Dante Harlan Training

Dante Harlan

Basketball Player Development Coach

Dante Harlan is a highly respected Basketball Player Development Coach driven by a lifelong passion

for the game and a commitment to developing athletes at every level. His mission is simple yet

impactful: to help every player he works with grow both on and off the court.

A former collegiate player with over 30 years of coaching and training experience, Harlan brings a

wealth of knowledge and proven success to player development. He spent 15 years at the high school

level, contributing to five State Championship programs while helping build disciplined, winning cultures

rooted in accountability and teamwork.

Harlan also dedicated 12 years to the AAU circuit, where he served as both a Head Coach and Director

of Player Development. During that time, he played a pivotal role in mentoring and advancing athletes,

with more than 200 players going on to compete at the collegiate level under his guidance.

As the founder of 3rd I Basketball Training, Harlan has worked with athletes across all stages of

development—from beginners to those preparing for professional opportunities. His experience

includes collaborating with Nike and supporting players as they pursue careers beyond the amateur

level.

What truly sets Harlan apart is his ability to connect with athletes. Known for his energy, authenticity,

and motivational style, he emphasizes the details that elevate performance and separate players from

the competition. His athletes consistently credit him not only for their development on the court, but for

helping them grow into confident, disciplined individuals off of it.

Coaching Experience

1 30+ years of basketball coaching and player development experience

2 Former collegiate basketball player

3 15 years of high school coaching experience

4 Contributed to 5 State Championship programs

5 12 years as AAU Head Coach and Director of Player Development

6 Founder of 3rd I Basketball Training

7 Trained athletes from beginner to professional levels

8 Collaborated with Nike on basketball development initiatives

9 Helped guide 200+ athletes to collegiate basketball opportunities

Training Philosophy

1 Detail-Driven Development – Mastering the fundamentals that create separation

2 Game IQ First – Teaching players how to think, read, and react

3 Skill With Purpose – Every drill translates directly to game situations

4 Consistency & Discipline – Building habits that lead to long-term success

5 Confidence Through Preparation – Earning confidence through work and repetition

6 Competitive Mindset – Training to compete, not just perform

7 Player Connection – Building trust to maximize growth and accountability

8 Development Beyond the Game – Shaping character, leadership, and life skills

Quote

“My goal is to impact every athlete I work with—no matter their level—and help them grow as players

and as people.