Meet the Owner: Coach Derek Ross

 

Born and raised in Durham, NC, Coach Derek Ross found his passion for basketball early in life. As the son of a high school basketball coach, the game has always been a central part of his world. A graduate of Southern Durham High School, Coach Ross competed with and against players who would go on to have professional careers.

He continued his academic journey at the University of Mount Olive, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Management Information Systems. After college, Coach Ross co-founded a nonprofit organization where he served as Director of Basketball Operations from 2011 to 2018, forming travel ball organizations, NBN All-Stars and Team Blaze, helping to develop youth talent across the region.

 

Coach Ross's coaching career includes a number of successful stints at both the middle and high school levels:

• Shepard Middle School (2017–2018): Head Boys Basketball Coach; led the team to the playoff semifinals with a 10-4 record and 3rd place conference finish.

• Southern High School (2018–2019): Head JV Boys Coach; guided the team to a 12-6 record and 2nd place in the conference.

• Voyager Academy Middle School (2019–2020): Assistant Coach; helped the team to a 16-1 season and a conference championship.

• Jordan High School (2020–2021): Skills Development Coach and Lead Assistant for the Varsity Girls; the team went 10-3, placed 2nd in the conference, and advanced to the second round of the NCHSAA state playoffs.

 

Currently, Coach Ross serves as the Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Jordan High School, where his impact has been significant:

• 2021–2022: In his first year, the Falcons posted a 23-4 record, won the DAC VII conference, captured the conference tournament title, and reached the 3rd round of the NCHSAA state playoffs.

• 2022–2023: The Falcons went 21-10, secured back-to-back 20-win seasons, and reached the Elite Eight of the NCHSAA state playoffs for the first time since 2005.

• 2023–2024: The team finished 13-13 and made another appearance in the state playoffs.

• 2024–2025: The Falcons bounced back with a dominant 24-4 record, won the DAC VII conference and tournament championship, and achieved a Top 15 state ranking and a 4 seed in the NCHSAA. 

 

Since 2011, Coach Ross has trained and mentored over 1,300 athletes, from elementary school students to professional players. 

 

Driven by his commitment to developing elite talent, Coach Ross founded Hoops Domain to provide high-level training and exposure opportunities for players in the Durham, NC area. His mission is to help athletes achieve their basketball goals while fostering meaningful, lasting relationships on and off the court.