🏀 Meet Lavell
Founder | Elite Player Development | Athlete Mentor
At Cherish the Hardwood Collective, Lavell brings the perspective of a champion, educator, and mentor who understands what it takes to succeed at every level of basketball.
His journey from a young athlete in Ann Arbor to collegiate success, professional basketball overseas, and leadership in education has shaped the way he now pours back into the next generation.
Lavell believes the game of basketball can teach much more than athletic performance—it can teach discipline, character, resilience, and purpose.
Whether working with young athletes building confidence or advanced players preparing for the next level, Lavell helps athletes understand that growth never stops.
“There is always room for improvement.”
That philosophy continues to guide his life and his work with every athlete he mentors.
A Foundation Built on Growth
Lavell’s basketball journey began in Ann Arbor, where he learned early that talent alone is never enough.
As a freshman at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School, his team finished with a 1–21 record. Through commitment, discipline, and constant improvement, that same program became the 1999 Michigan Class A State Champions by his senior year as he earned National Player of the Year honors.
That experience taught him one of the most important lessons he now shares with athletes:
“Growth happens when commitment meets consistency.”
Education & Leadership
Following his playing career, Lavell transitioned into education and athlete development
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Master’s in Sports Management from Eastern Michigan University
Leadership Experience
Youth mentor
Assistant Athletic Director
Community advocate
Athlete development coach
His background uniquely combines:
Elite athletics
Education
Mentorship
Leadership
What lavell Helps Athletes With
🏀 Elite Skill Development
🧠 Mental growth
🤝 leadership & Mentorship
🌍 Next-Level Preparation
Why Athletes Trust lavell
Lavell combines:
✅ elite playing experience
✅ educational leadership
✅ authentic mentorship
✅ lived perspective
He has experienced setbacks, success, pressure growth and he uses those experiences to help athletes navigate their own journeys with confidence.
Beyond the Court
Outside of basketball, Lavell is passionate about:
Youth development
Education
Leadership
Community impact
Helping athletes become better people
His mission is to give back the same wisdom that helped shape his own life.
Because to Lavell:
There is always room for improvement
Connect With Lavell
Growth never stops. Neither should you.
Lavell’s Athletic Journey
High School career
Ann Arbor Pioneer
1999 Gatorade National Player of the Year
McDonald’s All-American
All-State Honors/ Class A State Champs 1999
National Honor Society/3.7 GPA student-athlete
1,979 career points, 52 points single game record
At the University of Michigan, Lavell became one of the most accomplished players in program history.
Big Ten Freshman of the Year
Four-time All-Big Ten selection
First Team All-Big Ten
One of only a few NCAA athletes to lead his team in scoring and rebounding for 4 consecutive seasons.
1,818 points/845 rebounds
Collegiate Career
Professional Career
After college, Lavell continued his career professionally for more than a decade overseas. Throughout her professional career she earned:
League championships
All-Star appearances
2007 Super Cup Championship
Recognized for leadership and consistency across multiple leagues
His professional experience allows him to teach athletes what the game truly demands at the highest levels.
Free 15 minute consult
Fill out the form. Tell us your goals. We’ll map a plan to crush them together.