Coach Kevin's History
Educational & Basketball Journey
About Kevin Yurkus Training and Founder, Coach Kevin Yurkus
Hailing from the basketball heartland of Detroit, Michigan, Kevin Yurkus’s story is a testament to the enduring power of passion and perseverance. His remarkable journey from the courts of Detroit to the international basketball stage is a testament to the transformative power of basketball.
Educational & Basketball Journey
After a successful high school career, Coach Kevin pursued higher education at Arizona State University, where he earned a degree in Political Science. However, his love for basketball never waned. This passion led him to embark on his coaching journey, starting with the Los Angeles Clippers. Following his time with the Clippers, Coach Kevin’s path continued to unfold as he gained experience with the Los Angeles Pro Summer League and the Mexico City Aztecas in the competitive Continental Basketball Association. These experiences honed his coaching skills and deepened his understanding of the game.
Entrepreneurship and the Return to Basketball
Coach Kevin’s basketball journey veered away as he ventured into the private sector, leading his own financial services company, all the while, his involvement in basketball remained strong.
In 2015, Coach Kevin found a fresh start in Thailand, taking on the roles of a professional head coach and a certified youth coach. This experience exposed him to the FIBA game and an introduction into international basketball, further enriching his coaching knowledge.
Rising to Prominence in Vietnam
After 2 successful years in Thailand, Coach Kevin found a new home in Vietnam, where he became the General Manager and Head Coach of the CanTho Catfish in the Vietnam Basketball Association (“VBA”). Under his leadership, the Catfish transformed from last place to VBA champions in just two seasons.
Coach Kevin’s journey reached new heights when he became the Director of Vietnam’s National Basketball Team, guiding the program to unprecedented success. In the 30th Southeast Asian Games, he led Vietnam’s Senior Men’s team to a pair of bronze medals, the first-ever for Vietnam in international basketball competition.
After his success with the Vietnam National Team, Coach Kevin took over as the Head Coach of Vietnam’s premier professional team, the Saigon Heat, where Coach Kevin secured yet another VBA championship in 2020, making him the first coach to achieve multiple titles.
Summoning up Coach Kevin’s 3 years in the VBA, he won 2 VBA championships and 3 VBA Coach Of The Year awards.
Transforming Vietnam's Basketball Landscape
Kevin’s influence extended beyond the courts as he continued to lead Vietnam’s National Basketball Team to remarkable achievements, including gold and silver medals in the 31st & 32nd Southeast Asian Games.. Under his guidance, Vietnam’s National Team evolved from obscurity to become a formidable presence in Southeast Asian basketball.
A New Chapter
In 2023, Coach Kevin returned to the United States to focus on the basketball development of his son, Nathan. Despite the distance, he remains dedicated to Vietnam’s National Team as their Director of International Recruiting.
Coach Kevin’s vision for the future led to the creation of Kevin Yurkus Training—a platform designed to develop young basketball talent while fostering a vibrant basketball community.
Coach Kevin Yurkus’s’ journey is a testament to the transformative power of basketball and the indomitable spirit of those who are dedicated to the game. His passion, knowledge, and commitment continue to leave an enduring legacy on the global basketball stage.
Coach Kevin lives in San Diego, CA and has 2 sons, Grant (18) and Nathan (10).
