Director: Mark Miller

Coach Mark Miller is actively involved in all training sessions for each NRBA student. In addition, Coach Miller relies upon staff members to assist him who are trained and qualified to teach, challenge, motivate and encourage students to reach their full potential.

Coach Miller's Bio:
Coach Miller currently serves as Director of Sport’s Outreach for North Ridge Church in Raleigh, NC. He is also Founder and Director of North Ridge Basketball Academy. Coach Miller is highly respected as a clinician, camp director and motivational speaker. His knowledge of the game of basketball and his ability to teach the fundamentals are tremendous strengths. Throughout Coach Miller's career, many of his former players/students have gone on to sign college scholarships and to play professionally, but his main focus has always remained the same: to use the game of basketball as a training ground in helping young people develop the skills necessary, on and off the court, to be successful in life.

Coach Miller began his coaching career as the Junior Varsity Coach at Wheeler High School in Marietta, GA, a large 4A public school in metro Atlanta. After posting an impressive two-year JV record of
25-7, Coach Miller, at age 24, was elevated to the Head Varsity position. He would go on to direct the Wheeler Program for the next seven years. During his last four seasons, Miller's teams posted an outstanding 74-30 overall record. His 1991 team advanced to the quarterfinals of the Georgia Class 4A State Championships.

After Wheeler, Coach Miller entered the collegiate ranks with stops as an Assistant Coach at Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, TN and Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. In 1992, TN Temple University captured the NCCAA District 2 Championship. In 1993, with Miller joining the staff, Liberty's recruiting class was ranked #1 in the Big South Conference by Bob Gibbons of the All-Star Sports Report. In 1994, Liberty won the Big South Conference Championship earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. In the East Regional, Liberty faced #1 seed North Carolina and legendary coach Dean Smith.

Following Liberty, Coach Miller decided to return to the high school ranks to spend more time with his family. In 1995, he took over the reins of the basketball program at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, NC. Ravenscroft had suffered through 14 consecutive losing seasons prior to Miller's arrival. Under Miller's leadership, Ravenscroft won back-to-back TISAC Championships and was a 4-time state independent playoff qualifier and 3-time playoff quarterfinalist.

Beginning in 1997, while at Ravenscroft, Coach Miller helped establish and began directing Hoop Heaven Basketball Camp which would become a very successful summer camping and urban outreach program, based in New York City. Coach Miller guided and directed the growing Hoop Heaven program on a full-time basis from 2000-2004. He also began traveling overseas conducting basketball camps and clinics in the Philippines, Bhutan and Kosovo.

In 2004, Coach Miller founded MINA Ministries, and began to invest his time in the personal development of men and women as a personnel consultant and life coach. With the opening of the North Ridge Basketball Academy in 2009, Coach Miller returns his focus to the game of basketball and to his vision of providing a program where first class basketball instruction is combined with personal character development so that young people can truly reach their full potential. Coach Miller is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and is a lifetime member of the Cambridge Who's Who Registry of Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs. He lives in Raleigh, NC with his wife, Tamra and three sons Dustin, Nathan and Luke.

What Others Are Saying About Coach Miller:
"Mark Miller is a man of integrity that will give you the truth straight from the heart. In a world filled with flim-flam, it’s refreshing to see a coach honor the values of faith and action."

Adrian Branch
ACC & NBA Champion
ACC Legend of the Game
ESPN TV Analyst

"I am delighted to see the robust passion, commanding expertise and humble leadership of Coach Mark Miller manifest in and through North Ridge Basketball Academy. Places like this should be invested in, populated and championed."

Coach Morris Michalski
Basketball Specialist/Athletes in Action
Chaplain-U.S.A. Olympic Team

"It is amazing to watch Coach Miller and his staff take a ‘diamond in the rough player’ and turn him or her into a fundamentally sound player. If you are a middle or high school player who would like to improve your skill level, this is the place for you!"

Larry Lindsey
Legendary High School Coach
609-156 Career Record w/8 State Championships
Sport’s Illustrated Merit Award Winner
Numerous State and National Coach of the Year Awards
NC Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

"Coach Miller’s passion, creativity, and attention to detail make him one of the finest coaches I have ever been around. Trust me, you will grow as a player under Coach Miller’s instruction. I did."

Aaron Winkle
NCAA Div. III National Champion/ Player of the Year
Former Pro Player

"If you are serious about your development as a basketball player, you need to get in the gym with Coach Miller. You will reach a level as a player that you never thought you could."

