Leadership That Builds Champions

Our coaching staff brings decades of elite basketball experience and a proven development philosophy. Every coach is committed to developing complete players who succeed on and off the court.

Every Coach Follows the UEB Philosophy

Coach Marv’s development philosophy guides everything we do. Every coach on our staff is committed to building leaders first, athletes second. We develop complete players who have the skills, character, and mindset to win in basketball and in life.

Development Over Wins

Long-term growth, not short-term results.

Character Matters

Basketball teaches lessons players will use for life.

Individual Attention

Every player gets the coaching they need.

Head Coach and founder Marv Spencer

Coach Marv brings decades of elite basketball experience and a proven development philosophy to Union Elite. Under his leadership, Union Elite has become Canada’s premier destination for serious basketball development.


His approach is simple: develop the person, not just the player. Every player who trains under his leadership learns what it takes to compete at the highest levels and succeed in life.

“We bring unmatched intensity, structure, and elite-level training that prepares our players to compete and win at the highest levels in Canada and beyond.” Coach Marv

Coaching Highlights

  • 30+ years of elite basketball coaching experience
  • Developed multiple players to college and professional levels
  • Provincial and national championship experience
  • Certified high-performance coaching credentials

MEET THE COACHES

Our coaching staff brings combined decades of elite basketball experience. Every coach is committed to player development and follows the Union Elite philosophy. Learn more about each coach, their backrground, coaching philosphy and how they develop players.

Coach Norm Penola

Specialty: U12/U13 | Guard Play and Skill Development — our most senior coach

  • Biography

    Coach Norm has been developing basketball players since 2018, bringing nine years of experience working with U12 and U13 athletes with a focus on guard play. A former Team Ontario and All Canada Classic standout, he went on to play university basketball in the Philippines and compete at the semi-professional level before returning to Toronto to build the next generation of guards. Coach Norm believes confidence is the foundation of the game and creates a training environment where every player finds theirs.

  • Background

    Nine years of coaching experience since 2018, specializing in U12 and U13 athletes with a focus on guard development. Playing career includes Team Ontario (2008), the All Canada Classic (2009), university basketball at Ateneo University in the Philippines (2009 to 2012), semi-professional play with Cafe France in the Philippines (2013), and Centennial College in Toronto (2014 to 2015).

  • Philosophy

    I truly believe in Coach Marv’s approach. Being a leader is a very important trait to have, not only on the basketball court but off the court as well. What I feel is most important in developing players is building each player’s confidence in themselves. Confidence is the key to basketball and to life.

  • Player Development

    Focused on guard play: ball handling, shooting, pick and roll reads, and decision making. Players improve through a training environment built on fun and game-realistic scenarios that prepare them for what they will face on the court.

Coach Bam (Kadeem Scott)

Specialty: U10–U17   Defence, Guard Play and Competitive Mindset

  • Biography

    Coach Bam brings six years of coaching experience and a playing career that began at age seven and took him from being a top-25 prospect in Ontario to post-grad and university basketball at the JUCO level. He works with players from U10 to U17, and his coaching is built on mindset, effort, and execution. Coach Bam believes in celebrating players as they grow by building the confidence, consistency, and competitive spirit that makes them identifiable on any court.

  • Background

    Six years of coaching experience working with U10–U17 athletes. Played competitive basketball from age 7, reaching top-25 status in Ontario in high school, before going on to play post-grad at the JUCO level and earning a university basketball scholarship. Still plays recreationally today.

  • Philosophy

    My coaching aligns synonymously with Coach Marv’s approach and it’s based heavily on mindset and how you approach the game. Effort and execution. I think building confidence, consistency, and competitive spirit is most important when developing players. We have to teach, but we also have to celebrate their accomplishments along the way.

  • Player Development

    Focused on defence, finishing, ball handling, shooting, and basketball reads. Players improve by playing with confidence, awareness, and intensity — able to play both sides of the court, both open basketball and structured systems. The way you identify my players is their intensity on defence, their dominance, their skill set, and their athleticism.

