Athletics
LAB U Basketball — elite development modeled after D-1 programs.
Intense practices, film, performance training, and a culture of accountability. We train student-athletes in a professional environment that mirrors college programs—so players are ready for the next level. Our program also earned the Big Shots National Championship, reflecting the standard we bring to every season.
Championship
Big Shots National Champions
LAB U captured the Big Shots National Championship, a major milestone that reflects our standard of discipline, preparation, and elite competitive execution.
This championship run highlights what families can expect from our program: high-level development, accountability, and a winning culture built the right way.
LAB U Basketball Program
Division-1 style development in a Christ-centered environment.
LAB U Basketball trains student-athletes in an arena-style environment with national-level competition, structured skill development, and an emphasis on character, discipline, and leadership. The program is built to both support and challenge players—giving them a platform to achieve their goals on and off the court.
The atmosphere closely mirrors the intensity and schedule of top D-1 collegiate programs. Each student-athlete is surrounded by experienced coaches, academic support, and college advisors.
Our Teams
National. Regional. Varsity. Post-Grad.
Five teams—each with a challenging schedule and clear path to growth and next-level development.
NationalNational Team
Competes against some of the nation's top programs with exposure during showcases and live-streamed games. For student-athletes aspiring to top D-1 programs. Training mirrors an elite collegiate environment.
RegionalRegional Team
Competes against regional and national programs with a challenging seasonal schedule. Opportunities for collegiate exposure at showcases and tournaments.
Boys VarsityBoys Varsity
Competes against top local and regional talent in the Charlotte area. Builds fundamentals, habits, and leadership while earning exposure at showcases.
Girls VarsityGirls Varsity
Competes against top local and regional talent. Builds fundamentals, habits, and leadership while earning exposure at showcases.
Post-GradPost-Grad Team
Our Post-Grad Team is built for athletes seeking an additional year of development before college.
- Season: October to March
- High-level competition
- Daily training + recruiting support for college placement
- For serious players only
- Domestic & international players accepted
- Only 12 roster spots available
- Players must be under 20 at enrollment
- Contact: admin@labuniversityprep.com
Athlete Commitments
Where Preparation Meets Opportunity
Student-athletes who have committed to the next level. Built at LAB U.
Joel Torres
Christian Aukuso
Esmond Thomas
JJ Dancy
Jalen Clagget
Jalen Dancy
Kevin Crockett
Makayla Minshall
Sophie Sharp
TJ Campbell
Joel Torres
Christian Aukuso
Esmond Thomas
JJ Dancy
Jalen Clagget
Jalen Dancy
Kevin Crockett
Makayla Minshall
Sophie Sharp
TJ Campbell
Joel Torres
Christian Aukuso
Esmond Thomas
JJ Dancy
Jalen Clagget
Jalen Dancy
Kevin Crockett
Makayla Minshall
Sophie Sharp
TJ Campbell
LAB U in action
Expect to see this.
Real moments from our games—the speed, the intensity, and the level of play you can expect when LAB U takes the court.
Training Philosophy
D-1 intensity. Daily.
Training blocks mirror the structure and expectations of collegiate programs—film, skill work, performance training, and team culture all aligned around excellence. We develop complete student-athletes, not just scorers.
- Position-specific instruction and competitive schedule
- Year-round training with frequent evaluations
- Leadership, discipline, and faith integration
Development
Skill development and performance training.
Skill Development
Individual skill work, position-specific instruction, and small-group training allow athletes to refine their game in a focused environment. Dr. Dish shooting lab, skill sessions, and consistent feedback build the mechanics required at higher levels of competition.
Performance Training
Athletes have access to a performance training environment focused on building strength, explosiveness, and injury prevention. Strength training, speed work, and conditioning are built into the weekly schedule so players are prepared for the demands of college basketball.
Arena-style court, performance center, and shooting lab at LABCITY.
Daily Structure
How we train.
