Coach

Tidiany Diarra

Head Coach

Bio

A Chicago native and St. Patrick High School alumnus, Coach Tidiany brings over 15 years of experience in basketball, spanning every level of the game. His journey has taken him from coaching high school and junior college players to working with NBA Academy athletes and serving as player personnel for a retired NBA player. These experiences have provided him invaluable insight into player development, team dynamics, and what it takes to succeed on and off the court.

Coach Tidiany’s philosophy centers on fostering a fun, positive, and motivating environment where athletes can sharpen their skills, build confidence, and develop a high-level understanding of the game. Whether working with beginners or elite-level players, he is committed to helping athletes unlock their full potential and elevate their performance.

With a passion for mentorship and a deep love for the game, Coach Tidiany is dedicated to guiding the next generation of players toward success—on the court and beyond.

Stats

Coaching Experience:

15+ years

Playing Experience:

St Patrick High School, 3v3 Fiba International Cup, Rec League, for fun

Education:

BS Sports Management from Lewis University & Masters Kinesiology from St. Marys College

Fun Facts:

I’m bilingual, I speak Bambara which is the native language of Mali.

Mission Statement

Underdogs Basketball is committed to fostering the development of young athletes through the sport of basketball. Our mission is to create an environment that promotes not only excellence on the court but also personal growth, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love for the game.

Our Partners