Coach Warren EDWARDS

Specialty: Ages 7–18 | Grassroots, High School & Competitive

  • Biography

    Coach Warren has been developing basketball players since 2014, bringing over a decade of experience from grassroots programs on the East Coast to competitive leagues across Ontario. He has worked with athletes from age 7 to 18 at every level of the game. Coach Warren builds young men first and basketball players second — grounded in confidence, discipline, and accountability, and focused on lessons that go well beyond the court.

  • Background

    Coaching since 2014 with 10+ years of experience across the East Coast and Ontario. Worked with athletes ages 7–18 at the grassroots, high school, and competitive levels, with a consistent focus on player development and long-term growth.

  • Philosophy

    Development always comes before winning. The goal is to build young men first and basketball players second. Confidence, discipline, accountability, and leadership are the foundation. Every session is an opportunity to teach life lessons that extend beyond the court.

  • Player Development

    Dedicated to helping athletes build skills, confidence, and mindset together. Every player is prepared for success at the next level, in basketball and in life.

Coach Ivan Ventura

Specialty: Guard Development | Basketball IQ & Skill Progression

  • Biography

    With 10 years of coaching experience, Coach Ivan specializes in elite youth development with an emphasis on guard play, basketball IQ, and high-level skill progression. Having played competitively himself, he brings firsthand understanding of the discipline and mindset required to perform at a high level. His approach aligns with Coach Marv’s leaders-first philosophy, prioritizing character, accountability, and confidence. Athletes who train with Coach Ivan leave more fundamentally sound, mentally tougher, and ready to lead.

  • Background

    Aligns with Coach Marv’s “leaders first, athletes second” approach by emphasizing character, accountability, and discipline before performance. Strong leaders naturally become strong players. The most important part of developing young athletes is building confidence, work ethic, and a deep understanding of the game, not just raw talent.

  • Philosophy

    Defence is a priority. I prepare players for the future by focusing on fundamental skills that translate to success at the next level. I strive to teach basketball as a vehicle to teach the game of life. Program motto: Skills today. Strength tomorrow. Success for life.

  • Player Development

    Focused on fundamentals, ball handling, shooting mechanics, footwork, conditioning, and decision-making under pressure. Players leave more confident, fundamentally sound, and mentally tougher with higher basketball IQ, better habits, and a stronger competitive edge.

Coach SIGMUND DUNCAN

Specialty: Ages 7–18 | Grassroots, High School & Competitive

  • Biography

    With over three decades of coaching experience across both male and female programs, Coach Sigmund leads Union Elite Scarborough. His philosophy is anchored in one core principle: defence is a priority. He prepares players for the future through fundamental skill development that translates to success at every level. His program runs on a motto that says it simply: Skills today. Strength tomorrow. Success for life.

  • Background

    Over 30 years of coaching experience with male and female athletes. Head Coach of Union Elite Scarborough, focused on fundamental skill development across all age groups and positions.

  • Philosophy

    Defence is a priority. I prepare players for the future by focusing on fundamental skills that translate to success at the next level. I strive to teach basketball as a vehicle to teach the game of life. Program motto: Skills today. Strength tomorrow. Success for life.

  • Player Development

    A fundamentals-first approach with a strong emphasis on defensive development. Players leave with skills and habits that carry forward into the next level of competition and beyond.

Coach VIJAY (VJ) Vigneswaramoorthy

Specialty: Ages 9–13 | Athletic Development & Basketball IQ

  • Biography

    Coach VJ brings nine years of experience developing youth athletes aged 9–13, combining a competitive playing background with professional credentials in personal and group fitness training. He is deeply aligned with Coach Marv’s leaders-first philosophy, focused on mentoring well-rounded individuals who lead their communities. Players trained by Coach VJ leave with sharper basketball IQ and the disciplined routines required for consistent, high-level performance on both ends of the floor.

