COACHES
Coach Zo Durant III - Founder of Protege and NEYB
Coach Zo Durant is a proud Seattle native whose journey through sports began with a love for competition across multiple disciplines before committing fully to basketball. At Nathan Hale High School, he excelled on the court, earning All-Metro honors and graduating in 1999.
After high school, Coach Zo continued his playing career at several junior colleges before finishing at Texas A&M International University. Following his collegiate career, he felt called to give back by sharing the skills, knowledge, and lessons the game had given him.
In 2008, he joined Advantage Basketball, where he served as Men’s Program Director for three years. In 2012, he founded his own academy, NEYB, dedicated to player development and mentorship. In 2021, Coach Zo began coaching at Ballard High School, first as a varsity assistant before being named head coach. Over four seasons, he led the program with passion and purpose, earning Metro Coach of the Year honors in his second year.
Most recently, he launched Ballard Protégé, a developmental program designed to strengthen skills, character, and community through basketball. For Coach Zo, the game is more than wins and losses—it’s about giving back, honoring the sport, and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Coach Jim Rainwater – Player Development Coach for Protege & NEYB
Coach Jim Rainwater was born and raised in Seattle, WA, where his love for basketball first took root. He attended Chief Sealth High School, enjoying a successful playing career that earned him a college scholarship to the University of Portland. After his collegiate years, Jim went on to play professionally in several countries around the world.
Now back in his hometown, Jim is passionate about giving back to the community that shaped him. He takes pride in mentoring and developing young ballers throughout the Seattle area. Alongside his coaching team, he looks forward to helping kids grow their skills, confidence, and love for the game.
Coach Mark Arington – Head Coach/Player development Trainer, Protege Basketball
From August 2010 to July 2022, Mark Arington served as Co-President and Co-Founder of the Seattle Stars Basketball Club, a premier AAU boys’ basketball program in Seattle. As both an administrator and head coach, Mark played a key role in building the program into a nationally recognized force in youth basketball.
As head coach for the Class of 2022, Mark led his team to championships at some of the most competitive tournaments in the country, including:
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Yakima’s Best of the West
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Beaverton’s Nike Gym Rats Invitational
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Portland’s Rose City Showcase
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Anaheim’s Martin Luther King Jr. A.C.E.S. Tournament
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Akron’s LeBron James Shooting Stars Classic
His leadership helped the team achieve a national ranking of 4th in the Nation for Class of 2022 by Coast2Coast Prep in 2015.
Mark’s impact extends far beyond wins and trophies. He is passionate about developing young athletes, teaching life lessons through basketball, and preparing players for success both on and off the court.
Coach Avery Sligh – Head Coach, Protégé Basketball
Avery has been a dedicated three-sport athlete throughout his life, competing in basketball, football, and track. While he pursued track as far as it would take him, his passion for basketball always stood above the rest. That deep love for the game is what ultimately led him to coaching.
Understanding the impact that great coaches had on his own life, Avery felt called to give back and be that same positive influence for the next generation. He is now entering his sixth consecutive season as a basketball coach, his second year with Protégé, and proudly steps into his first season as Head Coach.
Avery is committed to helping young athletes grow not just as players, but as people—on and off the court.
Coach Shamar Botley - Head Coach for NEYB
Basketball has always been a central part of Shamar's life—not just as a sport, but as a source of valuable life lessons. The game teaches discipline, perseverance, and teamwork, lessons he strive to instill in every player he coaches. His goal as a coach is to challenge athletes to become the best versions of themselves, both on and off the court, while helping them build confidence and character. Shamar takes pride in using basketball as a platform to mentor young men as they grow into adulthood.
Shamar has been a teacher for 26 years, serving in both the Seattle and Edmonds School Districts, and have spent the past 16 years coaching basketball. His experience ranges from youth programs to the high school level, including time as both an assistant and head coach. He's passionate about player development and believe in playing a true team-first style of basketball. It’s been a privilege to be part of the NEYB program as a coach for the past four years.