Eddie Rogosich
North Raleigh Christian Academy
2008 NCISAA Coach of the Year

"Coach Miller is the most enthusiastic camp director I have ever worked with. His instruction rivals and surpasses the 5-Star
Basketball Camps that produce many college and professional players. His work ethic and teaching young people basketball and Christian values is second to none."

Dr. George Barber
Head Coach-Greenville College
Former NCAA Div. 1 National Champion

"Meeting Coach Miller changed my life in many positive ways and I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to play basketball in college on a full scholarship. He inspired me to be a better person not just on the court, but in everyday life as well."

Troy Sledge
2-time NAIA Champions of Character Winner
Former Pro Player

"Coach Miller has a relentless passion and energy for the game of basketball. It is only exceeded by his knowledge of the game, and his ability to communicate that knowledge with others."

Coach Art Wilmore
2-time NCCAA National Champion
University San Francisco Hall of Fame Inductee

Associate Director: Seth Huber

What Coach Miller Says About Seth Huber:
"Seth Huber is an outstanding educator. His passion, expertise, and ability to communicate the game of basketball at every level are a rare combination. I have partnered in sport's ministry with him for years, and consider his talents and abilities to be second to none. He is a man of extreme integrity who will challenge and motivate our students toward excellence. The NRBA is truly blessed to have his leadership."

Coach Huber's Bio:
Seth Huber currently serves as Associate Director of the NRBA focusing on curriculum development and international outreach expansion. Coach Huber is a Liberty University graduate where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. He is a licensed physical educator for grades Pre-K through 12th, and has been a public shool instructor for the past five years. During that tenure, he developed a physical education program emphasizing individual skill acquisition, progression, and refinement through explanation, demonstration, and repetition.

Coach Huber has been extensively involved in the game of basketball as a player and a coach internationally, interscholastically, and recreationally. He’s developed into an exceptional motivator, teacher, and communicator in regards to coaching.

Coach Huber has had experience coaching various levels of basketball in multiple settings. He was a high school boy’s basketball coach at a private school in Lynchburg, Virginia, where he compiled a winning record. He has also taught the game of basketball domestically and internationally through clinics and camps coordinating fundamental skill teaching stations. He worked as a skills coach, team coach, and league commissioner for multiple summers at Hoop Heaven Camp in New York. In addition, he has coached in various youth leagues throughout his career.

Coach Huber is also an exceptional player, and has competed in the United States, Guatemala, El Salvador, and the Philippines as a member of travel teams for both Athletes in Action and Hoop Heaven.

Coach Huber is an innate educator and coach who continues to pursue and explore opportunities to advance his abilities and experiences. He currently resides in Raleigh, NC.

Lead Player Development Instructor: Nathan Miller

What Coach Miller Says About Nathan Miller:
"Nathan Miller is an exceptional teacher of the game, and a student favorite at the NRBA. Having grown up around coaches and in basketball instructional environments, he is able to communicate to players those skills and habits that lead to success. His work ethic is unparalleled, and that drive, energy and excitement are contagious elements of his teaching. He is also a young man committed to his faith, and to challenging others to reach their full potential. It is a unique privilege to partner with my son in impacting young people in a positive way."

Coach Nathan Miller's Bio:
Nathan Miller currently serves as the NRBA's Lead Player Development Instructor focusing on staff development, 1-1, small group and camp instruction. Nathan is a 2009 graduate of North Raleigh Christian Academy. As a senior, Nathan was one of the leading scorers in North Carolina averaging 26.2 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals per game. He was also a 3-time All-Conference selection and 3-time North Raleigh Christian Academy MVP. He is currently NRCA's all-time leading scorer finishing his high school career with over 1,300 points, 350 assists, and 250 steals. Nathan also graduated with a 4.0 GPA and garnered many academic awards as well.

In April 2009, Nathan signed a letter of intent to continue his athletic and academic career at Southern Wesleyan University. SWU is located in Central, SC and competes in the highly competitive NAIA Division 1 Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC). Nathan's college coach, Coach Wimphrie, summed up his abilities in this statement: “Nate is a prolific scorer with deep range and accuracy. He has excellent ball-handling skills along with great court vision and passing ability. I anticipate Nate competing for a starting position as a freshman. My goal is to find more student athletes like Nate Miller who embraces our mission here at Southern Wesleyan University.”