  • Background

    Nine years of experience coaching youth sports, specializing in players aged 9–13. Competitive background in high school and men’s league basketball, with professional credentials in personal and group fitness training.

  • Philosophy

    Deeply aligned with Coach Marv’s “leaders first, athletes second” philosophy. Focused on mentoring well-rounded, kind-hearted individuals who lead their communities on the court and off it.

  • Player Development

    Players improve through structured training that sharpens basketball IQ and builds the disciplined routines required for consistent, high-level execution on both ends of the floor.

Coach MARK PUNSAMMY

Specialty: U14 & Under   Individual Development and Fundamentals

  • Biography

    Coach Mark works primarily with U14 and younger athletes, bringing the perspective of a former Team Canada junior program player and the direct mentorship of Coach Marv, who shaped his game from ages 12 to 16. He prioritizes building confidence and a genuine love for basketball, with individual development and one-on-one attention at the heart of his approach. To Coach Mark, control is the foundation every skill is built from.

  • Background

    Developing coach working primarily with U14 and younger athletes. Played for Team Canada’s junior program, gaining strong knowledge of all positions and a well-rounded understanding of the game at a high level.

  • Philosophy

    My coaching style has been heavily shaped by Coach Marv, who mentored me from ages 12 to 16. I prioritize building confidence and fostering a genuine love for basketball at a young age. To me, control is the foundation of every skill — and individual development and one-on-one support are how you get there.

  • Player Development

    Focused on control as the base for all technical skill development. Every player gets individual attention, with training that builds the fundamentals they carry with them through every level of the game.

Coach BASIL [LAST NAME]

Specialty: 

  • Biography

    Coach Mark works primarily with U14 and younger athletes, bringing the perspective of a former Team Canada junior program player and the direct mentorship of Coach Marv, who shaped his game from ages 12 to 16. He prioritizes building confidence and a genuine love for basketball, with individual development and one-on-one attention at the heart of his approach. To Coach Mark, control is the foundation every skill is built from.

  • Background

    Developing coach working primarily with U14 and younger athletes. Played for Team Canada’s junior program, gaining strong knowledge of all positions and a well-rounded understanding of the game at a high level.

  • Philosophy

    My coaching style has been heavily shaped by Coach Marv, who mentored me from ages 12 to 16. I prioritize building confidence and fostering a genuine love for basketball at a young age. To me, control is the foundation of every skill, and individual development and one-on-one support are how you get there.

  • Player Development

    Focused on control as the base for all technical skill development. Every player gets individual attention, with training that builds the fundamentals they carry with them through every level of the game.

Coach shay [LAST NAME]

Specialty: 

  • Biography

    With 10 years of coaching experience, Coach Ivan specializes in elite youth development with an emphasis on guard play, basketball IQ, and high-level skill progression. Having played competitively himself, he brings firsthand understanding of the discipline and mindset required to perform at a high level. His approach aligns with Coach Marv’s leaders-first philosophy, prioritizing character, accountability, and confidence. Athletes who train with Coach Ivan leave more fundamentally sound, mentally tougher, and ready to lead.

  • Background

    Aligns with Coach Marv’s “leaders first, athletes second” approach by emphasizing character, accountability, and discipline before performance. Strong leaders naturally become strong players. The most important part of developing young athletes is building confidence, work ethic, and a deep understanding of the game, not just raw talent.

  • Philosophy

    Defence is a priority. I prepare players for the future by focusing on fundamental skills that translate to success at the next level. I strive to teach basketball as a vehicle to teach the game of life. Program motto: Skills today. Strength tomorrow. Success for life.

  • Player Development

    Focused on fundamentals, ball handling, shooting mechanics, footwork, conditioning, and decision-making under pressure. Players leave more confident, fundamentally sound, and mentally tougher with higher basketball IQ, better habits, and a stronger competitive edge.