Afternoon blocks (12:30–3:00) are dedicated to basketball and development. Coaches emphasize individual skill development, small-group training, team workouts, film sessions, and strength and conditioning.
Skill & position work
Individual and small-group development, fundamentals, and basketball IQ.
Team practice
Tactical and system work, team concepts, and game preparation.
Strength & conditioning
Performance training for strength, speed, explosiveness, and injury prevention.
Film & scouting
Game film, opponent prep, and basketball IQ development.
NBA-style combine
Pre-season testing and evaluation to assess level and areas for growth.
Leadership & culture
Standards, accountability, and character development.
Competition
Prepared for the next level.
In-season games (conference and tournament), showcases, and travel competition prepare athletes for the intensity of college-level play. Post-season, returning student-athletes can access summer camps, team camps, exposure events, and AAU affiliate programs to keep developing.
The goal is to prepare players not only for high school competition but for opportunities at the college level and beyond—with the academic and character foundation to match.
Our Coaches
Leadership that builds champions.
Experienced coaches who develop skill, character, and readiness for the next level.
National Head Coach
Andre Speech
CoachUp's #1 Basketball Trainer in NC · #8 in the US
- 35+ years in the game 4-year varsity at C.K. McClatchy (Sacramento) · school all-time leading scorer, rebounder & shot blocker
- 2-time league MVP, 2-time ALL-CITY · ATHLETE OF THE DECADE · 2015 California High School Hall of Fame
- University of San Diego (Div. 1, West Coast Conference) on scholarship · Team Most Improved Player
- Head Coach/Director, Charlotte Dragons AAU (8U–17U) · JV Head & Varsity Asst. at 2016 4A State Champion Charlotte Catholic
- Head Coach, Boys National Varsity, LAB U Christian Academy · 30+ years developing athletes (age 6 to college & pro) · Certified USA Basketball Coach
- Coached over 100 college and pro athletes
Read full bio
I have been playing the game of basketball for 35+ years. As a California native, I played my prep ball in the Sacramento area at C.K. McClatchy High School and was a 4-year varsity standout. I finished my career as the school's all-time leading scorer, rebounder & shot blocker. I was 2-time league MVP and 2-time ALL-CITY selection. I finished my high school career by receiving the prestigious ATHLETE OF THE DECADE award and was inducted into the 2015 High School Hall of Fame in California. I went on to play at the University of San Diego (Div. 1 — West Coast Conference) on scholarship and grew into a complete player moving from the Center, which I played in high school, to the Guard/Forward spot. I was awarded Teams Most Improved Player award as a sophomore increasing my points, rebs, blocks, and 3pt shooting.
Once my basketball playing career ended, I turned my attention to the development of student-athletes. I'm currently the Head Coach/Director of a very successful showcase AAU organization (Charlotte Dragons ages 8U–17U, www.CharlotteDragons.com). From 2012–2022 I was the JV Head Coach and Varsity Asst. Coach at the 2016 4A State Champion, Charlotte Catholic High School. I'm now the Head Coach of the Boys National Varsity team at LAB U Christian Academy (Charlotte, NC). I've worked with developing athletes, both girls and boys, for over 30 years. I have worked with athletes as young as age 6 up to college & pro prospects age 21+. I'm also a Certified USA Basketball Coach.
Post Grad Head Coach
Remi Davis
- Assisted Lab University Prep to become one of the nation's best programs here in the U.S .
- Successfully helped over 100 players get recruited to college (D1,D2,Juco,NAIA levels)
- Represented and trained players at the pro level
- Coached on the premier Adidas circuits for AAU
- Certified Sports Agent and USA Gold Coach. Internationally known as one of the most reliable scouts, recruiters and trainers for all levels of basketball.
Admissions
Ready to enroll at LAB University Christian Academy?
We are now accepting applications for the 2026–27 school year for grades K–12. Take the next step toward a Christ-centered, college-prep education.
Seats are limited. Early applications are strongly encouraged.