Nathan just recently completed his sophomore seaason at SWU. As a freshman, he was named to the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) All-Freshmen Team and was the starting point guard on a much improved SWU team. Nathan led his team in assists, and was one of the finest 3 point shooters in the SSAC and the NAIA at over 43%. Nathan was also named to the Dean's List his first two semesters at SWU. As a sophomore, Nathan was named a Captain and his leadership on and off the court has been instrumental in SWU's return to winning success. This season he again led SWU in assists and continued his reputation as an accurate shooter and scoring threat. He was also the team’s recipient of the prestigious NAIA Champion of Character Award, and was named an NAIA/SSAC Academic All-American."We are so proud of Nate. All the hard work has paid off. He is an example to all our students of a young man committed to excellence on the court, in the classroom and as a follower of Jesus Christ." Coach Miller

Nathan honed his skills growing up a coach's son, spending his summers participating in camps across the country, and at Hoop Heaven Camp in New York, competing against outstanding athletes and players. From that experience, he developed an incredible fundamental foundation in the game, an unparalleled work ethic, and a passionate competitive spirit that continues to drive him toward success. In addition, Nathan's ability to teach and communicate the game at a high level has become a tremendous strength that others are taking note of.

For information and updates on Nathan's collegiate career, visit the Southern Wesleyan University website at: www.swu.edu

Player Development Instructor: Raina Smith

What Coach Miller Says About Raina Smith:
"The NRBA is so fortunate to have Raina as part of our staff. I was impressed with her commitment to excellence from the moment I met her. She recognizes the enormous responsibility that working with young people brings, and as a result, provides an incredible positive example for all our students to follow. Raina is a gifted communicator and teacher; her knowledge of the game and her enthusiasm teaching it are a tremendous asset to this ministry."

Coach Raina Smith's Bio:
Raina Smith currently serves as a Player Development Instructor at the NRBA focusing on 1-1, small group and camp instruction. Raina is from Raleigh, NC where, as a high school student/athlete, she attended and graduated from Ravenscroft School. While at Ravenscroft, she was a two-sport standout. As a softball player, Raina led her team to the 2004 NCISAA State Championship while garnering All-Conference and All-State honors. In addition, she was named the News and Observer’s ‘Home Run Queen.’ As a basketball player, Raina was part of the tradition rich Ravenscroft program where she started as a senior averaging nine points, twelve rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. Her performance on the court earned her the school’s Most Improved Player Award.

Raina began her collegiate career at Hawaii Pacific University where she was named to the Dean’s List with a 3.5 GPA. Following her freshmen year, Raina transferred to NCAA Div. II Barry University in Miami Shores, FL and immediately found a home with the Lady Buccaneers. She was an integral part of the 2008-09 Barry basketball team that achieved the highest NCAA national ranking (13th in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches’ Poll) in school’s history. Raina was an honor roll student at Barry, and also the team’s representative on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). While at Barry, Raina played for veteran coach Bill Sullivan who summed up her contributions and character in the following statement, “Regardless of the situation, Raina maintained an even-temperament and was filled with optimism and encouragement for her teammates. Raina is a leader on and off the court, is extremely unselfish, and always placed the team above her own desires. Raina has a tremendous work ethic and was one of our hardest workers. Each season she would spend extra hours in the gym trying to improve her game.”

In addition to her academic and athletic achievements, Raina has always been actively involved in her community and has an incredible desire to help meet the needs of others. She has been involved in several community service projects such as teaching basketball skills to inner city boys and girls at the Miami Rescue Mission; helping raise money to buy and deliver gifts to underprivileged kids during Christmas vacation; and helping build houses with Habitat for Humanity. She also served as a camp counselor for the City of Raleigh Department of Parks and Recreation for many years.

Raina continues to pursue her dream of playing professionally, and is also committed to continuing her education at the Master's level. She currently resides in Raleigh, NC.

Player Development Instructor: Luke Miller

What Coach Miller Says About Luke Miller:
“Luke is a talented and gifted young teacher who has the ability to communicate and relate to NRBA students in a powerful way. Luke has spent most of his life on the court in instructional settings, and has always competed against older players. The maturity gained from that experience gives him an edge as a player and instructor. He has a gift and a heart for sport’s evangelism, and will continue to be an important asset to the future of this ministry.”