Coach JENNA STONE

Specialty: 


  • Biography

    Coach VJ brings nine years of experience developing youth athletes aged 9–13, combining a competitive playing background with professional credentials in personal and group fitness training. He is deeply aligned with Coach Marv’s leaders-first philosophy, focused on mentoring well-rounded individuals who lead their communities. Players trained by Coach VJ leave with sharper basketball IQ and the disciplined routines required for consistent, high-level performance on both ends of the floor.

  • Background

    Nine years of experience coaching youth sports, specializing in players aged 9–13. Competitive background in high school and men’s league basketball, with professional credentials in personal and group fitness training.

  • Philosophy

    Deeply aligned with Coach Marv’s “leaders first, athletes second” philosophy. Focused on mentoring well-rounded, kind-hearted individuals who lead their communities on the court and off it.

  • Player Development

    Players improve through structured training that sharpens basketball IQ and builds the disciplined routines required for consistent, high-level execution on both ends of the floor.

Coach LaToya Ward

Specialty: 

  • Biography

    Coach Mark works primarily with U14 and younger athletes, bringing the perspective of a former Team Canada junior program player and the direct mentorship of Coach Marv, who shaped his game from ages 12 to 16. He prioritizes building confidence and a genuine love for basketball, with individual development and one-on-one attention at the heart of his approach. To Coach Mark, control is the foundation every skill is built from.

  • Background

    Developing coach working primarily with U14 and younger athletes. Played for Team Canada’s junior program, gaining strong knowledge of all positions and a well-rounded understanding of the game at a high level.

  • Philosophy

    My coaching style has been heavily shaped by Coach Marv, who mentored me from ages 12 to 16. I prioritize building confidence and fostering a genuine love for basketball at a young age. To me, control is the foundation of every skill, and individual development and one-on-one support are how you get there.

  • Player Development

    Focused on control as the base for all technical skill development. Every player gets individual attention, with training that builds the fundamentals they carry with them through every level of the game.

Coach David Forster

Specialty: 

  • Biography

    With 10 years of coaching experience, Coach Ivan specializes in elite youth development with an emphasis on guard play, basketball IQ, and high-level skill progression. Having played competitively himself, he brings firsthand understanding of the discipline and mindset required to perform at a high level. His approach aligns with Coach Marv’s leaders-first philosophy, prioritizing character, accountability, and confidence. Athletes who train with Coach Ivan leave more fundamentally sound, mentally tougher, and ready to lead.

  • Background

    Aligns with Coach Marv’s “leaders first, athletes second” approach by emphasizing character, accountability, and discipline before performance. Strong leaders naturally become strong players. The most important part of developing young athletes is building confidence, work ethic, and a deep understanding of the game, not just raw talent.

  • Philosophy

    Defence is a priority. I prepare players for the future by focusing on fundamental skills that translate to success at the next level. I strive to teach basketball as a vehicle to teach the game of life. Program motto: Skills today. Strength tomorrow. Success for life.

  • Player Development

    Focused on fundamentals, ball handling, shooting mechanics, footwork, conditioning, and decision-making under pressure. Players leave more confident, fundamentally sound, and mentally tougher with higher basketball IQ, better habits, and a stronger competitive edge.

our coaches

EXPERT COACHING FOR EVERY PLAYER

Every coach at Union Elite brings a proven background in competitive basketball and a shared commitment to developing complete players. Our staff combines championship experience, certified credentials, and a genuine belief that the right coach changes everything for a young athlete.


Every player who trains at Union Elite learns from coaches who are invested in who they are becoming. Whether your player is just starting out or competing at an elite level, our staff has the experience and commitment to help them get there.



OUR COACHES HAVE:
  • Provincial and national championship experience
  • Certified coaching credentials
  • Continuous professional development
  • College and professional playing backgrounds
  • Youth development specialization
  • Player-first coaching philosophy

INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS

Every player gets personalized attention focused on their specific needs and goals.

PROVEN TRAINING METHODS

Techniques used by championship programs across Canada and beyond from the best players.

ONGOING SUPPORT

Coaches invested in each player's long-term success, not just this season.