He believes that while the work is demanding, it should also be fun and hopes the stories told about his time coaching reflect both the hard work and the camaraderie he shared with his athletes.

Joe Chin

Volunteer  Varsity Assistant

Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Joe Chin grew up surrounded by the energy and intensity of city basketball. He played at Fordham Prep, where he earned spots on both JV and Varsity as a sophomore, later becoming a two-year captain and senior MVP. A CHSAA A Division All-Star, Chin built his game through discipline and relentless repetition, studying the craft as a smaller guard determined to compete at the highest level. His development earned him an invitation to the prestigious Five-Star Invitational Camp, where he played alongside future NBA talents including Kemba Walker, Michael Beasley, and Tyreke Evans. Those experiences shaped his understanding of the game and ignited a passion he now pours into developing young athletes.

Chin continued his basketball journey at Baruch College, where he played Division III basketball while majoring in Business Administration with a focus in Entrepreneurship. His college years remain some of the most meaningful of his life, a time defined by growth, mentorship, and the realization that basketball could be both a personal pursuit and a platform for teaching. Under the guidance of Coach Ray Rankis and several AAU coaches who helped unlock his potential, Chin learned the value of hard work, trust, and consistency, lessons that would later define his coaching philosophy.

This season marks Chin’s first year volunteering with the Stroudsburg Basketball Program, a role he approaches with genuine gratitude and purpose. His coaching centers on helping players grow as athletes and as young men, using basketball as a vehicle to teach teamwork, resilience, accountability, and the value of working toward a shared goal. For him, success is seeing something taught in practice come alive in a game at that moment when understanding turns into execution.

Chin’s impact reaches beyond the court. He is committed to helping players navigate the path to the next level, sharing the same habits and fundamentals that shaped his own journey. Whether he is breaking down footwork, teaching pace, or explaining how to read a defense, he brings a player development mindset rooted in clarity and simplicity.

Family is at the heart of his coaching life. When he is not with the team, he is usually outside shooting with his daughter or watching games at home, reminders that basketball is woven into both his personal and family identity. Their support fuels his commitment to giving back to the sport that shaped him.

Chin hopes his players remember him as someone who cared about their growth as athletes and as people. His legacy goal is simple: that one day, a former player recalls a lesson that helped them succeed at the next level. And if there is one message he hopes endures, it is the same principle that guided his own playing career: “Keep it simple.”