Coach Luke Miller's Bio:
Luke Miller currently serves as a Player Development Instructor at the NRBA focusing on 1-1, small group and camp instruction. Luke is the NRBA’s youngest instructor, and has grown up around the game of basketball and sport’s ministry. He is often seen around the NRBA, and when available, jumps right in to help instruct students or to set the example of what proper technique and work ethic looks like. Luke is known for his passion and dedication to the game, but more importantly, to his Savior. It is that passion that makes him a natural fit at the NRBA.

Luke has been a member of the Varsity Basketball Team at North Raleigh Christian Academy since his freshmen year. In the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons, Luke had the opportunity to play with his older brother Nathan. Together they formed a solid backcourt for the Knights. During the 2009-2010 season, Luke not only took over an increased scoring role (12 pts. /game), but as team Captain, he also stepped up as a leader on and off the floor. This past season, Luke was instrumental in leading his team, again as Captain, to a school record 18 wins and a second consecutive trip to the state tournament. He averaged 15 points, and 3 assists/game while shooting almost 45% from behind the 3 point arc for the season. Luke was also honored as the 2011 Coach’s Award recipient for the Knights with the coaches citing his work ethic, leadership and mentorship as key factors in the team’s success. He is respected in the area as an unselfish player, a fundamentally sound competitor, an excellent decision maker and an outstanding shooter. Luke is also an honor student and is currently carrying a 4.0 GPA as a high school student.

It has been Luke's goal his entire life to play basketball at the college level. He has worked very hard to make this dream become a reality. In April 2011, Luke signed a letter of intent to continue his athletic and academic career at Emmanuel College. Emmanuel is located in Franklin Springs, GA and competes in the highly competitive NAIA Division 1 Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC). For information and updates on Luke's freshmen year and collegiate career, visit the Emmanuel College website at:
http://www.goeclions.com/sport/0/1.php

You can also still check out Luke's High School Workout Video by clicking on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edvTusQiCyE

Player Development Instructor: Dustin Miller

What Coach Miller Says About Dustin Miller:
“Dustin brings a lifetime of sport’s ministry experience to the NRBA, having been actively involved in basketball camping and instructional programs from a very young age. He is an amazing teacher with the heart of an evangelist, has a strong knowledge of the game, is an outstanding motivator and is a natural fit for all the Academy stands for and strives to achieve. To be partnering with my son in this work is a great honor and privilege.”

Coach Dustin Miller's Bio:

Dustin Miller currently serves as a Player Development Instructor at the NRBA focusing on 1-1, small group and camp instruction. He has been a part of the NRBA summer camp staff and the Kosovo 2010 Team, but due to the increase in student enrollment, he is now a permanent fixture at the Academy. Dustin spent his summers attending camps all across America, literally growing up around the game, and played basketball competitively into high school. He has a strong knowledge of the game, is an outstanding teacher, and a gifted speaker. Dustin is able to relate to students of all ages, and has a natural ability to motivate and challenge students to ‘reach their full potential.’

It was during Dustin’s high school years that his love for music would become his primary passion. He took all those lessons learned on the court as a basketball player, and began to apply them to his music career. The result is a well rounded young man whose servant leadership, work ethic, and commitment to excellence make him a positive role model for all NRBA students. With Dustin’s background and experience, he is a perfect fit in helping the Academy succeed in its mission ‘to use basketball as a means of reaching young people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.’

Dustin is a 2008 Southeastern College honors graduate, with degrees in Biblical Studies and Church Music. He is also currently a member of a local band, completing their first East Coast tour in the Summer of 2010. If you want to see Dustin the musician in action, check out the band’s website for concert dates. (www.jessraymusic.com)

Player Development Instructor: David Levine

What Coach Miller Says About David Levine:
“I am so excited to have David join the Academy staff. He is a perfect fit and brings a wealth of knowledge not only in the game of basketball, but also in the areas of conditioning and strength training. David is an exceptional teacher, motivator and encourager, and the NRBA is blessed to have him as a member of the team."

Coach David Levine's Bio:

David Levine currently serves as a Player Development Instructor at the NRBA focusing on 1-1, small group and camp instruction. He is a 2004 and 2009 NC State University graduate holding both Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees in Meteorology. David has always had a love for the game of basketball, and while still in college, began pursuing his passion of coaching high school athletes. David began his coaching career in 2003 at Trinity Academy in Raleigh, NC where he served as Assistant Varsity Girl’s Coach for two seasons. In 2006 David joined the coaching staff of Raleigh’s Homeschool New Life Storm where he served as Assistant Varsity Girl’s Coach for four years, and was a member of the New Life Storm Staff that helped lead the team to the HSPN East Coast National Title in 2009.

