Meet Our Coaches

About Coach Ward

Coach Ward is a passionate and dedicated basketball coach currently coaching for the Asheville Buncombe Young Basketball League. With a lifelong love for the game as a player, Coach Ward began coaching youth basketball in 1999, inspired by a desire to teach fundamentals, sportsmanship, and team values to the next generation of players.

Coaching Philosophy

Coach Ward believes in building a strong foundation by focusing on skill development, teamwork, and a "next play" mentality. By fostering a supportive environment, David encourages every player to reach their full potential both on and off the court. Emphasizing respect, hard work, and perseverance, Coach Ward helps young athletes grow as individuals and as teammates.

Excelling as a teammate is essential for achieving success. It is important to teach young athletes how to assess the game situation while maintaining movement and allowing play to develop naturally. Collaborating effectively, demonstrating maximum effort, and maintaining a positive attitude are attributes that do not rely on innate talent.

Coaches serve an instructional role; therefore, honesty and personal accountability are the most effective means of reaching players. Practices such as public criticism and reprimand do not foster respect or trust within the team.

Personal Background

David, originally from Asheville, attended local schools and was actively involved in basketball through community leagues, AAU, and A.C. Reynolds High School. He graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Landscape Horticulture and currently operates a local landscape company.

Passionate about the outdoors and family life, Coach Ward is dedicated to fostering a positive influence within the community and motivating young athletes to pursue their aspirations. He values his time as an opportunity to give back to the community that shaped him and to honor the mentors who guided his development.

Experience

• Coaching youth basketball since 1999
• Asheville Buncombe Young Basketball League Coach
• Former AAU and community league player
• A.C. Reynolds High School basketball alumnus

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Horticulture - North Carolina State University

About Coach Kris

Kris Carroll is an accomplished basketball coach, former collegiate athlete, and youth development leader with a passion for teaching the game the right way. A Brooklyn, New York native, Kris brings a well-rounded background in competitive play, international experience, and player development to every training session.

Playing Career

Kris competed at the collegiate level at Paul Smith's College, Farmingdale State College, and Warren Wilson College, where he was known as a high-IQ guard, reliable scorer, and elite free-throw shooter. He later took his game overseas while earning a master's degree in International Management from the University of the West of Scotland, helping lead the university's team to the Scottish Student Basketball Championship Finals and competing in Scotland's top domestic league.

Coaching Experience

• Assistant Coach - Allegheny College men's basketball program
• Director of Youth Sports Programming - Brooklyn Sports Club
• Youth basketball camps and training programs

Education

• Master's Degree in International Management - University of the West of Scotland
• Collegiate Basketball - Paul Smith's College, Farmingdale State College, Warren Wilson College

Coaching Philosophy

As a coaching instructor, Kris focuses on fundamentals, confidence, and understanding the game—helping players improve their skills, decision-making, and overall approach to basketball while fostering discipline, leadership, and love for the sport.

About Coach KG

KG Riggsbee is a results-driven youth coach focused on developing confident, disciplined, and purpose-driven young leaders. With a strong background in leadership and workforce development, he equips youth with the mindset, skills, and accountability needed to succeed in school, career, and life.

Coaching Approach

KG specializes in leadership development, character building, communication skills, and personal growth. His coaching approach centers on clarity, discipline, and execution—providing practical strategies that create lasting impact.

Through mentorship, group sessions, and transformational workshops, KG empowers young people to lead with confidence, purpose, and excellence.

About Coach Adam

Adam is a 40-year-old boys' basketball coach with a true passion for the game. Basketball has always been more than just a sport to him — it's about discipline, teamwork, growth, and heart. There's nothing more rewarding than mentoring young athletes and helping them build confidence both on and off the court.

One of his greatest blessings is getting to coach his own son. Sharing the game they both love and watching him grow as a player and young man is something he'll always cherish. For Coach Adam, basketball isn't just about wins and losses — it's about building character, creating memories, and strengthening the bond between father and son.