Homeschool athletics are very important to David because they have been such an integral part of his development having grown up in a homeschool environment in Clayton, NC. David has expressed, “Because of my background, I truly appreciate the need for great athletic instruction, and how important it is to a child’s total development.” Since leaving his coaching role with the Storm, David continues to teach, coach and mentor young people as a basketball skill instructor, a strength and conditioning coach, and as a math and science tutor. In 2010, David launched a strength and conditioning service called Empowered-Athletes which is based out of New Life Camp in Raleigh, NC. Through Empowered-Athletes, David is able to able to help athletes of all sports increase in their physical abilities while challenging them to grow and develop spiritually.

David currently resides in Raleigh, NC with his wife Shelley.

Player Development Instructor: Trey Patton

What Coach Miller Says About Trey Patton:
"Trey is an exceptional young man who has become a regular fixture here at the NRBA. His love for the game, his work ethic, and his integrity set him apart from most young men. He is an incredible role model for all of our students and has developed into an excellent teacher of the game. I am excited to have him join our staff, and to watching how God uses him to impact the lives of our students."

Coach Trey Patton's Bio:

Trey Patton currently serves as a Player Development Instructor at the NRBA focusing on 1-1, small group and camp instruction. Trey is currently a junior at North Raleigh Christian Academy in Raleigh, NC. As a sophomore on the varsity team, he played a reserve role on an NRCA team that went 18-8 making the state playoffs for the second consecutive year. This season, Trey is expected to be a major contributor to the Knight’s success. Trey is an outstanding shooter and scorer, and at 6’ 3’’ is comfortable playing both guard and forward positions. Trey has an exceptional work ethic and continues to diligently pursue his goal of playing at the collegiate level.

Trey is the oldest of three children and is a big UNC fan! He also has a strong connection to the NRBA as the first student ever enrolled in any of the Academy’s instructional programs. Over the past 2½ years Trey has committed himself to building a fundamental foundation in every area of the game. It is that foundation that he is now passing down to other NRBA students as an Instructor. Trey's move from student to staff member also begins a strategy of providing opportunities for NRBA students to grow and develop as Godly leaders and mentors. Because of his growth both as a player and person, Trey was also invited to be a member of the NRBA outreach team to Thailand in the summer of 2011.

You can follow Trey’s junior season at NRCA by logging on to the school’s website at www.nrcaknights.com

Player Development Instructor: Jill Furstenburg

What Coach Miller Says About Jill Furstenburg:
“Jill is an outstanding addition to the Academy staff. She has played competitively at the highest level, and brings a wealth of experience to our team. She will be a tremendous mentor for all of our students. More importantly, her love for God far exceeds her love for the game. It is a privilege to welcome her to the NRBA family.”

Coach Jill Furstenburg's Bio:

Jill Furstenburg currently serves as a Player Development Instructor at the NRBA focusing on 1-1, small group and camp instruction. As a high school student-athlete, Jill was a standout player at Hunterdon Central in Flemington, New Jersey where she is still the school’s all-time leading scorer amassing 1,433 career points. While at Hunterdon Central, she was honored as a First-Team All-Conference, All-County, All-Area and All-West Jersey selection. She was also named the Express Times Player of the Year and was selected to the Associated Press All-State team in 2003.

Jill made the decision to take her talents as an outstanding shooter and scorer to the Big East Conference and Providence College. As a freshman, she was one of only 4 Friars to play in all 27 games finishing fourth on the team in scoring and first in 3-point FG percentage. During her sophomore season, she led the team in overall FG percentage, and in addition to an increased scoring role, became a defensive threat as well finishing second in steals/game.

Following her sophomore year, and after two outstanding seasons at Providence, Jill made the very difficult decision to transfer schools. She found a home at the College of Charleston, and immediately had an impact as a player and team leader. During her time playing for the Cougars, Jill was called upon immediately to play a lot of minutes (ranking 13th in minutes played in the Southern Conference), and to have an impact on both ends of the floor. She would lead the Cougars in 3-point and FT percentage and finish second on the team in steals/game. While at the College of Charleston, Jill would also rank among the top 30 in the Southern Conference in scoring, as well as, rank among the top 15 in assists displaying why she is considered to be such a complete team player.

In 2008, Jill graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. She is currently employed as a Sales Representative for Restaurant.com and resides in Raleigh, NC.